I often say to people I’m a somewhat rare case as a Bishop’s student. Not only am I not from another province or country, but I’m also not just from another town either. I’m Lennoxville, born and raised. Well, technically, I was born in a hospital in Sherbrooke, but whether that does or doesn’t count is a debate I won’t bore you with. The point is, I’ve been here all my life, and as I’m on the cusp of turning 21, I’ve easily been here longer than most other students and many professors. So, between semesters, many students leave to go and visit with family and don’t get to experience the town in the summer. You may be one of them. But me? I’m still here, and I can tell you about everything you are missing out on at the turn of the season.
Summer events in Lennoxville
A mild disclaimer here: most of what I’m mentioning was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and much of it still isn’t quite like it was.
In any case, the first event to kick off the summer in Lennoxville is what we call Friendship Day. (Yes, I’m aware of how corny that sounds.) There’s a parade, rides, booths and kiosks, usually a book sale at the town library, and many other attractions. Then, that night, fireworks fly up from Bishop’s or Atto Beaver Park. Given that Lennoxville is pretty much one gigantic hill, you can find plenty of good vantage points to watch them from.
Later in the summer, there’s a street fair all along Queen. The road is closed, and people set up shop. It’s not quite the celebration that Friendship Day is, but it’s still really fun.
Finally, another summer event in Lennoxville is the lack of events. Kind of a cheat, I know, but there is a peacefulness during much of the summer that brings a much-needed break from the busyness of the school year and it’s wonderful.
The change in the atmosphere
During the months of September to parts of December, then the latter half of January and into April, Lennoxville is bustling with students. While they’re (we’re) here, there are parties, concerts, and other large gatherings, making the whole place almost shake from the motion. Music is blasted, crowds form, fun is had … the usual stuff. You’re likely well aware of that if you’re a Bishop’s student.
Now, allow me to paint you a different picture. In the summer, Lennoxville isn’t home to that many college-style festivities; you don’t often hear music in the distance, and there’s a noticeable drop in the number of 20-year-olds around.
In other words, it’s calm. That’s the peacefulness I mentioned earlier.
What’s especially different is Lennoxville after sunset. The nights are warm, and quiet to the point where crickets are the ones getting noise complaints.
There’s also something else. It’s difficult to put into words, but I’ve noticed it as I’ve been a student myself for so long now. In such a peaceful place, in a summer climate, without classes or assignments, you feel like you can breathe.
The secret perspective
I see a side to this place that many people unfortunately never get the chance to enjoy. To me, it’s just always been my reality, yet a lot of people are completely unaware of it. I’m sure that when students go home, they have great summers. But I wanted to share that there is much more to Lennoxville than just being the town attached to Bishop’s University.
So, if you get the chance and need to find some peace during the summer, don’t hesitate to come back and visit or, like me, never leave.
