Background
History of the Baker-Brook Truckers’ Festival |
The inaugural edition of the Festival took place in 1982. Patrice Daigle decided to organize a dinner for truck operators, followed by an evening of music and dance.
Here is how he describes the birth of this event: “I met with my brother, Luc Daigle, owner of the Castel Bleu Restaurant at the time. I told him about my project, and he said it was a great idea! So I quickly had tickets printed up for the dinner and event.
I then traveled to Ville Dégelis, QC, where I met with André Rivard, who worked at Guildo Deschênes. I asked for his help to sell tickets. He asked me if we were going to hold a skills contest. I said no, and Mr. Rivard then suggested he join me with his work colleagues to help us organize skills competitions.
Initially, participants had to find seven faults on a truck. This competition was followed by a skills contest, driving a slalom track. It was the beginning of a festival that was held in the yard of the church and school at Baker-Brook, back in 1982. In total, 30 trucks took part in the event.
In 1983, we had 40 trucks. By the third year, the number of participating trucks had increased to 55.
In September of 1984, I met with the mayor, Rosaire Pinette, to learn whether it would be possible to enlarge and set up the playing field on Olympic Street for our next festival. He fully agreed, because this event was bringing international visibility to Baker-Brook, given that we are located near the border that separates Québec and Maine. I then solicited the help of the village’s shops and businesses. The response was positive. The following were willing to participate in the land improvement project: Raoul Couturier Lumber, Ferme Oscar Daigle et Fils, Louis Philippe Daigle Trucking, Jean-Marc Michaud Trucking, Joël Michaud et Charles Soucy Excavation, and the New Brunswick Department of Transportation, which was glad to offer us the use of its equipment.
In 1985, the Festival was held at its new site and began to attract more and more people. That year approximately 68 trucks took part in the events.
In 1986–1987, more than 85 truckers participated. Skills contests with the trucks and a timed wheel removal/reinstallation contest were a big success. In addition, we added forestry-related contests, such as axe-throwing competitions, arm wrestling and log rolling contests in the water.
A large tent was set up for the evening dances, and several spaces were set up for exhibitors to display their various products.
By 1988, the Festival was becoming bigger and bigger, and it was decided to hold a lottery. A draw for a truck valued at $30,000 was an instant success. Part of the proceeds went to the village’s Fire Station towards the purchase of a new emergency vehicle and various equipment. Other organizations in the parish also benefited from these proceeds.
In 1989, there were more than 100 truckers enrolled in the event. In addition to the competitions, another lottery was organized, with an automobile offered as the prize.
In 1990–1991, we constructed picnic tables and a warehouse that is now being used as the fire station.
In 1992, after 10 years of heading up the organization, I decided to step down and let other members of the team take over. The following people followed in my footsteps as president of the organization: Pierre Plourde (1993), Roland Caron (1994-1996), Normand Levesque (1997), Jean-Guy Bard (1998-2000), Camille St-Onge (2001-2002), Gilles Dumont (2003-2004), Jean Morneault (2005-2007) et Patrice Daigle (2008).
For 2008, I will be in the 'driver's seat' again. And for this 26th edition of the Festival, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and several other prizes will be drawn.
Various activities will be held during the three-day Festival: mud competition for trucks, day and evening truck parade, wood loading competition, mass under the big tent, evening dance, etc.
Many organizations will benefit from the proceeds collected during the Festival. A special amount will be set aside for the Faith and Light International agency, which assists people with disabilities.
It is thanks to the many volunteers and the participation of our various sponsors that the Festival is still with us in 2008. Without their help, it would be unthinkable to witness such a success, year after year.
Special thanks go out to all the valorous truckers who never hesitate to accept our invitation.
Happy Festival!
Joey Nadeau, 2009 President
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