Culture Fest draws 3,000 fans Friday; organizers plan to do it again next year

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BY KRIS MCDAVID
Times & Transcript Staff

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MIRAMICHI - While over 30,000 music-lovers were taking in world-class performances delivered by the likes of Bon Jovi, Randy Bachman, and Burton Cummings at the Magnetic Hill Music Festival on Saturday, a committed group of volunteers in Miramichi were busy reflecting on their own outdoor music festival that took place the night before.

Miramichi Culture Fest brought together a unique blend of musicians, including Canadian country rockers Blue Rodeo, to the Miramichi Exhibition Grounds on Friday night, marking the city's first attempt at cracking the province's ever-growing outdoor concert scene.

Organizer and local entrepreneur Brian Geneau admitted that with the presence of the massive showcase in Moncton on the same weekend, the cards were stacked against the festival being able to draw a massive crowd to the Miramichi.

That said, Geneau pointed out that even though final ticket sales, estimated at just over 3,000, weren't exactly the kind of turnout he had hoped for, his barometer for success goes beyond the number of tickets sold.

Geneau called the event 'a complete success', citing overwhelmingly positive feedback from musicians and concertgoers, the dedication and professionalism of the roughly 400 event staff and organizers, and the potential of the immaculate outdoor venue as reasons why.

"We have between 3,000 and 4,000 marketers now who all want to do this again next year," he said. "Everybody who left that field was happy, they were impressed, and I'm flooded with e-mails from the entertainers saying this was the best organized event they had ever been to.

"There was no really big flaw, no big waves, but just a few little ripples that we'll try to improve upon for next year. I think we'll definitely have it on a Saturday next year though."

Geneau said that with the inaugural Culture Fest in the books, the most difficult chapter is likely over, noting that he expects Miramichi can look forward to bigger and better events for years to come.

He said organizers will continue to promote and build upon the unique aspect that the event is as much a celebration of culture as it is of music.

The festival boasted a fusion of musical talents representing First Nations, Anglo-Irish, and Acadian cultures.

"We've been working with the multicultural association, who indicated they'd like to work with us next year, but this format really opens the door for so many more festivities that could revolve around the festival."

"This was well worth all the sleepless nights, for sure."

Miramichi mayor Gerry Cormier took in the event and said he was impressed that Culture Fest went so smoothly in just its first year.

"It was just awesome, just a beautiful evening," he said. "The entertainment was great, the people were having a good time and everybody's looking forward to another one next year."