Festival Country YQM Attracts Thousands in Dieppe

The 3rd edition of the Festival Country YQM commenced on Thursday in Dieppe, attracting thousands of country music enthusiasts. As the doors opened at the MusiquArt site, attendees lined up to witness performances by numerous American and Canadian artists. Approximately 600 to 800 individuals, including nearly 400 volunteers, were present to ensure the festival ran smoothly.

Alyssa Tremblay, Malika Boudreau, and Marisol Noël, three young girls from Dieppe, expressed their excitement for the festival. Wearing cowboy hats, they shared their enthusiasm, with Alyssa attending for the first time while her friends had participated in the previous year. For these ardent country music fans, this festival presented a perfect opportunity to see their favorite artists perform live.

“I love this; I am really a social person, I feel like I am in paradise,” exclaimed Alyssa Tremblay. Together with her friends and family, she planned to attend the festival until Saturday, eagerly anticipating the performance by Luke Combs.

Malika Boudreau, who attended the festival in 2023, was relieved to see sunny weather this year, recalling the cold conditions of the previous festival. “I wanted to come support the artists, have fun with my friends, and enjoy the music,” she stated, also acknowledging her appreciation for Luke Combs.

Marisol Noël highlighted her connection to country music, stating, “It’s the only music I listen to.”

According to Denis M. LeBlanc, the Community Development Director for Dieppe, people began queuing at the entrance as early as 6 a.m. on Thursday. By mid-day, the festival had attracted close to 8,000 attendees, with organizers anticipating at least 20,000 more by the evening. The venue can accommodate up to 25,000 guests.

<p“Attendance tends to increase during the first few days,” LeBlanc explained. “Everything is set up now, the gates are open, and people are responding well. When we opened the doors, about 2,000 people were already waiting in line.”

The local promoter is responsible for artist selection and logistics, while Dieppe authorities oversee security, traffic management, cleanup, and emergency services. Medical personnel and equipment have been set up in a tent for this purpose, with over 200 people, including 35 Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers, managing security at the event.

Volunteers are actively contributing to the festival’s operations, with funds raised from bar services donated to community organizations. Sébastien LeBlanc, a father from Shediac, shared his experience after serving as a volunteer for his third festival. He joined a group of around 40 volunteers to raise funds for the Envy dance school, which his daughter has attended for eight years.

“The atmosphere is really electrifying; the sense of community is strong because we are a bunch of parents,” he said. “Today, the entire dance community is here to support fundraising for competitions, outings, and events.”

LeBlanc, despite not being a major fan of country music, enjoys the vibrant atmosphere and community spirit present at the festival. He noted that the organization has improved each year, leading to a more enjoyable experience for attendees.

The Festival Country YQM will continue until Saturday.