After the rather sedate singers I got to play host to a couple of friends visitng here from Atlanta.
I gave them my “Grand Eve tour” but was especially lucky to bring them to the Riopelle fountain (in front of the convention center) just in time for the fire display.
This sculpture/fountain called “La Joute” (the match) was originally created by Riopelle (a famous local artist) in 1974. It got moved a few times but has finally found a resting place that allows for all the elements to be put in place as the author intended. During the day water flows from and over the bronze elements depicting several animals such as owl, bear, fish and dog. Around the edge of the basin as well as in the surrounding park, there are bursts of steam or vapor that seem to happen haphazardly. But at certain times, such as when we happened to be there, a ring of fire lights up in the water. The flames seem to dance on the water. It is very impressive.
