Jerry Arsenault to bid final farewell

ABRAM-VILLAGE – Aug. 6, 2019 - Those who love lumberjacks and pole climbers will be able to get their fill during the 2019 edition of the Evangeline Area Agricultural Exhibition and Acadian Festival at the end of August. In addition, members of the public will have the opportunity to test their axe-throwing skills.

First, the president of the event, Jeanne Gallant, points out that organizers are looking forward to the super-popular pole climbing show this year because the lumberjack who started it more than three decades ago, Jerry Arsenault, has informed the directors that this will be his last year of performing. This skillful gentleman is now over 70 years old and wants to retire; he actually retired from the show a few times over the years but has continued to come out of retirement. But this time, he assures everyone that it's for good.

Arsenault, his brother Marcel and his son Jeremy will present their last two shows of aerial acrobatics and comedy Saturday, Aug. 31, at 2 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 1, at 2:30 p.m. on the exhibition grounds in Abram-Village. It is impossible to miss the location since the show will take place on the very tall poles near the road; the tallest is 100 feet high.

This year's show will be comprised of their best sketches and tricks of the last 30 years. Everyone can expect to see their favorite characters from the past making their last appearance. And of course, Jerry is expected to perform his last dance, to the sounds of his favorite song "Cotton Eye Joe", at the top of the 100-foot pole.

WOODSMEN AND AXES

The popular woodsman competition will be back, spread out over two days, Saturday Aug. 31, and Sunday, Sept. 1. It will be intertwined with the pole climbers’ show.

Participating woodsmen will have to compete in a series of small contests and races with saws, axes and fire as well as with agility and speed. Those with the best scores will win great prizes.

This competition is only open to experienced lumberjacks, but members of the public who are 10 years of age or older will be able to determine if they have axe-throwing skills.

All day Sunday, "Axes, Eh? Mobile Axe Throwing" will have its popular trailer on site. It is essentially a long cage on wheels; at the far end, there are two targets that people must try to hit by throwing axes from the other end of the cage. There will be no charge to try it out. There are no prizes to be won because it's just for fun.

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PHOTO 1: The one and only Jerry Arsenault prepares for his last pole-climbing shows on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 in Abram-Village.

PHOTO 2: People can try to throw axes in the "Axes, Eh? Mobile Axe Throwing" trailer on Sunday, Sept. 1, during the Evangeline Area Agricultural Exhibition and Acadian Festival.

For more information:
Jeanne Gallant
President
Evangeline Area Agricultural Exhibition and Acadian Festival
Home phone: 902-854-3287
Cell phone : 902-432-0809
E-mails: expositionfestival@gmail.com or gallant.jeanne22@gmail.com