The 174th edition of the Cookshire Fair attracted more than 9,000 festival-goers, according to initial estimates. The crowd got to know Mookshire, the new official mascot of the event, and quench their thirst with an exclusive beer produced by the 11 Comtés. After a few years of absence, the Ferris wheel made an eye-catching return to the Expo.

This edition will be remembered for its dance and country music, with an almost daily presence under the Winslow tent. Feedback was very positive on social networks, said Annie de la Bruère.

This was the first visit to the site by the MNA for Mégantic, François Jacques. His weekend agenda was full, with the Musique aux Sommets de Chartierville festival and the Picnic Concert in Cookshire-Eaton (see other articles). «What’s fun is that there is activity in the riding. It’s alive,» said the resident of Lac-Mégantic.

The federal deputy of Compton-Stanstead and newly appointed Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister, Marie-Claude Bibeau, has the Cookshire Fair tatooed on her heart, so to speak. «I am privileged to go from one fair to another, but at this one, I am at home here.» Several hours after announcing grants of $1.75 billion for milk producers, she noted that she has not forgotten poultry and egg producers.

Offered for the first time, the arm wrestling competition surprised the organizers. «We didn’t expect anything, but in the end we had 100 amateur registrations,» said Audrey Perron-Breault. The high number of participants permitted them to award prizes totaling $2,000.

One of the organizers, Nicolas Lachance, noted that the Expo is appreciated by all. The event brings the two anglophone and francophone communities in the region closer together. In addition to the volunteers, he thanked the exhibitors who transported their animals in order to show them to the public. «They are the ones who bring the Fair to life.» The organizing committee is already rolling up its sleeves for the 175th edition next year.