🦫 From farm fields to community tables — this week in the Townships

Hey there, Townshippers

Feels good to be back in your inbox. Another week’s gone by in the Townships, and once again there’s plenty to share — fresh festivals, local wins, and the kind of stories that make you proud to call this place home. Think of this as your Thursday catch-up: a quick tour of what’s happening, what’s worth seeing, and a few local wins to make you smile.

Grab a coffee (or something stronger) and let’s catch up. 🌞👇

At the edge of a field outside Compton, a dozen neighbours bend to the task—filling crates with good produce that would otherwise go unpicked. Around the Townships, this quiet choreography has a name: glanage, community-led gleaning that turns surplus into suppers for people close to home.

Estrie’s gleaning network is stitched together by grassroots groups who mobilize fast when farmers call. In Magog, Estrie Récolte posts last-minute pickups and coordinates crews; in Sherbrooke, Champ d’actions runs a summer program that brings volunteers into the fields and back into community kitchens. Many outings follow a simple “one-third” model: a share for volunteers, a share for the farm, and a share for local food organizations. Learn more about the model and how to join 👉 Césamemphremagog (Estrie Récolte) / Champ d’actions

Where do those carrots and cucumbers go? Often straight to Moisson Estrie, the Sherbrooke food hub that rescues and redistributes food to a network of partner groups, alongside its own direct assistance services. It’s one way the Townships is tackling food waste and food insecurity with the same pair of hands. Read more about Moisson Estrie 👉 Moisson Estrie (official site)

The scale adds up. In its first season, Sherbrooke’s Champ d’actions reported 3.31 tonnes of fruits and vegetables gleaned across 21 outings with more than 70 participants—numbers that hint at what a handful of weekday mornings can do when the community shows up. Find out more 👉 isdcsherbrooke.ca

🌞 Regard d’été: Naturalist Photo Workshop — Thu, Aug 28, 6:30 PM — Maison de l’eau, Sherbrooke: Join naturalist Alexandre Gendron for a photo walk focused on capturing the beauty of local flora and fauna. You'll learn tips on framing, light, and wildlife etiquette—perfect for beginners with phones or cameras. The event takes place along wooded trails in the Lucien-Blanchard Park area. Details 👉 cantonsdelest.com

🎡 Brome Fair — Fri, Aug 29 to Mon, Sep 1 — Brome (Knowlton): A Labour Day staple, the Brome Fair mixes classic country charm with big-fair energy. Expect livestock shows, midway rides, artisan booths, and food galore. There’s live music, a beer tent, and family zones for kids to get hands-on. Set in scenic Knowlton, it’s a festive farewell to summer. Details 👉 bromefair.com

🍇 Fête des Vendanges — Sat, Aug 30 to Mon, Sep 1 — Parc de la Baie-de-Magog, Magog: Celebrate harvest season with wine, food, and lake views. This open-air festival features 80+ Quebec producers offering tastings of wine, beer, cheese, and more. Chef demos, live music, and family activities round out the weekend vibe. Grab a glass and sample the best of local terroir. Details 👉 fetevendanges.com

🏃‍♀️ Défi des Collines — Sat, Aug 30 — Sainte-Catherine-de-Hatley: Run through rolling farmland and forest trails in this scenic endurance event. With 1 km, 5 km, 10 km, and 30 km options, it’s open to all ages and fitness levels. Expect a friendly, community vibe with music, snacks, and medals at the finish. Advance registration is a must. Details 👉 defidescollines.com

🌳 Paysages de l’Estrie — Sat & Sun, Aug 30–31 — Eastman: This outdoor art walk transforms Eastman’s natural spaces into a gallery of local works. Artists showcase pieces inspired by the region’s landscapes—think sculpture, photography, and mixed media in the woods. A peaceful, creative weekend escape. Details 👉 cantonsdelest.com

🏞️ New Supervised Visitation Park Opens in Sherbrooke: The Centre jeunesse de l’Estrie officially inaugurated a welcoming supervised visitation park behind the Dufferin Street service point in Sherbrooke on Monday, August 25, 2025. Designed with child-friendly play structures and synthetic turf, it provides a calm, safe setting for families to connect during visits—serving about 120 children in the region. Source 👉 The Record

🍑 Dunham Peaches Draw Summer Visitors to the Townships: Local orchards are celebrating a bumper crop of peaches this August, offering visitors the chance to pick their own fruit and enjoy orchard-to-table experiences. The fruit’s arrival has become a seasonal attraction, with growers inviting families to taste fresh peaches and explore the countryside. Source 👉 Radio Canada Estrie

🏭 Saint-Gobain Acquires Sherbrooke’s Interstar, Securing Jobs: Materials giant Saint-Gobain has acquired Sherbrooke-based Interstar, a company specializing in concrete additives. The announcement highlights that existing jobs will be maintained and the acquisition positions the Sherbrooke site for future growth within the global group. Source 👉 The Record

🎶 Fiesta Latina Brings Music, Food, and Celebration to Compton: On Saturday, August 23, 2025, Compton hosted its lively Fiesta Latina, spotlighting the culture and contributions of temporary foreign workers in the region. Visitors enjoyed Latin American music, traditional foods, and dancing in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Source 👉 CBC

🏊 Townshipper Swims for Cancer Research at Lac Fraser: Local Townshipper Martine Labbé joined the Défi Nage-don, swimming 10 km this August in memory of her brother François, who passed away from cancer in March. Training at Lac Fraser in Mont-Orford Park, she has already raised upwards of $700 toward her $1,000 goal, contributing to the national campaign’s $435,560 (of $475,000) total. Click here to support Martine. Source 👉 Radio Canada Estrie

Need room to breathe? This five-bedroom, three-bathroom home in Sherbrooke offers over 3,300 sq. ft. of living space on a generous 14,779 sq. ft. lot right by the river.

Inside, you’ll find bright, open living areas, a wood-burning fireplace, and a 3-season veranda perfect for morning coffee with a view. Upstairs includes a spacious main suite with private bath and balcony, plus two additional bedrooms and a boudoir. The basement adds a family room and a versatile walk-out space that could double as a home office.

👉 View the full listing here

Two Truths and a Lie: Townships Edition

Can you spot the fake?

🍷 The Eastern Townships are home to Quebec’s very first wine route.

🚧 Coaticook is home to the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.

🏔️ Mont-Orford is the tallest mountain in southern Quebec.

Hit reply and let us know, we’ll share the lie next week.

That’s the scoop for this week, but the Townships never really slow down.

By next Thursday, there’ll be more to celebrate, more to discover, and more stories to tell — and we’ll be here to share them with you. In the meantime, we’d love to hear from you: send us your tips, hidden gems, or even just a photo of how you’re spending these late-summer days. It’s the replies, shares, and stories from you that keep this whole thing going.

Until next week, take care and make the most of it. ✌️

- The Eastern Townships Now team 🦫