Over 20, 000 country music fans spent time in Greater Moncton over the weekend.

They attended the second YQM Country Fest. It ran three days this year, from August 24 to August 26.

Promoter Sam Bourgeois plans to make this an annual gathering in Dieppe, “We’re coming back next year, 100 percent. We already have some major acts confirmed as well. We are also exploring additional stuff as well in the non-country world to determine if that will come true.”

This year’s big acts included Keith Urban, Morgan Wallen and Thomas Rhett.

No figures yet on the economic spinoffs from the three-day show, but Bourgeois has his own predictions, “I think it’s tens of millions of dollars for the Greater Moncton region from hotels, restaurants, gas stations, alcohol stores, you name it.”

The City of Dieppe has confirmed that it plans to conduct an economic impact study.  Bourgeois says he has been told a firm has been hired to do the study.

Many are wondering how Bourgeois plans to top this year’s YQM Country Fest, and what acts he has planned for next year.

“Numerous agents have been calling to book their acts for 2024. We will be having announcements coming soon.  Definitely before Christmas,” Bourgeois adds.