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Thousands of visitors flock to Fête Roma celebration Jean Pierre Roma himself turns up for official opening of heritage site in Brudenell Point. By Steve Sharratt, The Guardian Sept 27, 2004 |
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After nearly a 250-year absence, Jean Pierre Roma was welcomed back to Brudenell Point where the French entrepreneur set up the first non-military French settlement on Prince Edward Island. Roma (played by Acadian musician Robert Arsenault) was a hit with the crowds who packed the Fete Roma celebration |
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BRUDENELL — If he’d landed in 1732 with as many people who turned out to celebrate the official opening Sunday afternoon, Jean Pierre Roma might have turned a spit of land here into a major New World settlement. The one and only dirt road leading to the end of the peninsula was jammed with cars and as many as 2,000 people flocked to the Fête Roma celebration. The official opening was actually delayed by more than a half-hour because it took so long for dignitaries to reach the site because of the enormous crush of cars. “They’re backed up almost to the pavement,” noted Mike Boudreault, a volunteer for the day dressed in authentic costume who helped direct traffic. It was so busy, a local resident at the end of the point offered organizers space on the property to alleviate the throng of cars that came from across the province and across the water. “We just wanted to be part of the whole thing, it’s so great to see this,” said Sylvain Lefebver who came from Oromocto, New Brunswick. There was authentic food, the Mi’kmaq healing dance, Acadian fiddling, dancing and singing, as well as descendants of Jean Pierre Roma from other part of the Maritimes. But the pagentry came alive through the costumes as organizers of the “grand time” spared no effort to recreate the atmosphere of a Fête (celebration) as it might have happened more than 250 years ago. That when a young entrepeneur by the name of Jean Pierre Roma landed here in 1732 with less than 100 people to begin a commercial settlement that was supposed to grow the food and catch the fish to supply such French garrison as fortress Louisbourg in Cape Breton. |
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It was a grand day for the official opening and more than 2,000 people jammed the one road leading to the end of Brudenell Point near Montague and the Fete Roma celebration. Joan Perrin (in costume) was distributing 1730 authentic French food to people who came from far and wide to see the heritage site and enjoy the music and colour. |
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He was apparently aided by the Mi’kmaq people and even flourished for a short time before being driven out a mere 13 years later by American privateers and scattered by British forces. It was the end of French Canada as a collective, but the historic settlement that once thrived here emerged from the mists of history with a grand celebration. “It’s absolutely wonderful and they’ve done a splendid job,” said Island historian and heritage advocate Catherine Hennessey who was one of thousands who jammed onto the wooded site surrounded by water on three sides. It’s been an idea for more than 20 years, but after a few years of peddling the concept with community and government, Edgar Dewar, chair of the Roma at Three Rivers development committee, was able to stand on the podium here—dressed in breeches and tri-corner hat—and smile at the accomplishment. |
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ROMA at THREE RIVERS PEI Fête Roma 2004 |
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Actor Robert Arsenault portrayed Jean Pierre Roma. |
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Photo by Steve Sharratt |
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Coloured photos by Ken Perry |