Simultaneous festivals in Chaleur region 'a good complement,' organizers say
Tensions from 2015 have cooled, committees look forward to working together in future
Organizers of two festivals taking place at the same time, 20 kilometres apart in the Chaleur region, say last year's tension has cooled and they look forward to working together.
The 49th annual Festival des Rameurs, Petit-Rocher's annual celebration, is centred around dory races crossing the Bay of Chaleur from Bonaventure, Quebec, to Petit-Rocher, N.B.
"Those people, they start practicing in the gym in January and as soon as the ice is gone, they go on the water and practice," said festival president Alma-Jeanne Morrison.
Simultaneously, Bathurst's Phantom Biker Bash, in its second year, hosts a group ride through the Chaleur region, from Bathurst, N.B. to Pointe-Verte, N.B., passing through Petit-Rocher.
"It's a nice addition for them to see the bikes go through. It's a great complement for the region for sure," said Chris Daigle, director of the Downtown Bathurst Revitalization Corporation.
These comments contrast with last year's tensions, when the mayor of Petit-Rocher, Luc Desjardins, expressed his disappointment with the organizers of the Biker Bash for their scheduling.
Changes to Biker Bash program
While both festivals will hold concert events Saturday night, organizers of the Phantom Biker Bash have diversified their program, so as not to take away from Petit-Rocher.
The main attraction at the Festival des Rameurs Saturday evening is the waterfront tent, where several local bands will perform.
Instead of hosting a concert under the tent on Harbourview Avenue, Biker Bash organizers have moved the festivities to a local indoor/outdoor music venue, Studio 2.
"It's great to see bikes all over the city. And this is a great venue to encourage that, so we're excited," said Daigle.
Sixty motorcycles participated in the guided ride through Chaleur-area municipalities.
Plenty more were expected for a "show and shine" Saturday afternoon.
At the Festival des Rameurs in Petit-Rocher, the turnout is even stronger.
"Probably in the whole weekend, we have a good 5,000 people," said Morrison.
Both festivals look forward to collaborating next year.