A tribute to Richard Desjardins

Launch of the 2018 L’Outaouais en fête festival

On May 24, Jean-Paul Perreault, President of the L’Outaouais en fête festival, unveiled the program of activities for the 2018 edition of the festival at the Aylmer Marina. The festival will take place June 22 to 25 at the Parc des Cèdres in the Aylmer sector.

The program includes activities for all ages and all musical preferences. Festivalgoers will have the opportunity to dream and dance with the Cowboys Fringants, Les Trois Accords, Manu Militari, Maggie Savoie and others. Furthermore, the main stage will feature a special tribute to the composer-singer-songwriter Richard Desjardins on June 25 with the contribution of renowned artists such as Keith Douna, Philippe Brach, Koriass and Yann Perreau. The festival will also have rides, inflatable structures, a hot air balloon, a street entertainer’s circus as well as evening fireworks that will thrill the young and the old.

During the unveiling of its program, L’Outaouais en fête highlighted the fact that it focuses on cultural diversity to promote both the francophonie and Quebec. “The national celebration is the expression of the pride of Quebecois,” says Jean-Paul Perreault.

This year, Hull-Aylmer federal MP Greg Fergus is the festival’s honourary president. “L’Outaouais en fête is a time to meet others, recognize our similarities and our differences that make Quebec a unique society with common values such as the French language, the foundation of our culture,” says Mr. Fergus.

During the festival, entry to the amusement rides’ area will be free but not the actual rides. Entry to the entertainment area will be free between noon and 5 p.m. After 5 p.m., a $20 pass will be required.

Don’t forget the big ‘green’ parade

The festival also organizes a remarkable eco-friendly parade. It will be held on June 24 at 12:30 p.m., starting in front of Jean Coutu drugstore at the Galeries Aylmer. All are invited to take part in the parade with their own way of eco-transportation (walking, bicycling, etc.) and decorate using the colors of the Quebec flag – and organizations’ colours and identifiers.

(trade.: CB)