The Village of Roche Percee is preparing for a unique event on September 28, showcasing both community spirit and local history. The Roche Percee Rocks Official Lighting & Flag Raising Ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. and is expected to last until dusk. The event marks the culmination of a multi-year revitalization project, one that Mayor Jay Riedel hopes will restore some of the vibrancy lost after the 2011 flood.
“I’ve spent my whole life in Roche Percee, and the rocks have always been a big part of it,” said Riedel. “When we went through the flood in 2011, it really took the community spirit away, and we’ve been trying to rebuild since then.”
Riedel, who has lived in Roche Percee for around 30 years, is determined to restore that spirit, Riedel embarked on a series of projects aimed at revitalizing the village. One of his primary goals was to pave the highway, addressing a long-standing safety issue. “It was rattling the heck out of your vehicle,” Riedel noted.
Another key initiative was the revitalization of the Roche Percy Rocks, a beloved local landmark. “Anybody that’s lived in this area has always gone up there whenever they get a chance,” he said. The project’s origins date back to 2021 when vandalism at the rocks sparked discussions about better lighting and safety measures. This led to the installation of a streetlight and other improvements.
“It’s been a three-year adventure to get this all into place,” Riedel explained. “But it’s something that needed to be done. We wanted to bring back that sense of pride and make the area enjoyable for everyone again.”
The revitalization project included fresh paving, benches, and a street light, as well as painting and mural work. “It’s been just a top-notch group of people helping me through all this,” Riedel said, praising the efforts of local businesses and volunteers.
The ceremony will feature the raising of new flags and the official lighting of the Roche Percee Rocks. The event will be a family-friendly occasion, with a relaxed atmosphere. “It’s going to be mellow,” Riedel noted. “We’ll raise the flags and light the place up. Maybe sing O Canada, and I’m hoping a local storyteller can share some urban legends that have been passed down through generations.”
For Riedel, the revitalization of Roche Percee Rocks is about more than just physical changes—it’s about restoring a sense of community and preserving the area’s heritage. “When you can actually sit and take it all in, it’s a whole new perspective,” he said.
As fall approaches, the September 28 event will provide a final chance for the community to come together before the colder months set in.