The table was set for a most memorable moment. To set the tone, festival-goers could admire three hot air balloons up close in anticipation of a first musical part, courtesy of Calamine, notably winner of the Félix-Leclerc prize in 2021. It must be said that the “feminist and queer” rapper gave quite a spectacle.
There we observed flags, hats and even shirts bearing the image of the nation. All generations were gathered, standing near the stage or further away on towels and camping chairs. The youth were, however, quite present and proudly displayed their colors… and their love for the invited artists.
Those in charge set the table for the arrival of the headliner. They took advantage of the moment and the attention of the spectators to thank the partners and the fifty volunteers involved in running the day. Granby Mayor Julie Bourdon also highlighted the importance of Quebec culture and the French language.
“With this artist, we will certainly be able to celebrate our language!”
— Julie Bourdon, mayor of Granby
Then, the long-awaited moment. Émile Bilodeau took to the stage to loud applause from the crowd. “I have a question to ask you! Are you proud to be Quebecois?” he immediately said. The guests signaled their agreement in unison.
The singer-songwriter picked up where he left off in 2014. At the time, he had smashed it during his appearance at the Granby International Song Festival. Since then, he has released five albums. During the evening, he performed several of his hits, notably those entitled Compromise, You need what you need, Ayayaille And Would you tell me.
Émile Bilodeau, very energetic, performed several of his great hits. (Catherine Trudeau/La Voix de l’Est)
The latter was well surrounded. He counted in particular on the presence of his collaborators and instrumentalists who, without exception, offered a solid and inspired performance. Other, lesser-known voices have also joined the party.
Miro Belzil is a proud Granby citizen. It lived up to expectations by offering the fusion of genres with pop, jazz, funk and electronic music. Maude Audet has slowly carved out a place for herself in the musical world. At the national festivities, some were able to discover his sensitivity and his quiet strength mixed with his immense poetic talent.
An overall memorable experience which concluded with the presentation of a large fireworks display, followed by a performance by DJ l’Isle.
The first part of the show was provided by the rapper Calamine. (Catherine Trudeau/La Voix de l’Est)
Place for tradition
The rains of the morning and afternoon did not scare the organizers who decided to maintain the activities initially planned during the day. The areas of Daniel-Johnson Park were designed to entertain all generations with a large climbing wall, inflatable games, face painting and giant games.
Les Vitaminés, a duo of public entertainers, strolled on the grassy plot in the afternoon in addition to offering a circus show. Without forgetting the famous mascots.
The Brotherhood of the Giant Omelette has prepared its traditional mixture. (Catherine Trudeau/La Voix de l’Est)
True to tradition, the Brotherhood of the Giant Omelette was back on site with eggs, propane and a smile. They prepared around 5,400 eggs for the occasion in front of hundreds of curious people. Note that the large pan used by the cooks can hold around 20,000 eggs well mixed with condiments and other proteins. This record was reached during an event held in recent years in Montreal.
“It’s always nice to see people year after year. Our brotherhood is present throughout the world, you know! The different groups fly and visit each other on various occasions. Today, we welcome people from the Côte d’Azur, I host them at my home! For my part, I visited Belgium and other countries to make the omelette,” admitted the president of the Granby cell of the brotherhood, Luc Therrien.
The Roger-Bédard pavilion was the place chosen for line dancing sessions. People were still swaying their hips at the end of the afternoon to the sound of good local music.
“I come back for the festivities every year and I have been line dancing for around twenty years. It’s always very pleasant! I meet new people. Line dancing, I love it! It allows me to have fun and get in shape to the sound of good country,” confided the smiling Madeleine Rochette, a lady who came from Cowansville for the festivities.
The people interviewed by The Voice of the East were definitely all in the mood for celebration. Together they praised the good performance of a tradition that was both festive and family. Clothes or flag, many wore blue, flowers and white.
Madeleine Rochette proudly wore the colors of Quebec. (Catherine Trudeau/La Voix de l’Est)
Great success
The results are to come, but the organizers met on site in the afternoon seemed very satisfied with the sight of the families and the good performance of their event. Generations enjoyed the attractions, drinks and good food. The temperature was there despite the precipitation in the morning.
“We were prepared in advance and there was no danger from weather, strong winds or thunderstorms. So we made the quick decision to maintain activities. And we are not disappointed! The citizens are certainly there,” noted Jean-Olivier Grégoire Fillion, events coordinator for Cultural and Community Life (VCC) Granby.
Jean-Olivier Grégoire Fillion was visibly happy with the result. (Catherine Trudeau/La Voix de l’Est)
People arrived at the site gradually from mid-afternoon. A show dedicated to families organized around 14 ha allowed the stands to be filled. Around 4:30 p.m., it was estimated that nearly 2,000 people took advantage of the fun family activities.
The festivities attract their share of faithful year after year. As proof, let’s remember that their outfit and the arrival of the Cowboys Fringuants attracted around 25,000 people to Daniel-Johnson Park on the same date last year.
