More federal money comes to Brome-missisquoi riding
Volume 2 Memphrémagog: An Illustrated History
Denis Paradis, MP for Brome-missisquoi, was doing his rounds in the riding again last week when he delivered cheques to three organizations. Representing Canada’s Minister of Heritage and Culture Mélanie Joly, Paradis issued a total of $63,600 to three organizations planning end-of-summer celebrations: “Fête des vendanges Magog-orford” ($22,100), Brome County Fair $39,500), and Sutton Jazz Festival ($2,000).
According to Paradis, “These events will promote Brome-missisquoi across the country by showcasing its expertise as well as its beauty. The region’s vibrant and creative spirit, which shines through Brome-missisquoi’s viticultural, agricultural, and artistic expertise, will be on full display.”
Since 1993, an initiative of the Cep d’argent administrators, Fête des vendanges Magog-orford, has become a massively successful and vibrant celebration of producers and refiners exhibiting their creations and so many unique Quebec products. This year on September 2, 3, and 4 as well as September 9 and 10 winemakers, cider makers, alcohol producers and food-producing artisans are certain to delight even the most critical foodie while they flaunt their wares at beautiful Merry Point in Magog on the shores of the Magog River and Lake Memphremagog. There’s plenty of parking at the beach and a shuttle service will be available to take people to the site. That it is touted as an eco-friendly event, visitors are asked to bring their own bags and to respect the grounds by using the designated waste bins.
One hundred sixty-one years strong, the big Brome Fair happens every Labour Day weekend. Everyone knows it. Being the second largest rural agricultural fair in Quebec behind St. Hyacinthe, it is an annual event run by the Brome County
Agricultural Society (BCAS) that everyone looks forward to. It features competitions, exhibits, fair-fancy food — everything from sausage and blooming onions to cotton candy and funnel cake, — fresh corn on the cob and everything in between, mid-way rides and lots of high profile entertainment at the grandstand. Sophie Giroux, president of Brome County Agricultural Society, says that what defines it from other fairs is that it is a family event. “It’s like a giant homecoming.” A tradition for thousands, it is whole-hearted fun steeped in history and a heavy dose of rural culture. Giroux says that they are always trying to keep up with the times. With an operating budget of over $800,000, she says that the federal grant will serve to cover local entertainment. “We like to keep our registration fees down to draw our exhibitors because they are our bread and butter along with the money mostly coming from entrants. Last year there were over 45,000 people coming to the fair. We will know how many exhibitors will be participating by August 10.” Giroux, whose tenure as president is only one year, added that the BCAS committee is thrilled to be hosting the provincial exhibitions for horses, goats and sheep. “By hosting the provincial, it has brought us different visibility and even more prestige. Trying to keep up with the times. But we couldn’t do it without our volunteers, 170 strong.”
Along with the two larger grants, Joly announced that the government of Canada is providing funding by way of a $2,000 grant under the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage in support of Sutton Jazz who organizes the annual Sutton Jazz Festival. If music would be a location, jazz would be Sutton and the organizers want the spirit of jazz to lift you. In its sixteenth year, the annual event that spreads over four weekends in the autumn literally makes the hills come alive with the many genres of jazz. Visitors and musicians participate because it has developed such a good reputation with an authentic image. Between September 16 and October 8 jazz enthusiasts can look forward to taking in François Bourassa and Jean Vanesse, Dave Turner and Earthtones, Benny Golson, and Rémi Bolduc Jazz Ensemble “Swingin with Oscar” as well as the amazing, award-winning, multi-talented pianist, composer, improviser and arranger, Marianne Trudel. Tickets for Sutton Jazz Festival events can be prepurchased on line at www.suttonjazz.com.
“There is strong community spirit in our region. Brome-missisquoi is more dynamic than ever. This year we celebrate the 161st anniversary of the Brome Fair. We will also see hundreds of festival goers visit the beautiful mountainside village of Sutton. And for almost 25 years 150 exhibitors have enriched the “Fête des vendanges Magog-orford.” But above all, Brome-missisquoi is a community of involved, passionate, and creative people,” Paradis concluded.