The members of the Council of the Brotherhood of Saint Martin are delighted by the resounding success of the new format of this centuries-old event, organized on a weekend for the first time, and by the warm reception given by the public to the date change for this 554th Fair.
Nearly 25,000 people attended the event over the three days. On Friday evening, the Children’s Torchlight Parade brought together more than 500 participants, while around 1,500 visitors gathered beneath the Grenette during the Overnight Ox Roast.
On Saturday, under mild weather, more than 20,000 people filled the streets of Vevey to enjoy the Grand Parade and the Fair. Nearly 300 stalls brought colour to one of Europe’s largest open-air market squares, to the sound of fifes, drums, fanfares, Guggen bands, the hoofbeats of horses, and the many performers from the various parade groups. The unexpected stars of the day were the geese of Cédric Deillon, chosen to make up in part for the absence of the cows due to health restrictions. The children will remember them for a long time!
The festivities then continued beneath the Grenette with the very first “After-Beef Party”, as well as in the wine cellars of the Brotherhood of Saint Martin and the Cents-Suisses. A festive atmosphere kept visitors celebrating late into the night, while music echoed beneath the Grenette until midnight.
On Sunday, for the first Saint Martin Terroir Brunch, specially prepared for the occasion with Vaud specialities and local products, 270 delighted guests enjoyed the meal organized in collaboration with Vaud Promotion. The experience will certainly be repeated.
The Brotherhood thanks everyone who contributed to the smooth running of this 554th edition. “Tradition evolves, the Fair continues”: promise kept!
And 25,000 thanks to all our visitors. We look forward to seeing you next year for the 555th edition, which, dare we say it, will be even more beautiful and even bigger!
