Press Releases 08
Beard Growing Contest returns after 11 years of absence
SAINT-BONIFACE, DECEMBER 3RD, 2008 – This year marks the 40th edition of Festival du Voyageur. For the occasion an old favourite makes a come-back. Bearded men it’s time to show your pride, the Beard Growing Contest is back!
Three categories are open for this year’s event: The Festival Beard (clean shaven), the Voyageur Beard (wild and woolly) and the Novelty category (groomed mustache or beard).
SAINT-BONIFACE, JANUARY 10TH, 2008– This morning, the Festival du Voyageur unveiled its programming for the 39th edition of the celebration which will run from the 15th to the 24th of February, 2008.
The Boulevard will get you fired up…
An impressive fireworks show will light up the skies during the evening of the 15th on Provencher Boulevard, heralding the first of many events of Célébration 2008, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of St-Boniface. A wide range of musicians will help keep you warm during this street party with melodies and rhythm, as mascots wander about playing and posing for pictures. The young and young-at-heart will undoubtedly rejoice in the kids’ corner, where they will be able to see clowns, games and magic, and eventually bring home a goodie bag. Moreover, horse rides will be available at no cost. The Grand Rendez-Vous on the Boulevard presented by Manitoba Lotteries starts at 6:00 p.m.
And off to Voyageur Park…
Of course, the official kick-off will be done later that evening with an incredible fiddling show by Alain-François at 8:45 p.m. in the Red River Trading Post presented by MTS Allstream and a show by the D-Rangers at the Cabane à sucre presented by Manitoba Hydro. Don’t forget to visit Fort Gibraltar where interpreters will bring you back in time to the Voyageur era. Also, sounds of music and fun will be heard throughout Festival Park during the 10 days with bands and artists such as Capitaine Révolte, Tanglefoot, Mudmen, Dominique Reynolds, Bandaline, Coulée, Daniel ROA, D. Rangers, L’Angélus, and many more!
Remembering Louis…
In honor of the Father of Manitoba, on February 18th, the Festival du Voyageur is celebrating Louis Riel Day by opening Voyageur Park to the public and offering a variety of special programming. Following a procession from the St-Boniface Cathedral to Voyageur Park, many activities will take place. Among these activities are workshops on sash weaving and the Michif language, a bison meat roast, historical interpretation and an interactive play. An official Louis Riel Day ceremony will take place at 11:30 a.m. Voyageur Park will be the place to be on Louis Riel Day!
Pour un soir seulement…
A unique series of exceptional shows is lined up once again for Festival. Pour un soir seulement unites two unexpected artists or bands for an unforgettable evening. Each performance is presented alongside interviews with singers and musicians that explain their experiences working with each other. And to host this showcase of out-of-the-ordinary pairings, the Festival du Voyageur, Productions Rivard and Radio-Canada welcome renowned musician Michel Rivard. Tickets for the event can be purchased at the Boutique du Voyageur (233 Provencher Blvd.) or by phone at 237-7692 at a cost of $15 and are available as of today.
Au cœur du Festival…
Also back for a second year, the variety show Au cœur du Festival, hosted by Monique Lacoste, offers a fresh look at the Festival du Voyageur, entertaining you with artistic performances, interviews, humour and short news reports. The public will have the opportunity to attend the recordings that will run from February 14th to th 17th. The broadcast, on the other hand, will be seen on Radio-Canada television in the West from February 19th to the 22nd.
The six-string that makes up our country…
The Six String Nation guitar is a special new addition to the Festival du Voyageur. Constructed with over sixty (60) unique pieces from different aspects of Canadian history and culture, this guitar will be passed from musician to musician and show to show to give the 39th edition of the Festival du Voyageur a new flavour and definitely a new and original sound.
Fun for the whole family…
The organizers invite you to take part in a tradition already enjoyed by many Canadians. Bring your family and friends and share in the joy that is the Festival du Voyageur!
The Voyageur Button…
The Voyageur Button is available this year at a more than reasonable price!
Voyageur Button – Now for Sale!
• Adult – $20
• Child (6 to 17 years old) – $5
• Toddler (5 yrs and under) – Free
The Voyageur Button can be purchased at the following locations: Boutique du Voyageur (233 Provencher Blvd.), Club Regent Casino (1425 Regent Avenue W) and at all Safeway store.
By purchasing a Voyageur Button, you will be eligible to take part in our Rewards Program. This program, in effect from February 1st to 24th inclusively, enables you to receive discounts or special offers at participating businesses. It’s very simple; show your button and receive a discount! For more information, a list of participating businesses and their discounts, please visit our website: www.festivalvoyageur.mb.ca.
Three new Trading Posts…
Festival du Voyageur is excited to partner up with three new Trading Posts this year; the King’s Head Pub Trading Post, the Chaboillé Trading Post in the rural community of St-Malo and the Club Regent Casino Trading Post where will be held the Cajun Night presented by Casinos of Winnipeg featuring Johnny Cajun and Swamperella.
The Voyageur Button grants you access to every Festival du Voyageur site, including Trading Posts : Radio-Canada Trading Post at the Centre culturel franco-manitobain (CCFM) (340 Provencher Blvd.), l’Auberge du Violon (180 de la Cathédrale Avenue), Relais des Pionniers (Sainte-Famille Parish), La Broquerie Hotel (4 des Pignons Street, La Broquerie), Club Regent Casino (1425 Regent avenue W), Club St-B (171 Dumoulin Street), King’s Head Pub (120 King Street), Chaboillé Trading Post (St-Malo Parish) and Fairmont Trading Post (2 Lombard Place).
But the fun doesn’t stop there! A brand new game is being launched, enticing Festival-goers to visit as many Trading Posts as possible. You will receive a stamp from each Trading Post you visit; collect stamps and you could win a fantastic prize, such as a trip for 2 to Churchill to join in a whale watching cruise. (Valued at: $10,000).
The Voyageur Button is your admission pass for the Festival du Voyageur. By purchasing one, you also contribute to the development of the year long activities of the Festival. It pays to wear your button!
For more information regarding the Festival event schedule, please visit our website: www.festivalvoyageur.mb.ca.
Be part of the Festival from Februray 15th to the 24th, 2008. It’s fun for the whole family!
Source:
Emili Bellefleur
Directrice du marketing et de communications
(204) 237-7692 ext. 269
Cell.: (204) 226-1693
ebellefleur@festivalvoyageur.mb.ca
