FREDERICTON (CNB) - Travellers to the popular Futuroscope theme park in Poitiers, France, will be invited to celebrate "A Canadian Christmas with our Acadian cousins" from Dec. 20 to Jan. 4.
"This partnership with Futuroscope is exciting, as it will allow us to further explore our common history with France while sharing the unique traditions of our Acadian winter holiday celebrations," said Minister of Wellness, Culture and Sport Hédard Albert, who is also minister responsible for the Francophonie. "This kind of cultural exchange can only strengthen New Brunswick's image throughout France and Europe as a place where cultural diversity is strong, and where Acadians and francophones are able to live and work in their mother tongue."
Visitors will be able to find information on New Brunswick at a specially designed pavilion where they can ask questions about Acadie and New Brunswick; try authentic Acadian recipes; learn to make a wreath; visit a simulated Acadian village; learn to play hockey; visit a Canadian Santa Claus; and celebrate Acadian musical culture by taking in one of five daily shows by Ode à l'Acadie.
"With the upcoming Acadian World Congress in 2009, this is an ideal time to be promoting New Brunswick in France and Europe," said Minister of Tourism and Parks Stuart Jamieson. "The French market is an important one for our province, and this pavilion at Futuroscope is a unique way to reach a large number French and European travellers in a very direct and enticing way. It allows us to share with them some of the sights, sounds, tastes and adventures they could experience here in New Brunswick."
Situated in the heart of the Poitou-Charentes region of western France, Futuroscope is the second largest theme park in Europe, after Euro Disney.
19-12-08