“Citizens will decide whether Festi-Grîles survives or dies”

The head of the fourth Festi-Grîles de la Côte-Nord says public participation will be crucial over the next few years for the meeting place for grill lovers.

“It is the citizens who will decide whether Festi-Grîles continues or dies,” said the organization’s chairman, Hugo Rossignol. Funding requests of “nearly $20,000” from the Government of Quebec, Lotto Quebec, and Hydro-Quebec for the event were denied.

This is the fourth year that the organization responsible for the event has operated without state funding. “From Loto-Québec, we have received a response telling us that we do not align with its values. Hydro-Quebec would like to participate, but it does not find the right angle for us to support it,” explained Hugo Rossignol.

However he is pleased with ArcelorMittal’s financial involvement and band board in Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam. Sales are going well, Hugo Rossignol confirmed, but it will take about 2,500 people in total for the festival to pay for it.

In its first year, Festi-Grîles had seven stalls. It’s quadruple this year at the event which guarantees an “incredible” variety of activities, such as cooking workshops and concerts.

Maten, Les 2 frères, Texas Drive ZZ Top and Traveling Band CCR are also part of the musical program this year. In addition, there are inflatable games, competitions and cooking workshops.

The festival ends on August 12 at the end of the evening.