PoutineFest Recognized in Canada–New Hampshire Fact Sheet

Every once in a while, something happens that makes you stop and say…alright, this is bigger than we thought. We were recently included in an official Canada–New Hampshire partnership fact sheet produced by the Consulate General of Canada in Boston.

That alone is pretty cool. But what really stood out was how PoutineFest was described:

“A joyful example of how grassroots initiatives strengthen bonds between neighbors.”

That’s it. That’s the whole thing.

PoutineFest was never meant to be just a food event. From the beginning, it was about celebrating the Franco-American culture that shaped so much of New England. The language, the traditions, the stories that didn’t always get the spotlight they deserved.

Somewhere along the way, it started to become something more. We’ve seen it in the crowds. People swapping stories about grandparents who came down from Quebec. Kids trying poutine for the first time. Vendors are coming together from across the region. That connection has always been there, we just gave it a place to show up.

Now to see it recognized at a broader level, as part of the relationship between New Hampshire and Canada, that means a lot. It also reinforces something we’ve been seeing for a while. Grassroots, local ideas can have a much bigger impact than you think. Culture travels. Food helps sometimes faster than anything else.

And when you stay consistent with that, it builds into something authentic. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has been part of this.

The vendors who take a chance on the event. The volunteers who help bring it to life. The poutiniacs who show up year after year. And the partners across New England and Quebec who continue to support what we’re building.

This is one of those moments where you pause, appreciate it, and then get back to work.

Because we’re just getting started.

Read below for the 2026 report: