It was food and music all weekend long that drew large crowds to Ville Marie over the weekend. The Quebec town of 2,500 is less than a two hour drive from North Bay.
As its name suggests Foire Gourmande , or 'Gourmet Fair' featured a football field long tent filled with more than 40 exhibitors offering tastings with producers, agro-processors, and microbrewers. There is music Friday and Saturday nights with live bands.
"We're really happy with the turnout, it's been a great weekend," organizer Mederic Clement told BayToday Sunday afternoon. "There are a lot of people here so we are very happy about it."
The food exhibitors are the main attraction. "People love to come and taste the new products that are brought out every year."
Apart from a few exceptions like cooking classes, the gourmet dinner and cocktail dinner, all activities at the Gourmet Fair are free, but for all transactions at bars or with exhibitors, only smart wristbands are accepted.
The smart bracelet is on sale on-site during the event for $10. You decide how much you put on your wristband and then use it for all purchases made on the Fair site like tastings, drinks, products, and crafts, The bracelet is mandatory for all these purchases and If you run out, you can put more money back on it at bracelet shops or from your smartphone. You can buy and add credit to your wrist band with real money.
Buying the wristband allows the Fair to have plenty of free activities in the program, such as access to the site, all the shows under the DESJARDINS stage marquee, and all other kinds of entertainment.
Gourmet Fair has existed since 2002 so it was 21 this past weekend and over the years, has earned a solid reputation and its attendance has continued to grow. It is considered one of the region's major events, drawing thousands of visitors, including from the North Bay area.
"The mission of the Foire Gourmande is to promote the agri-food industry in the region and to organize activities to showcase agro-processing products. By offering an event where access to the site is free, which combines tasting of regional products, entertainment, music, shows, art and cuisine, crafts, games for children, it has become the showcase par excellence for regional products," says its website.
The Gourmet Fair has set itself the goal of offering a unique culinary experience to its visitors. In 2014, diners ate a surprise menu in total darkness.
The event is a big economic driver for the region.
"People come from everywhere, including Ontario and Montreal so it really supports the region and the city," explained Clement.
No less than 500 volunteers are on hand so that the big party can be held each year on the third weekend of August, to welcome the thousands of visitors.
