EVENT. Drummondville’s summer musical event ended on Saturday. The Express went to meet festival-goers and poutiniers to find out their impressions. Without a doubt, the 15e edition will remain etched in their memory for a long time.
The Marcel-Dionne Center site was accessible at 3 p.m. and festival-goers were already loyal to the station. The youngest had fun in the inflatable games, while the older ones tasted the dishes of the restaurant owners.
Gabrielle Renaud and Jonathan Michaud were seated at a picnic table. It was the first time they had come to the Poutine Festival and they were delighted with their experience.
The festival-goers, who live in Mirabel, arrived in Drummondville on Friday. “We loved the Koriass show. There was a very nice atmosphere. We liked it so much that we plan to come back next year with other people, ”comments Gabrielle Renaud.
Jonathan Michaud salutes the work of the members of the organizing committee. “There are trash cans everywhere. Security guards are present. The site is clean. Restaurant service is fast. Everything is great.”
The duo have a real crush on the food offered on the site. Saturday, late afternoon, they were on their fourth poutine. “We don’t intend to stop there,” says Gabrielle Renaud, laughing.
For their part, Laurence Rhéaume and Denis Laviolette decided to attend the Poutine Festival for a specific day, that of Saturday. An artist caught their attention. This is the rapper Loud.
“We bought our tickets five days ago. It’s really not expensive to see such an artist. He was at the Festival d’été de Québec, but we missed him. We decided to meet again in Drummondville. We expect quite a show,” says the one who lives in Quebec.
A memorable edition
The poutiniers have not been idle during the last three days. Jimmy Dubé, co-owner of La Cantine chez Ben, worked hard with his team to meet customer demand. “The traffic has exceeded our expectations. The customers are in a good mood, despite the wait. They are happy to go outside and eat poutine.”
The latter has a special link with the Drummondvillois event. “This is the fourth time we’ve come. This year, I brought many friends and employees to experience the Poutine Festival. It’s a completely different dynamic compared to our restaurant in Granby. Those who have come so far have left with a smile from ear to ear, ”says the defending champion of the golden fork.
For its part, the restaurant Le Roy Jucep was at its first participation. Co-owner Laurent Proulx drew a positive balance sheet. “Our visit was expected, both by customers and employees. The employees were eager to show people what they are capable of in events. It’s our first official outing with the street truck and we’re happy with the response from people.”
“As a local player, you have to stand out. We cannot arrive here and offer the same thing as on Saint-Joseph Boulevard. People come here to experience new things. You have to come up with special creations,” he adds.
For example, a smoking room was installed right next to the street truck. The cooking of the meat began in the morning. It was frayed on the spot to finally be served in poutines in the evening.
Remember that several artists were present to conclude the 15e edition of the Poutine Festival. Rapper 20Some, Hubert Lenoir and Loud have walked the boards of the Loto-Québec stage. On the Hydro-Québec stage, festival-goers were able to hear the winner of the Francouvertes, Pelch and Ariane Moffatt.
