Simultaneous festivals in Chaleur region 'a good complement,' organizers say

Organizers of two festivals taking place at the same time, 20 kilometres apartin the Chaleur region, saylast year's tension has cooledand they look forward to working together.

The 49th annual Festival des Rameurs, Petit-Rocher's annual celebration, is centred around dory races crossing the Bay of Chaleur from Bonaventure, Quebec, to Petit-Rocher, N.B.

"Those people, they start practicing in the gym in January and as soon as the ice is gone, they go on the water and practice," said festival president Alma-JeanneMorrison.

Simultaneously, Bathurst's Phantom Biker Bash, in its second year, hostsa group ride through the Chaleur region, from Bathurst, N.B. to Pointe-Verte, N.B.,passing through Petit-Rocher.

"It's a nice addition for them to see thebikesgo through. It's a great complement for theregion for sure," said Chris Daigle, director of the Downtown Bathurst Revitalization Corporation.

These comments contrast with last year's tensions, when the mayor of Petit-Rocher, Luc Desjardins, expressed his disappointment with the organizers of the Biker Bash for their scheduling.

Changes to Biker Bash program

While both festivals will hold concert events Saturday night, organizers of the Phantom Biker Bash have diversified their program, so as not to take away from Petit-Rocher.

The main attraction at the Festival des Rameurs Saturday evening is the waterfront tent, where several local bands will perform.

Instead of hosting a concert under the tent on Harbourview Avenue, Biker Bash organizers have moved the festivities to a localindoor/outdoormusic venue, Studio 2.

"It's great to see bikes all over the city. And this is a great venue to encourage that, so we're excited," said Daigle.

Sixty motorcycles participated in the guided ride through Chaleur-area municipalities.

Plenty more wereexpected for a "show and shine" Saturday afternoon.

At the Festival des Rameurs in Petit-Rocher, the turnout is even stronger.

"Probably in the whole weekend, we have a good 5,000 people," said Morrison.

Both festivals look forward to collaborating next year.