True to tradition
Thousands flock to agricultural festival to celebrate Acadian culture
With roots going back 115 years, the Evangeline Area Agricultural Exhibition and Acadian Festival continues to capture crowds.
For some people the festival marries nostalgia with fresh enthusiasm.
“As a young man I can remember as far back as 50 years,” said Edgar Arsenault, who is on the Acadian Communities Advisory Committee. “They had tug-of-war games with teams of 10, potato sack races, and they would also judge sheep before trying to teach us how to do it. It was a huge agricultural fair back then because we had tons of farmers. Although for me the highlight was always the music, which has grown,” he remembers. The annual festival, held Sept. 1-3 on the exhibition grounds in Abrams Village, is a celebration of the rich Acadian heritage that has contributed to the quality of life in this region.
“There’s a lot of pride in this festival for the people who are organizing it, and hopefully we will keep going for another century,” said Arsenault.
“So long as we can get the volunteers and inspire the younger generation, then we can keep going.”
Gilles Arsenault, a volunteer at the event, says a new generation has embraced the festival. “I started coming here around 44 years ago, and the
format has remained similar.
“There’s the mixture of culture and the exhibition – where they feature a lot of the animals, and arts and culture. And a new generation are taking over and adding new activities for people to enjoy,” he said. Several new races, contests and competitions were added this year to the bilingual festival.
Four new facilities were officially opened – an outside stage, canteen, Founders’ Hall (featuring a permanent exhibition) and the Artisans’ Hall, where a tapestry of art and crafts were on display.
“There are great activities inside and out, and something for everyone,” noted Arsenault, who has volunteered in the festival for several years with
his wife and three children. He added, “It’s a big event and not something you see anywhere else.” Events included livestock demonstrations, a lobster eating contest (without utensils), boot-throwing competition, horse-pull competitions, and a party of music and dance.
A highlight of the festival was a colourful parade that rolled through the community on
Sunday afternoon.
Jeannette Gallant, the parade organizer, says it’s a long-running tradition.
“It’s been part of the Acadian Festival for many years, and it’s great to have the community come together and show their support.”
For more information visit: http://www.expositionfestival.com/en/.