Celebrating 30 years of ushering in the summer season in Biddeford, La Kermesse Franco-Americaine festival kicks off Thursday and promises to be a culture-filled event.

The popular fireworks display will finally return after being nixed in the last few years due to cost. The parade is also on again. Now in its second year at Mechanics Park and in the downtown, the festival will feature musical acts, children’s and family activities, food and performances from other cultures and incorporate the arts.

Organizers have been working hard to line up this weekend’s festival, which will coincide with the Saco Sidewalk Art Festival Saturday. The twin cities are working together to promote the weekend events, in an effort to draw tourists and area residents alike.

We encourage area residents and visitors to show their support and get outside for some of the cultural offerings. It is also a great opportunity to see what the downtowns have to offer.

After a few sparse years following turmoil within the organization ”“ including the conviction of Priscille Gagnon, former president of La Kermesse, on misusing festival funds for her own expenses ”“ it seems that the festival is back on track. Hopefully, with the festival returning to its location in Mechanics Park in the downtown, people will make it to the four-day event to celebrate the city’s heritage and show their support for this Biddeford tradition.

This year is special not only because it’s the 30th anniversary of the festival, but also because it’s the first time a concentrated effort has been made to fully realize the dream of La Kermesse founder Joseph Plamondon. He envisioned the festival as one that would celebrate culture, not just that of the Franco-Americans, and this year the planners are making that vision a reality. The downtown revitalization organization Heart of Biddeford is coordinating the World Stage, at 100 Main St., which will feature music and dance from Greek, Italian, Irish, Jewish, Latino, African and American Indian cultures. More than 20 local community groups will also set up in that area to provide children’s activities and information about community services and events. The World Stage, bounce houses, children’s activities and community booths will line Biddeford’s lower Main Street through much of the weekend, according to organizers.

Bringing one’s children to enjoy the events on Main Street is also a good way to introduce a new generation to Biddeford’s culture and history, and hopefully, make the trip downtown an annual excursion for future generations.

We’re pleased to see festival organizers reaching out to other organizations and the City of Saco to make this festival a success. Now it’s up to area residents to get to the 30th La Kermesse Franco-Americaine festival to ensure its stays on Biddeford’s summer calendar well into the future.

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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham representing the majority opinion of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.