quebec Fair Revives Nostalgia with Return of Classic Games
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Quebec City, August 22, 2025 – The grande Foire de Québec, a cornerstone of the province’s summer festivities, is back and bringing with it a wave of nostalgia. After a decade-long absence, the conventional games of pallets and rings have returned to the fairgrounds, drawing excited crowds and rekindling cherished memories.
A Gathering place Reborn: The pallet Game
The game of pallets, a uniquely Quebecois tradition, has always been more than just a fairground attraction. “The pallets, I don’t know why, it creates a gathering place. The guys make noise, they cry. There are realy a lot of people when it’s rush hour,” explained Véronique Vallée, co-owner of Beauce Carnival. The game involves wagering on numbered plates, hoping one is randomly selected by the operator.
Jocelyn Bergeron,who has hosted the pallet game for nearly 30 years,welcomed its return after Expo Québec closed its doors in 2015. “Our return was eagerly awaited,” Bergeron said,noting he recognized many faces from years past.
did You Know? The game of pallets is deeply rooted in Quebec culture, often seen as a symbol of community and friendly competition.
One attendee shared a personal connection to the game, recounting meeting Bergeron at the pallets in 1994 while pregnant with her son, who now accompanies her to the fair.
Rings of Nostalgia: A Blast from the Past
Inspired by the return of the pallets, Beauce Carnival also reintroduced the ring toss game, launching rings onto glass bottles.Vallée noted, “Oh yes! If he comes out his pallets, I come out my bottles.” The game, a staple of past decades, evokes strong memories for many fairgoers.
Samuel Bouchard, known as “Poncho” at the carnival, highlighted the game’s novelty. “I’ve been working for Beauce Carnival for 13 years and this is the first time that I have seen this game in one of the events.” He enthusiastically encouraged visitors to “come and taste the nostalgia for the 80s!”
Pro Tip: Arrive early to avoid long lines at the popular pallet and ring toss games!
Attendees, like one sixty-year-old participant, expressed their delight, saying, “In my young time, I often won. There, I play just for fun!”
Fair Details and Attractions
Vallée emphasized that the fair aims to offer something for everyone, stating, “We don’t pretend to take ourselves for expo quebec. We bring what we do best, the rides.” The Grande Foire de Québec features 30 rides,including classic attractions like the Zipper and the Ferris wheel,alongside a diverse selection of food trucks.
| Details | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Expocité parking lot |
| Dates | August 20 – 24, 2025 |
| Admission | Free |
| Ride Access | $40 daily bracelet or individual coupons |
| Additional Activities | Festive bingo and wrestling match |
New ticket booths have been added to streamline access to the rides, accommodating up to seven sellers each.
What are your favorite fair traditions? Do you have a special memory associated with the Quebec Fair?
The resurgence of classic fair games like pallets and rings speaks to a broader trend of nostalgia-driven entertainment. As noted in a study by the Pew Research Center, Americans increasingly value experiences that connect them to the past (Pew Research Center). This desire for authenticity and connection is driving the revival of traditional activities and fostering a sense of community.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Quebec Fair
- What is the Grande Foire de Québec? It’s a traditional fair in Quebec City featuring rides, games, and food.
- When does the fair take place? From August 20 to 24, 2025.
- Is there an admission fee? No, admission to the fairgrounds is free.
- How much do the rides cost? Rides can be accessed with a $40 daily bracelet or individual coupons.
- What new attractions are at the fair this year? The return of the classic pallet and ring toss games, along with new food trucks.
We hope you enjoyed this report on the return of classic games to the Grande Foire de Québec! Share this article with your friends and family, and let us know what you’re most excited about at the fair in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe to World Today News for more breaking news and insightful coverage.