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Thirty years of stories, songs, and laughter!

(Bouctouche, May 11, 2022) Le Pays de la Sagouine is celebrating its 30th anniversary as well as the reopening of l’Île-aux-Puces that has been closed to the public since 2019. The 2022 season will take place from June 26 to September 4. Located at 57, Acadie Street in Bouctouche, Le Pays de la Sagouine will be open to the general public every Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This year’s program features regular shows on l’Île-aux-puces, evening concerts at the Viola-Léger restaurant, two new characters interpreted by local comedians Christian Kit Goguen and Véronique Hébert, a three-day festival celebrating the 30th anniversary of Le Pays, a big party for the 15th of August, a children’s program as well as the now-traditional Friday evenings with live music on the terrace hosted by Bouctouche country singer Hert LeBlanc, and much more!

Pays de la Sagouine Co director, Monique Poirier, is proud of what has been accomplished in the last three decades: “This legacy given to us by Antonine Maillet is really a jewel of Acadian culture,” says Poirier who reminds us that the past two years has not been easy. “We have faced challenges and a decline in tourism that has affected everyone in the world. It’s with great pleasure that we will welcome the public next June 26 and for the whole season!”


English program

Le Pays de la Sagouine offers a true Acadian experience for its English-speaking guests. Songs and Stories will take place up to four times a day during visiting hours. Characters Thaddée and Walkalone will transport the public to a different time with a few familiar tunes and stories of how the Acadian people were able to keep their culture alive and thriving for over 400 years! The experience is included with the admission to the site.

This year, two new characters will be joining the cast of Le Pays de la Sagouine: Tilmon is a musician and poet who often has his head in the clouds will be interpreted by Christian Kit Goguen formerly of Ode l’Acadie and Cirque du soleil. The talented Mélodie will be played by Véronique Hébert. Daughter of Joe le rouge, a lumberjack and musician, it is said that Mélodie learned to sing before speaking. Originally from Dieppe, Véronique Hébert has performed in many musicals produced by the Capitol Theatre. Tilmon and Melodie will be performing alongside the other characters during the season on l’Île-aux-puces (in French).

Dinner and a show evenings will take place at the Viola-Leger Restaurant (on the main land) during the season featuring Acadian singer Roland Gauvin (of 1755) on June 30th, Acadian Bluegrass sensation Paul Hébert on July 21st as well as the beloved character Citrouille interpreted by Luc LeBlanc who will offer humorous and touching monologues retelling 30 years of fond memories at Le Pays. Citrouille will be on stage August 10, 11, 17, and 18. Each ticket includes admission to the site for a whole day as well as a three-course meal. Tickets for the three shows are on sale at $59.35 for members and $69.32 for others (taxes and services charges extra). Doors open at 6:30 p.m.


Celebrating 30 years at Le Pays!

Le Pays de la Sagouine will celebrate its 30 years with a three-day festival July 29, 30, and 31. Well-know artists will hit the stage including Salebarbes, 1755 , and Zachary Richard and a surprise guest-star will host the event. The festival will take place in the parking lot located at the entrance of the Pays de la Sagouine a site that can accommodate up to 2,000 people per evening. Tickets are already on sale.

As every year, Le Pays will host a special August 15th celebration for the Acadian national holiday. Activities will begin in the afternoon and everyone is invited to attend an evening concert with host Hert LeBlanc. Guest artists will include Rhéal LeBanc, Andy Bast as well as the The Mainlanders. More details will be unveiled in the coming weeks.


Fun for the whole family

Children will have the chance to take in various performances during the summer. Roland Gauvin will offer a special show inviting them to discover Acadian culture with music. Kids will also have the chance to meet with Féeli Tout who will initiate them to the joy of reading as well as the beloved and cuddly Nounours. All the children’s program is in French. Dates and details are at www.sagouine.com.

Adults will be able to enjoy relaxing evenings with live music on the Terrace every Friday with local favourite Hert LeBlanc and his guests. LeBlanc will be hosting different artists every Friday from July 1st to August 26 from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the entrance is $5. The kitchen will be open. The terrace is located on the main land.

Sunday brunch is already being served every week from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Viola-Léger Restaurant. From June 26th to September 4th, various activities will be taking place on l’Île-aux-puces and the main land such as visits of the site, stories and songs in Le hangar, a jam at noon, theatre and an evening jam with the house band.

The complete 2022 Pays de la Sagouine programming is available at https://sagouine.com/en/