Exhibitions
Three exhibitions rooms were at the disposal of the participants. First there was the "Attique" room where diverse ancient articles from around the area were gathered. Artifacts that now belong or that once belonged to Perron families. There were butter churns, manual calculator, frames, snowshoes, bottles, an antique toilet as well as pieces of art signed "Perron".
Then there was the "Videos" room viewing documentaries on the Perron histories, their ancestry as well as of the region's natural resources. In the third room called "Genealogy" was stunning exhibition showing both ascending and descending ancestry of the Perron of Lac Saint-Jean. Thirty nine displays made by Claude Perron, Doris Bouchard and Sarah Grenon carried handmade works presented as manuscripts and parchments, complete with many old photographs.
Just like in Beauce, several patronymic and family related boards were displayed so participants could learn more about the Perrons. A table was tended by Michel Perron with a computerized genealogy service. Because of the computerized exhibit, one could appreciate what a computerized genealogy consists of.
Official Opening
At 2:00 p.m., our excellent master of ceremony Richard Perron was welcoming the participants. He was followed by Yannick Tessier interpreting our new theme song and by our rally call "Perron un jour, Perron toujours... en marche" (which translates Perron one day, Perron always... forward we march).
Tributes
A play, relating the arrival the Perron ancestors at Lac Saint-Jean, their history through the regional developments and their roles they played in it, was presented to participants. The guests greatly enjoyed this short trip which was enhance with regional images on video.
Who else but our ancestor himself was more suited to offer scrolls to the descendants of the fourteen first settlers of Lac Saint-Jean. Under the roll of the drummer, Daniel Perron dit Suire (Claude Belley) apperared on stage to present the parchments.
Authors of "Perron toujours en marche de Château-Richer au Lac-Saint-Jean", Micheline and Danielle Perron honourably presented a copy of their book to the President of the Association.
Micheline and Francine Perron proceeded to the unveiling of a commemoration plaque honouring the Perron ancestors of Lac-Saint-Jean. It read: "From Charlevoix to the Saguenay Lac Saint-Jean, they came. Settlers, farmers, lumerjacks, explorers and pioneers. Homage to the Perron Ancestors of Lac Saint-Jean. L'Association des familles Perron d'Amérique inc. July 1993." This plaque is now installed in Parc des Ancêtres in Saint-Félicien.
Banquet
Following some exchanges and visits to the exhibits, the participants were invited to reunite in the reception hall for the banquet. To establish traditions, the Association took time to honour the five couples present with more than 50 years of marriage. They were handed and honourary certificate as well as bouquet. A first for our young organization, the Association awarded the title oF "Honourary Member" to Joseph-Albert Perron for his undying commitment.
Mass
In the morning the Perrons were expected at the Saint-Félicien church for a special celebration with Father Marcil. Serving the mass were Romuald Perron and Jeanne Tremblay. Special care was taken by the organizing committee to honour the descendants of both Suire, Dugrenier and Desnoyers.
In this vein, Aliette Perron offered the bread, in commemoration of the Dugrenier said Perron, who was a baker by trade. Robert Perron was bringing the tree, in commemoration of the Desnoyers said Perron. Jocelyn Laforge boarded a boat in remembrance of Perron said Suire.
This year, the Assembly was held slightly before the end of the Sunday brunch.