Foire Brayonne - Major Attractions

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 $30. 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 Simard and Nathalie Simard (1983)
• Véronique Béliveau (1985)
• The Box (1986 and 1987)
• Too Many Cooks (1987)
• Glass Tiger (1989)
• Celine Dion (1991)
• Julie Masse (1992)
• Les BB (1992)
• Alannah Myles (1993)
• Roch Voisine (1994)
• France D'Amour (1994)
• Beau Dommage (1995)
• James Ledgerwood (1995)
• Kevin Parent (1995)
• Éric Lapointe (1994 and 1995)
• Moist (1997)
• Great Big Sea (1998)
• Plume Latraverse (1999)
• Claude Dubois (2000)
• Natasha St-Pier (1991 and 2003)
• Yelo Molo (2003 and 2004)
• Les Classels (2003)
• Les Respectables (2003)
• Marie-Chantal Toupin (2004) and (2010)
• Les Trois Accords (2005)
• Les Cowboys Fringants (2006)
• Hugo Lapointe (2006)
• Jonas (2006)
• Mentake (2006) and (2009)
• Marie Mai(2006)
• Soldat Louis(2007)
• Martin Fontaine(2007), (2008) and (2009)
• Mobile(2007)
• 1755(2008)
• Michel Pagliaro(2009)
• Gildor Roy (2009)
• Guy A. Lepage (2009)
• Elizabeth Blouin-Braithwaite (2009)
• Tailor Made Fable (2010)
• George Belliveau (2010)
• Collective Soul (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, 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.