OUR LIFE IN CHALABRE: An American Expat in the South of France

LA FÊTE À CHALABRE (May 2006) During the long weekend of the Ascension (Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 May in 2006), the Fête Foraine moved into Chalabre. This year, it was located on the Cours Colbert and the Cours d'Aguesseau (it alternates Cours every year). It consisted of the usual array of rides, booths and stands, and was topped at the bottom of Cours Colbert by a bar and a stage used by a very loud band that pummeled the ancient houses with way too many amps of basse sound until 2 a.m. every night. The bar, or buvette, is being set up right by our front entrance (the green door to the left). (Oh, joy!) A miniature go-kart circuit is set up with inflatable barriers for the kids. Neighbor M. Roger sets up his poney rides. Churros, one of the new delicacies currently in fashion. (Just like in L.A.!) The shooting gallery. The lottery booth. Cagnotte means treasure chest or piggy bank. A manege for the children. Grandparents watch their kids on the bumper cars. Win a stuffed animal! If you can grab it, it's yours! Mickey presides over this kids' carousel. A food stand full of yummy fair food. Win more prizes! The bumper cars ride. Another food stand. More Churros! Another caroussl. Catch a duck! Walking home. Librarian Noelle Danjou and son (& budding artist) Clément. Neighbor M. Martinez is not impressed. THE MAJORETTES DU PAYS D'OLMES are the local cheerleading squad. They arrived late Sunday Afternoon and their bravura performance was the closing ceremony of the Fair.