For a fifth consecutive year, a Christmas parade is taking place in Sept-Îles on Saturday, largely thanks to the involvement of Frédéric Gagnon. This volunteer was also rewarded twice in November at the National Assembly of Quebec.
He won the Municipal Volunteer Involvement prize and the Public Favorite prize during the 2024 Municipal Merit. Nearly 5,000 people voted among the 27 finalists for the Public Favorite prize.
I feel pampered. The people voted for me. I’m involved in the thanks. It’s rewarding to pay it forward. It’s worth more than money
indicates Frédéric Gagnon.
Our pay is for the warmth of the Christmas parade. I can’t describe how good it feels.
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Frédéric Gagnon indicates that he no longer counts the hours to prepare for the Sept-Îles Christmas parade. (Archive photo)
Photo : - / Daniel Fontaine
The magician’s workshop
The magic of the Sept-Îles Christmas parade takes place in the facilities of Frédéric Gagnon’s towing company.
As the holidays approach, his garage is transformed into a construction workshop to build Santa’s sleigh.
We also do the stage and allegorical floats. The company is in parade mode. One of my day laborers has been working on the decorations for a month
explains Mr. Gagnon.
Entrepreneur Frédéric Gagnon’s team has been working on preparing the Christmas parade for a month.
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He is proud that his family and his company’s employees are involved in making the event a reality.
My father, Serge Gagnon, did [auparavant] Santa Claus of the parade. It’s a family involvement. My daughters used to be very involved, but they have gotten older. My partner helps me with distribution when the streets are blocked
he says.
When the streets are blocked, the event generally attracts its share of visitors. Last year, around 2,500 people admired the floats and mascots.
The mayor of Sept-Îles, Denis Miousse, considers that the event brings a lot of joy to North Shore residents.
We see it. All along the route, there are a lot of people following the parade.
he says.
Saturday’s parade must notably conclude with fireworks under the theme of gallery hunting.
In the coming years, Frédéric Gagnon would like an organization to take the organization of the Sept-Îles Christmas parade under its wing to reduce the workload of volunteers.
