Le Cercle des Canadiens Français de Prince George hosts its annual feast day of St Jean Baptiste  250News photo

Prince George, BC – Members of the local Francophone community did not let a few drops of rain spoil their annual St Jean Baptiste Day gathering…

A national holiday in Quebec, Francophone communities across North America mark June 24th with their own festivals celebrating French Canadian culture.

Volunteers at Les Cercle des Canadiens Français de Prince George were busy handing out BBQ fare to those gathered at the society's Fir Street centre.  Board Director, Myriam Gregoire, says the BBQ brings everyone together to speak French, enjoy each other's company and listen to some Francophone music.

 "Here, we feel it's really important that we celebrate with food and music, so we remember where we're from and where the French and English come from."

Leaders, Christa-Mae Laurie (left) and Erika Lacaille (right), are two weeks away from hosting Le Cercle's summer camps for kids…

They used last night's feast as an opportunity to meet some youngsters with their facepainting booth in a gazebo nestled in the society's garden.