Foire Brayonne
Encyclopedia
The Foire Brayonne is a music and cultural festival held each summer in Edmundston, New Brunswick
since 1979. The Foire is often considered the biggest French
festival
held in Canada
outside the province of Quebec
. Next year's festival will be held at the end of July of 2011
was held in 1979 and up to 1985 was a 10 day event. Today the festival is still running strong with five days of activities for all ages. It is always held the week before the New Brunswick
Civic Holiday
, which is the 1st Monday of August.
" which is the name given to residents of Edmundston and the surrounding Madawaska County area. There has been many disputes as to why this term is used. The word is defined as someone who mixes (such as pancakes or laundry). However some other historians dispute the terms as something else when it comes to the people of Edmundston. They refer to their ancestors' harvesting of reeds from the St.John river valley. These were known as "braye" which they used to weave baskets and make brooms. Therefore the term "brayon"; harvester of braye. Some also believe the name may refer to the Pays de Bray
region in Normandy
(North-western France
). Having left this region for Quebec, the descendants made their way over generations to the St. John river valley. The name perhaps provides a link to their native homeland.
such as the ploye
, which is a pancake
type mix of water and buckwheat flour. There is also chicken stew which is chicken
mixed with dumplings and potatoes. It is not similar to chicken noodle soup. They also enjoy Cretons which is a pork based pate.
Although not a local dish, there's Teriyaki
on a stick where a thin piece of meat
is dipped into a mix of teriyaki
and barbecue sauce
, grilled over an open fire. It was introduced in the late 90's and has become a Foire favorite.
People wishing to know more about the area's rich history can visit "La promenade de la Republique", which is an exposition on how life in the area was during the Victorian era.
A large park for kids is also available which offers live shows, inflatable games and the opportunity to paint kid's faces and have their picture taken with Typique, a child friendly porcupine which the region has a rich history of.
Other attractions include an outdoor mass celebrating the French culture's loyalty to the Catholic faith, a large parade, car shows, sporting competitions and an arts and crafts flea market.
One of the Foire's major attractions has been the live concerts. Here is a partial list of artists who have appeared at the Foire:
One of the most interesting events at the Foire Brayonne is the Party du Parking. The idea for this party was brought forward by committee member Jo-Anne Volpé, who in 1987, pleaded to city officials on having a large party in the city's parking lot. Despite their reservations, city officials agreed to give it the green light. Today, more than 20 years later, the Party du Parking is one the most enduring and successful events of the Foire Brayonne. Hundreds of people from all walks of life come to this event simply to experience it, as it has a very large word of mouth and cult following.
Every year thousands of people gather on the Friday evening of the Foire in the parking lot located in downtown Edmundston. Food
, beverages and live entertainment is offered. Although sometimes imitated by other festivals in the U.S. and Canada
, it is the largest one of its kind in New Brunswick
. It has sometimes been compared to Mardi Gras
due to its large gathering and party atmosphere. What makes the Party du Parking so special is the fact that despite having thousands of people gathered into one small spot, the party is in a very controlled environment. Very few, if any, arrests are made and almost everyone attending the Party du Parking are well behaved, despite the amount of alcohol people tend to consume on that night.
people as not promoting the culture as a vital part of French New Brunswick
, as most of them feel that the term Brayons is but a legend. Despite this the Foire has always included Acadian
acts and encourages local Acadian
talent. In 2008 the Foire's closing festivities added an Acadian touch with 1755 and Le Grand Dérangement. This year Fayo and George Belliveau are some of the Acadian acts who will be performing.
The Edmundston area, despite having a large population of Acadian ancestry, has always been a separate culture from the rest of French New Brunswick
. The area was first founded by the English in the 1860s and has since become the 2nd largest majority French speaking city outside of Quebec
. Most of the francophones there are from Quebec ancestry, compared to the rest of French New Brunswick
which are direct descendants of the first French people to colonise North America
back in 1604 in what is now Nova Scotia
and New Brunswick
. Quebec was not founded until four years later in 1608.
Because of the high Quebec ancestry in the Edmundston area and its close proximity to the Quebec border, area residents are in some cases considered by Acadians as non-resident Quebecers.
Most true "Brayons" do not want to be compared to Acadians or Quebecers and ardently call themselves independent "Brayons" from "P'tit Sault" (The original name for Edmundston), which designates the smaller rapids of the river.
The current director is Eric Thériault
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the only province in the federation that is constitutionally bilingual . The provincial capital is Fredericton and Saint John is the most populous city. Greater Moncton is the largest Census Metropolitan Area...
since 1979. The Foire is often considered the biggest French
French people
The French are a nation that share a common French culture and speak the French language as a mother tongue. Historically, the French population are descended from peoples of Celtic, Latin and Germanic origin, and are today a mixture of several ethnic groups...
festival
Festival
A festival or gala is an event, usually and ordinarily staged by a local community, which centers on and celebrates some unique aspect of that community and the Festival....
held in Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
outside the province of Quebec
Quebec
Quebec or is a province in east-central Canada. It is the only Canadian province with a predominantly French-speaking population and the only one whose sole official language is French at the provincial level....
. Next year's festival will be held at the end of July of 2011
History
The first festivalFestival
A festival or gala is an event, usually and ordinarily staged by a local community, which centers on and celebrates some unique aspect of that community and the Festival....
was held in 1979 and up to 1985 was a 10 day event. Today the festival is still running strong with five days of activities for all ages. It is always held the week before the New Brunswick
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the only province in the federation that is constitutionally bilingual . The provincial capital is Fredericton and Saint John is the most populous city. Greater Moncton is the largest Census Metropolitan Area...
Civic Holiday
Civic Holiday
Civic Holiday is the most widely used name for a public holiday celebrated in parts of Canada on the first Monday in August, though it is only officially known by that term in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, and Manitoba...
, which is the 1st Monday of August.
Origins of the name Foire Brayonne
The name "Foire Brayonne" stems from the word "Foire" which is French for fair. "Brayonne" is the feminine form of the French word "BrayonBrayon
Brayons are a francophone people inhabiting the area in and around Edmundston, New Brunswick, Canada. In French, they are called or feminine , and both terms are also used as adjectives, as in Brayon culture, or .) Given their location in New Brunswick, a Canadian Maritime province, they are...
" which is the name given to residents of Edmundston and the surrounding Madawaska County area. There has been many disputes as to why this term is used. The word is defined as someone who mixes (such as pancakes or laundry). However some other historians dispute the terms as something else when it comes to the people of Edmundston. They refer to their ancestors' harvesting of reeds from the St.John river valley. These were known as "braye" which they used to weave baskets and make brooms. Therefore the term "brayon"; harvester of braye. Some also believe the name may refer to the Pays de Bray
Pays de Bray
The Pays de Bray is a small natural region of France situated to the north-east of Rouen, straddling the French départements of the Seine-Maritime and Oise...
region in Normandy
Normandy
Normandy is a geographical region corresponding to the former Duchy of Normandy. It is in France.The continental territory covers 30,627 km² and forms the preponderant part of Normandy and roughly 5% of the territory of France. It is divided for administrative purposes into two régions:...
(North-western France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
). Having left this region for Quebec, the descendants made their way over generations to the St. John river valley. The name perhaps provides a link to their native homeland.
Local Dishes
Many local dishes are served during the FestivalFestival
A festival or gala is an event, usually and ordinarily staged by a local community, which centers on and celebrates some unique aspect of that community and the Festival....
such as the ploye
Ploye
A ploye is a pancake type mix of buckwheat flour, wheat flour, baking powder and water which is extremely popular in the Madawaska region , Canada and northern Maine, United States....
, which is a pancake
Pancake
A pancake is a thin, flat, round cake prepared from a batter, and cooked on a hot griddle or frying pan. Most pancakes are quick breads; some use a yeast-raised or fermented batter. Most pancakes are cooked one side on a griddle and flipped partway through to cook the other side...
type mix of water and buckwheat flour. There is also chicken stew which is chicken
Chicken
The chicken is a domesticated fowl, a subspecies of the Red Junglefowl. As one of the most common and widespread domestic animals, and with a population of more than 24 billion in 2003, there are more chickens in the world than any other species of bird...
mixed with dumplings and potatoes. It is not similar to chicken noodle soup. They also enjoy Cretons which is a pork based pate.
Although not a local dish, there's Teriyaki
Teriyaki
Teriyaki is a cooking technique used in Japanese cuisine in which foods are broiled or grilled in a sweet soy sauce marinade...
on a stick where a thin piece of meat
Meat
Meat is animal flesh that is used as food. Most often, this means the skeletal muscle and associated fat and other tissues, but it may also describe other edible tissues such as organs and offal...
is dipped into a mix of teriyaki
Teriyaki
Teriyaki is a cooking technique used in Japanese cuisine in which foods are broiled or grilled in a sweet soy sauce marinade...
and barbecue sauce
Barbecue sauce
Barbecue sauce is a flavoring sauce or condiment ranging from watery to very thick consistency. As the name implies, it was created as an accompaniment to barbecued foods. While it can be applied to any food, it usually tops meat after cooking or during barbecuing, grilling, or baking...
, grilled over an open fire. It was introduced in the late 90's and has become a Foire favorite.
Major Attractions
The Foire relies on sponsorships and grants in order to offer a low entrance fee for its patrons. A five day pass to all shows is available for only $50. Compared to similar festivals on this nature, the Foire is arguably one of the best deals of its kind.People wishing to know more about the area's rich history can visit "La promenade de la Republique", which is an exposition on how life in the area was during the Victorian era.
A large park for kids is also available which offers live shows, inflatable games and the opportunity to paint kid's faces and have their picture taken with Typique, a child friendly porcupine which the region has a rich history of.
Other attractions include an outdoor mass celebrating the French culture's loyalty to the Catholic faith, a large parade, car shows, sporting competitions and an arts and crafts flea market.
One of the Foire's major attractions has been the live concerts. Here is a partial list of artists who have appeared at the Foire:
- René SimardRené SimardRené Claude Simard is a pop singer from Quebec, chiefly popular in the 1970s. He was discovered and managed by Guy Cloutier...
and Nathalie SimardNathalie SimardNathalie Simard is a pop singer from Quebec, Canada and sister of performer René Simard.She was discovered by producer Guy Cloutier. Her first role was in a Laura Secord pudding commercial at age 2...
(1983) - Véronique BéliveauVéronique BéliveauVéronique Béliveau , originally Nicole Monique, is a Canadian actress and pop/rock singer who was nominated for a 1987 Juno Award for Female Vocalist of the Year. Her first full-length album was Prends-moi comme je suis in 1977...
(1985) - The BoxThe Box (band)The Box is a Canadian New Wave group from Montreal. Founded in 1981, they achieved commercial success in Canada, recording four charting albums and 10 charting singles between 1984 and 1990. The group broke up in 1992, but a new lineup of the band was founded in 2002...
(1986 and 1987) - Too Many Cooks (1987)
- Glass TigerGlass TigerGlass Tiger is a Canadian rock band formed in 1983, in Newmarket, Ontario.-Biography:Originally named 'Tokyo', the band produced several hit singles in Canada and placed two songs on Billboard magazine's top 10: "Don't Forget Me " and "Someday," both of which came from their debut album, The Thin...
(1989) - Celine DionCeline DionCéline Marie Claudette Dion, , , is a Canadian singer. Born to a large family from Charlemagne, Quebec, Dion emerged as a teen star in the French-speaking world after her manager and future husband René Angélil mortgaged his home to finance her first record...
(1991) - Julie MasseJulie MasseJulie Masse is a Canadian pop singer.-Biography:Masse released her self-titled debut album in 1990, a French language album that made her a star in Quebec and France, with the singles "C'est Zéro", "Billy", "Sans t'oublier" and "Prends bien garde"...
(1992) - Les BB (1992)
- Alannah MylesAlannah MylesAlannah Myles is a Canadian singer-songwriter, the daughter of Canadian broadcast pioneer William Douglas Byles. In 1989, she released her eponymous debut album...
(1993) - Roch VoisineRoch VoisineJoseph Armand Roch Voisine, OC better known as Roch Voisine, is a Canadian Acadian singer-songwriter, actor, and radio and television host...
(1994) - France D'Amour (1994)
- Beau DommageBeau DommageBeau Dommage is a Canadian rock band from Montreal, Quebec, who achieved popular success in Quebec and France in the 1970s. The group's style included rich vocal harmonies and elements borrowed from folk and country music.-History:...
(1995) - James Ledgerwood (1995)
- Kevin ParentKevin ParentKevin Parent Kevin Parent Kevin Parent (born 12 December 1972 in Greenfield Park, Quebec (now Longueuil) is a bilingual Québécois singer-songwriter. Although his mother language is English, he was raised and educated in the French speaking area of Bay of Chaleur (Gaspé Peninsula) in the...
(1995) - Éric LapointeÉric Lapointe (singer)Éric Lapointe is one of Québec's most popular francophone lead rock singers. His signature sound is characterized by very strong emotional lyrics, a rich, deep gravelly voice and the virtuoso guitar work by Stéphane Dufour...
(1994 and 1995) - MoistMoistMoist was a five-piece Canadian alternative rock band that was popular in the mid-to-late-1990s. The band was led by lead singer David Usher, along with Mark Makoway , Jeff Pearce , Kevin Young and Paul Wilcox .-Biography:...
(1997) - Great Big SeaGreat Big SeaGreat Big Sea is a Canadian folk-rock band from Newfoundland and Labrador, best known for performing energetic rock interpretations of traditional Newfoundland folk songs including sea shanties, which draw from the island's 500-year-old Irish, English, and French heritage...
(1998) - Plume LatraversePlume LatraversePlume Latraverse is a prolific singer, musician, songwriter and author from Quebec. His career spans over 30 years; Latraverse is probably one of the most influential names in Quebec counterculture.-Albums:...
(1999) - Claude DuboisClaude DuboisClaude André Dubois is a Canadian singer-songwriter.Dubois was an early star of the francophone musical Starmania...
(2000) - Natasha St-PierNatasha St-PierNatasha St Pier is a Canadian pop singer.-Career:Natasha St Pier released her first album, Émergence, in 1996, produced by composer/producer Steve Barakatt...
(1991 and 2003) - Yelo Molo (2003 and 2004)
- Les Classels (2003)
- Les Respectables (2003)
- Marie-Chantal ToupinMarie-Chantal ToupinMarie-Chantal Toupin is a Canadian musician.She was a 2004 Juno Award nominee for Francophone Album of the Year...
(2004) and (2010) - Les Trois AccordsLes Trois AccordsLes Trois Accords is a rock band from Drummondville, Quebec. The band launched its first album Gros mammouth album in 2003. Some of the notable songs, taken from that album, include "Hawaïenne", "Saskatchewan" and "Lucille". Along with their videos, these songs received heavy exposure in Quebec...
(2005) - Les Cowboys FringantsLes Cowboys FringantsLes Cowboys Fringants are a popular band and cult phenomenon from Quebec, who perform Québécois néo-trad music , the band also draws on Country music. They have gained an international underground following, especially in France, French-speaking Belgium and Switzerland...
(2006) - Hugo Lapointe (2006)
- JonasJonas- Jonah name :* Jonah Metropolitan of Moscow , also known as Saint Jonas* Jonah, Old Testament prophet-Places:* Jonas , a hamlet in the municipalities Epe and Apeldoorn in the Netherlands* Jonas, Pennsylvania- Other :...
(2006) - Mentake (2006) and (2009)
- Marie Mai(2006)
- Soldat LouisSoldat LouisSoldat Louis are a French rock group originally from Lorient, who mix the traditional music of Brittany with typical rock music instruments - electric and acoustic guitar, drum kit, etc - as well as the traditional bagpipes and bombard...
(2007) - Martin Fontaine(2007), (2008) and (2009)
- MobileMobile (band)Mobile were a Canadian Alternative Rock band from Montreal initially composed of Mathieu Joly , Christian Brais , Pierre-Marc Hamelin , Dominic Viola and Frank Williamson . Their debut album, Tomorrow Starts Today, was released in 2006. The band was nominated for two Juno Awards in 2007 and went...
(2007) - 1755(2008)
- Michel PagliaroMichel PagliaroMichel Pagliaro is a prolific Canadian rock singer, songwriter and guitarist. Born in Montreal, Quebec, he is also based there. He is often referred to simply as Pagliaro or Pag. Although he writes and records predominantly in French, Pagliaro has released material in English...
(2009) - Gildor RoyGildor RoyGildor Roy is a Québécois actor. Gildor is the brother of Québécois actors Luc Roy, Yvon Roy and Maxim Roy.- Biography :...
(2009) - Guy A. LepageGuy A. LepageGuy A. Lepage is a Canadian comedian turned producer.-Career:Lepage was one of the five founding members of the Quebec comedy group Rock et Belles Oreilles , and remained with the group from 1981 to 1995.Lepage became a media mogul and...
(2009) - Elizabeth Blouin-Braithwaite (2009)
- Tailor Made Fable (2010)
- George Belliveau (2010)
- Collective SoulCollective SoulCollective Soul is an American rock band originally formed in Stockbridge, Georgia. Collective Soul broke into mainstream popularity with their first hit single, "Shine", which came from their debut album Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid, released in 1993...
(2010)
One of the most interesting events at the Foire Brayonne is the Party du Parking. The idea for this party was brought forward by committee member Jo-Anne Volpé, who in 1987, pleaded to city officials on having a large party in the city's parking lot. Despite their reservations, city officials agreed to give it the green light. Today, more than 20 years later, the Party du Parking is one the most enduring and successful events of the Foire Brayonne. Hundreds of people from all walks of life come to this event simply to experience it, as it has a very large word of mouth and cult following.
Every year thousands of people gather on the Friday evening of the Foire in the parking lot located in downtown Edmundston. Food
Food
Food is any substance consumed to provide nutritional support for the body. It is usually of plant or animal origin, and contains essential nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, or minerals...
, beverages and live entertainment is offered. Although sometimes imitated by other festivals in the U.S. and Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, it is the largest one of its kind in New Brunswick
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the only province in the federation that is constitutionally bilingual . The provincial capital is Fredericton and Saint John is the most populous city. Greater Moncton is the largest Census Metropolitan Area...
. It has sometimes been compared to Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras
The terms "Mardi Gras" , "Mardi Gras season", and "Carnival season", in English, refer to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after Epiphany and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday...
due to its large gathering and party atmosphere. What makes the Party du Parking so special is the fact that despite having thousands of people gathered into one small spot, the party is in a very controlled environment. Very few, if any, arrests are made and almost everyone attending the Party du Parking are well behaved, despite the amount of alcohol people tend to consume on that night.
Dispute
The Foire is sometimes criticized by the AcadianAcadian
The Acadians are the descendants of the 17th-century French colonists who settled in Acadia . Acadia was a colony of New France...
people as not promoting the culture as a vital part of French New Brunswick
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the only province in the federation that is constitutionally bilingual . The provincial capital is Fredericton and Saint John is the most populous city. Greater Moncton is the largest Census Metropolitan Area...
, as most of them feel that the term Brayons is but a legend. Despite this the Foire has always included Acadian
Acadian
The Acadians are the descendants of the 17th-century French colonists who settled in Acadia . Acadia was a colony of New France...
acts and encourages local Acadian
Acadian
The Acadians are the descendants of the 17th-century French colonists who settled in Acadia . Acadia was a colony of New France...
talent. In 2008 the Foire's closing festivities added an Acadian touch with 1755 and Le Grand Dérangement. This year Fayo and George Belliveau are some of the Acadian acts who will be performing.
The Edmundston area, despite having a large population of Acadian ancestry, has always been a separate culture from the rest of French New Brunswick
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the only province in the federation that is constitutionally bilingual . The provincial capital is Fredericton and Saint John is the most populous city. Greater Moncton is the largest Census Metropolitan Area...
. The area was first founded by the English in the 1860s and has since become the 2nd largest majority French speaking city outside of Quebec
Quebec
Quebec or is a province in east-central Canada. It is the only Canadian province with a predominantly French-speaking population and the only one whose sole official language is French at the provincial level....
. Most of the francophones there are from Quebec ancestry, compared to the rest of French New Brunswick
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the only province in the federation that is constitutionally bilingual . The provincial capital is Fredericton and Saint John is the most populous city. Greater Moncton is the largest Census Metropolitan Area...
which are direct descendants of the first French people to colonise North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
back in 1604 in what is now Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the most populous province in Atlantic Canada. The name of the province is Latin for "New Scotland," but "Nova Scotia" is the recognized, English-language name of the province. The provincial capital is Halifax. Nova Scotia is the...
and New Brunswick
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the only province in the federation that is constitutionally bilingual . The provincial capital is Fredericton and Saint John is the most populous city. Greater Moncton is the largest Census Metropolitan Area...
. Quebec was not founded until four years later in 1608.
Because of the high Quebec ancestry in the Edmundston area and its close proximity to the Quebec border, area residents are in some cases considered by Acadians as non-resident Quebecers.
Most true "Brayons" do not want to be compared to Acadians or Quebecers and ardently call themselves independent "Brayons" from "P'tit Sault" (The original name for Edmundston), which designates the smaller rapids of the river.
Foire Brayonne Directors
- Lise Bourgoin 1990-2001
- Cindy Couturier 2001-2006
- Guillaume L'Italien 2006-2008
The current director is Eric Thériault