2023-12-15 05:05:00
Christmas in Puisaye-Forterre would have less charm without the creative madness of the village of Septfonds and its festival committee. Enthusiast decorations adorn every street in the town of some 150 souls, also to be admired this Saturday, December 16, 2023, at the Christmas market.
From garlands to characters, the magic of Christmas has been operating in a unique way for around twenty years in Septfonds, an associated commune of Saint-Fargeau. Champion of decorations, the village of around 150 inhabitants delights us every end of year thanks to the installations of its festival committee. Imagination, inventiveness and sharing dominate every street corner. It’s simple, the association no longer counts its various winter decorations scattered throughout Septfonds.
At number 6 rue du Village, at the Mazé home, a drill, bolts, toolbox and electric cables rub shoulders with cute replicas of squirrels, owls and reindeer. A few creations remain to be integrated, before the Christmas market on Saturday.
“I love Christmas and I’m a big kid.”
The string of shapes and colors, “we started installing it a few days before November 11,” comments Lucien Mazé, president of the committee since 1986. “We like that. To please the public. Because you have to see a bit of a car parade every evening”, smiles the 77-year-old former salesman. Delighted to see Smurfs, pandas, luminous bears, balls and butterflies attracting the eyes of visitors day and night, including from other departments.Rue du Village at the Mazé family, in the middle of DIY last Wednesday. (photo VT)
It’s difficult to quantify the colossal work of the committee, specifically at this magical end of the year. “A minimum of a thousand hours a year,” assesses the son, Emmanuel Mazé, continuing to install a module around a tree. “Here, we’re going to put dolphins.”
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Motorists, passers-by and residents are already taking in the sights, especially amid the slew of polyurethane characters. “My daughter Delphine makes them,” points out Lucien. As the winters go by, new themes appear, certain characters change places and the children let the committee know. “We have three or four new constructions per year,” says Emmanuel, a caregiver and fireworks enthusiast. Stressing the need to “be joyful”, he confides: “I’ve loved Christmas for a long time. I’m a big child.”
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The snowman Olaf (Frozen) will be the mascot of Saturday’s market. (photo VT)
Along the D18 and the war memorial, the Snow Queen and her friends do not go unnoticed. So much so that the snowman Olaf will be the “mascot” of the market on Saturday. Near the church, you can admire a nativity scene, elves, Mickey Mouse and even a drawing box. Children have until December 16 at noon to submit their works.
From one sidewalk to the other, Harry Potter meets Lilo and Stitch. Soline, 11 years old, the granddaughter of Lucien Mazé, contributes to this creative and enchanting impulse. “Stitch, I asked for it a few years ago. My mom draws and I paint a little.” His little brother Amélien had suggested Paw Patrol, a little star visible in front of a neighboring house. Still on Rue du Village, Mario, Luigi, Toad, Peach, Yoshi, Donkey Kong and Bowser greet you.
Switched very quickly to LED
Place de la ville hall in Septfonds sits a scrap metal tree, equipped with LED pipes. A technology “that we have been using for at least fifteen years, as soon as it came out,” assures Emmanuel Mazé. “It’s brighter, durable and less expensive.” Despite a larger budget devoted to its mid-July events, the committee “tries to buy on sale and we are careful with our money”, adds Lucien. For its part, the town hall of Saint-Fargeau finances natural fir trees, around 90, and small equipment for Septfonds.
All year round, eight ultra-versatile volunteers from the association think regarding future motifs and characters that maintain this sweet enchantment. “The only reward we want to get from it is the magic of Christmas for children and adults!”
Saturday December 16. Septfonds Christmas market from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., with pony rides, Santa Claus, a guitarist-pianist, the Saint-Fargeau-Bléneau band, fireworks at 7:30 p.m.… Mulled wine and sweets offered to visitors from 6 p.m. Such. : 06.32.14.69.41.
Festivities – With En Avent Toucy, festive events offered every day to residents
Vincent Thomas
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