French Heritage Day returned to the Winooski Farmers Market on Sunday, marking its 20th year as a vibrant celebration of the city’s deep Franco-American roots. But amid growing tensions between the U.S. and Canada, this year’s event resonated more deeply for some attendees.The festival featured traditional music, French baking contests, a waiter’s race, and historical exhibits that honored the longstanding cultural ties between Vermont and French-speaking regions like Quebec.Organizers and attendees alike described the event as both a joyful tradition and a reflection of cross-border connection.“It’s special,” said Lise Veronneau, Honorary Consul to France in Vermont. “For 20 years, we’ve been celebrating French culture and building partnerships with Canada, France, and Quebec City.”However, international developments have added complexity to this year’s festivities. With ongoing tariff talks and stricter border policies, cross-border travel has slowed.According to recent data, the Champlain border crossing saw a 31% decline in Canadian visitors last month compared to previous years.For dual citizens like Abby Paige, a writer and theater artist who has lived in both the U.S. and Canada, the numbers feel personal.“It makes us really sad that our families don’t feel comfortable crossing the border right now or feel safe interacting with government officials,” Paige said. “But I think that’s something marginalized people have been living with for a long time, that sense of not being looked out for.”Despite these concerns, organizers emphasized that events like French Heritage Day can serve as a form of cultural resilience.“We need to diversify our global interests,” Veronneau said. “Every time we engage with another culture, the flavors, the language, we’re making our community stronger.”The event drew large crowds and featured opportunities for attendees to connect, learn, and celebrate shared heritage.
French Heritage Day returned to the Winooski Farmers Market on Sunday, marking its 20th year as a vibrant celebration of the city’s deep Franco-American roots.
But amid growing tensions between the U.S. and Canada, this year’s event resonated more deeply for some attendees.
The festival featured traditional music, French baking contests, a waiter’s race, and historical exhibits that honored the longstanding cultural ties between Vermont and French-speaking regions like Quebec.
Organizers and attendees alike described the event as both a joyful tradition and a reflection of cross-border connection.
“It’s special,” said Lise Veronneau, Honorary Consul to France in Vermont. “For 20 years, we’ve been celebrating French culture and building partnerships with Canada, France, and Quebec City.”
However, international developments have added complexity to this year’s festivities.
With ongoing tariff talks and stricter border policies, cross-border travel has slowed.
According to recent data, the Champlain border crossing saw a 31% decline in Canadian visitors last month compared to previous years.
For dual citizens like Abby Paige, a writer and theater artist who has lived in both the U.S. and Canada, the numbers feel personal.
“It makes us really sad that our families don’t feel comfortable crossing the border right now or feel safe interacting with government officials,” Paige said. “But I think that’s something marginalized people have been living with for a long time, that sense of not being looked out for.”
Despite these concerns, organizers emphasized that events like French Heritage Day can serve as a form of cultural resilience.
“We need to diversify our global interests,” Veronneau said. “Every time we engage with another culture, the flavors, the language, we’re making our community stronger.”
The event drew large crowds and featured opportunities for attendees to connect, learn, and celebrate shared heritage.
