Record turnout for 2007 Laval Family Festival

And although organizers had a contingency plan to move activities indoors if Mother Nature proved uncooperative again, the day went off without a hitch as beautiful weather attracted an overflow crowd of 55,000 men, women and children to the 2007 edition of what now has become a much-anticipated annual tradition on Laval island.

"The festival was an unqualified success on all fronts," states Ville de Laval spokesperson Julie Tremblay. "We set a new record this year and we're proud to note that the Laval Family Festival has now become the defining moment for bringing summer vacation to an appropriate conclusion each year," Mrs. Tremblay adds.

All stops were pulled to ensure the best turnout possible, with the day-long program offering something for everyone in music, animation, diversion and entertainment, with a good smattering of new features to keep the event fresh and evolving.

"One of our major goals is to offer new things every year to respond to the interests of as many people as possible spanning all ages," Mrs. Tremblay explains, adding that for the first time families were this year offered a circus show. The more mature participants were very pleased with the presence and performance of the Laval Symphony Orchestra. Teens were certainly not neglected as several new activities were organized especially for them.

Questioned on the matter, Mrs. Tremblay states that the city fully cooperates with the police department. "We make an effort to accommodate motorists," she says, "but on the other hand we can't compromise traffic flow or people's safety. If car owners exceeded a certain level of tolerance permitted, it's for sure that they were issued parking tickets."

The city will now be looking at solutions for the future, with free shuttle services to and from the site and special parking facilities on surrounding streets being considered for these events in the years to come.

"We've taken note," says Mrs. Tremblay. "If this will accommodate more people we'll certainly give it all the attention necessary to implement it for next year.

Police officials confirmed Mrs. Tremblay's explanation concerning the parking problems encountered this year. "We exercised a lot of tolerance," states police spokesperson Franco Di Genova. "But when cars are parked in front of fire-hydrants or block people's driveways, we have no choice but to reprimand the culprits.

On another note, Mr. Di Genova indicates that except for a few children temporarily separated from their families, there were no major security problems the entire day at the family festival.

"It went even better than previous years," he says, adding that there were hardly any incidents of improper conduct.

Photos:FamCrowd, FamFun, FamMasc, FamCop, FamSpidey, Fam 1

(Photos: Martin Alarie)