Raïs Kibonge, Deputy Mayor of Sherbrooke, Élisabeth Brière, MP for Sherbrooke, and Cindy Trottier, Executive Director of the Fête du Lac des Nations. Photo by William Crooks

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Élisabeth Brière, Sherbrooke MP, announced an investment of $227,300 June 25 to support six festivals in Sherbrooke. This funding is part of the Local Festivals component of the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, which aims to provide Canadians with opportunities to participate in activities that highlight local arts, culture, history, and heritage.

The six festivals receiving this funding include the Corporation du printemps musical de Sherbrooke for the Festival des harmonies et orchestres symphonique du Québec, the Festival cinéma du monde de Sherbrooke, the Festival des rythmes d’Afrique de Sherbrooke, the Festival des traditions du monde de Sherbrooke, the Fête du Lac des Nations, and the Festival de Danse Contemporaine de Sherbrooke. The amounts granted to these organizations range from $17,100 to $57,600, according to a June 25 release.

This program’s Local Festivals component offers financial assistance to local groups that organize recurring festivals showcasing works by local artists and artisans, heritage interpreters, local specialists, and cultural transmitters from the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. This funding aims to strengthen the local economy, support the development of artists and communities, and promote cultural diversity.

Sherbrooke’s rich cultural environment is evident through these six summer festivals, which make the city a prime destination for festival-goers from across Quebec. The federal government’s financial support is crucial for the sustainability of these events, ensuring they continue to create extraordinary moments for residents and visitors alike. The festivals contribute significantly to the local economy and celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of the region.

The Fête du Lac des Nations, for instance, has been a key event in Sherbrooke for 43 years, reinvesting every dollar into the community to enhance the festival experience. The support from financial partners is essential for maintaining the quality and sustainability of such events. The festival season not only brings people together and provides entertainment but also introduces different cultures and fosters a unique atmosphere in the city.

The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program offers opportunities for Canadians to engage with local arts and cultural activities, while the Local Festivals component specifically supports recurring festivals that highlight local talents and cultural heritage. This federal funding ensures that Sherbrooke’s festivals can continue to offer exceptional experiences and stimulate the local economy.

Press conference

The significant boost to Sherbrooke’s vibrant festival scene this summer was announced in a press conference held at Jacques-Cartier Park.

Brière opened the event by highlighting the government’s commitment to the region’s cultural vitality. She emphasized the role of festivals in not only fostering cultural engagement but also boosting local tourism and economy.

Cindy Trottier, Executive Director of the Fête du Lac des Nations, shared her excitement and gratitude for the support. “It’s really fun to gather here in Jacques-Cartier Park to talk about the importance of festivals for the region. They are crucial not only for the economy and tourism but also for the joy they bring to the citizens,” Trottier said.

She highlighted the festival’s impact, noting that it draws over 160,000 attendees, with 46 per cent coming from outside Sherbrooke, generating significant economic benefits. Trottier also stressed the festival’s community contributions.

“Thanks to our valuable partners, we offer 850 tickets to low-income families through the Corporation of Community Development of Sherbrooke. This year, we’re increasing that number to over 1,500 tickets,” she announced. She also noted the involvement of around 400 volunteers and the employment opportunities created by the festival.

Raïs Kibonge, Deputy Mayor of Sherbrooke, concluded the event by expressing the city’s pride in its festivals and the importance of continued support. “Festivals evoke the holiday season and create lifelong memories. They are occasions to have fun, gather, and discover different cultures through various experiences,” Kibonge remarked.

He praised the work of the festival organizers and volunteers, emphasizing that the festivals reflect the community spirit and significantly shape the city’s atmosphere. Kibonge encouraged all residents and visitors to participate in the festivals, either by attending or volunteering. “Let’s have a great summer and long live our Sherbrooke festivals,” he concluded.

Lennoxville Councillor Jennifer Garfat, who was present, approved of the announcement after the conference. She tries to catch as many festivals during the summer as she can.

“Most of them are supported by the Sherbrooke Council too,” she said.

“It’s nice to go out and see how citizens’ money is being spent and whether it’s municipal, provincial, or federal money, it’s all citizens’ money in the end. It’s good to see that it’s being well spent on positive festivals… and it gets people out… doing something.”