Under clear, sunny skies, the traditional parade of fire and emergency vehicles took place at noon on Saturday, August 12, as part of the 41st Pincourt Firefighters' Day. Young and old alike lined the route to make sure they didn't miss out on this popular annual event.

A total of 40 vehicles took part in the event. "We're talking about vehicles from various fire departments in the region, as well as retail outfits. Some came from as far away as Saint-François-du-Lac, near Joliette, to take part," sums up Yanick Bernier, Director of the Pincourt/Notre-Dame-de-l'Île-Perrot Fire Department. 

A trio from the Sûreté du Québec's motorcycle section could even be spotted in the long line of vehicles. 

Mr. Bernier adds that the public was out in force. "Young and old alike flocked to the course. This year, no one threw water in the faces of the drivers involved in the parade. I can say that the firefighters were pretty wet by the end of the parade." 

The procession started at Le Faubourg de l'Île shopping center, before taking in 5th avenue, rue Shamrock, rue Northcote, boulevard de l'Île, 5th avenue, boulevard Pincourt, avenue Forest, boulevard de l'île, boulevard Cardinal-Léger, chemin Duhamel, 22e avenue, boulevard Olympique, avenue Lussier, boulevard Cardinal-Léger, 5e avenue, chemin Duhamel, 7e avenue and rue Bellevue to the park of the same name, where the festivities were in full swing.

On site were inflatable games, foam toys, water games, the firefighters' course, a toy train and many other activities for the whole family. By 3pm this afternoon, at least 5,000 people had gathered in Bellevue Park to enjoy the festivities. 

The festivities continue this evening with shows and fireworks if Mother Nature cooperates at the stroke of 10pm. Before heading out for the launch, it's a good idea to check social networks to make sure the fireworks show is still on.