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A breathtaking view is forthcoming from any point on the property. Rolling hills provide hiking trails for those seeking a bit of adventure. If leisure is your pleasure, feel free to relax at one of the several tables at the grape arbor veranda lining one side of the event building.

Duke and Dutchess, two outdoor Maison Beliveau dogs, can often be found lazing about in the shade.

This past Sunday, the event building buzzed with activity as the first annual Lavender Festival commenced.

“I knew last year that I wanted to start an annual Lavender Festival,” said Joyce Beliveau, who owns Maison Beliveau along with her husband, Yvan. “We figure we had 400 to 500 visitors!”

The festival was originally scheduled as an outside event. Due to the threat of rain, however, it was moved inside the event building. Though a sprinkling took place prior to the event, that did not damper the spirits of the vendors or the visitors.

“Yvan and I were thrilled at the turn-out at our first festival,” Joyce said.

There were lavender soaps, lotions and sprays; lavender massages, lavender bouquets and even pink lemonade with sprigs of Lavender.

Around 3 p.m., Star City Sounds took center stage to entertain the crowd.

“I formed Star City Sounds in September of 2006 with about four singers,” Joyce said. “We now number 14. I am a certified director of four part harmony through the Sweet Adeline Organization. This [Star City Sounds] is an all-female chorus and we are a prospective chapter of Sweet Adelines International. This type of music is different from straight choral singing. We use choreography and facial and body expression to enhance the lyrics. It is 'a capella' singing; our vocals are the only 'instrument.'”

According to Joyce, the four part harmony is the signature of barbershop style singing.

“The singing is very technical, yet we focus on freedom in our voices and body so as not to produce tension in our sound,” Joyce said.

As the day ended, the calming and relaxing scent of Lavender still drifted through the air, kissing each guest with a reminder of festivals to come.

“I won't be doing much differently next year,” Joyce said. “I will be adding a harpist under the pavilion at the end of the Lavender path. There was a lot of hiking on the grounds, so we might set up food/beverage stations around the property and we may invite a winery to be on-site doing wine tastings. We'd like to have a band playing in a beautiful sink hole 'bowl' in a back field. I may add a second massage therapist – she stayed busy! And, I will have a lot more Lavender plants for sale!”

The Lavender Festival will be held the last Sunday in June every year at Maison Beliveau (www.maisonbeliveau.com). If you are interested in participating or would like more information about being a guest at Maison Beliveau, Joyce Beliveau can be reached at (540) 961-0505 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Come enjoy the beauty in our backyard at Maison Beliveau!

Click here to see additional photos in our photo gallery.

Photos by Leigh Anne Correll

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