Pays de la Sagouine launches expanded programs for 2024

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Le Pays de la Sagouine said Monday it will continue the Akadi Lumina light and music show this summer, along with an expanded program of entertainment from May to December.

The tourist attraction in Bouctouche pays tribute to the spirit of the Acadian people. In a news release Wednesday, the facility said the first event will be a sold out tribute to standup comedian Martin Saulnier on May 4. The first Sunday brunch will be May 12, in honour of Mother’s Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Viola-Léger Restaurant-theatre. The dining room will open for weekly Sunday brunch on Father’s Day, June 16 and until Sept. 1.

The Akadi Lumina will begin its second season on May 17, starting with Thursday to Sunday and then seven nights a week in July and August. It will continue until Oct. 14. The Akadi Lumina is an outdoor exhibit of light, sound, video and original music celebrating the spirit of Acadian people, set along a forest path.

“One of the motivations for adding the Akadi Lumina night walk was to extend the day of operations and the Pays de la Sagouine’s season,” said Yves Laplante, chairperson of the board of directors. “We are convinced of the value of offering more experiences to visitors in the spring and fall. The Greater Bouctouche community has so much to offer.”

The Viola Leger will open in May for several events, including Drag Bingo and a concert by the Jeunes Chanteurs d’Acadie June 9. The Pays de la Sagouine site (the mainland and Île-aux-Puces) will be open from June 23 to Sept. 1, Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with live theatre, music and literature events.

“To respond to the growing number of English-speaking visitors and newcomers who do not speak French, the Pays de la Sagouine offers a true Acadian experience in English,” the news release said. “Thaddée, Arthur and Walkalone bring visitors to an earlier time with familiar tunes and stories of how the Acadian people kept their culture alive and thriving for over 400 years.”

Actors in costume portray characters from Antonine Maillet’s one woman play, La Sagouine, telling stories adapted from the play by Geneviève Tremblay.

Also this summer, musician Stephen LeBlanc will perform each Wednesday night.

The Pays de la Sagouine will celebrate National Acadian Day on Aug. 15 with a tintamarre parade and live music by Moyenne Rig, Hert LeBlanc, Rhéal LeBlanc as well as Natasha and Marcella Richard. In the fall, there will be new shows featuring local entertainers. And a Christmas dinner theatre series is scheduled to begin Nov. 14.

• For more information on programs and tickets, visit sagouine.com.