BIDDEFORD — The parade was “wonderful,” the fireworks “extremely well-attended” and the Casco Bay Tummlers were “fantastic,” said Biddeford resident George “Pete” Lamontagne. Overall, he said, the 30th anniversary of the La Kermesse Franco-Americaine festival was “a success.”
Lamontagne was one of thousands who attended this year’s event in downtown Biddeford over the weekend. The event began Thursday and ended Sunday.
This year’s festival was expanded from last year. There were the traditional Kermesse events like the brew pub on Thursday, the parade on Friday, the return of the fireworks on Saturday and a Catholic Mass Sunday. At the festival fairgrounds at Mechanics Park, there were Franco and other performances, food and other vendors, a petting zoo, pony rides and other activities for children.
In addition, other events took place in conjunction with the festival, such as the World Stage at 100 Main St., hosted by the downtown revitalization organization Heart of Biddeford. There were bounce houses and other activities for children at North Dam Mill. Also local community groups set up along lower Main Street to provide information about their groups and host children’s activities.
This year, there was greater cooperation with the City of Saco, and there was free transportation between the twin cities to go between La Kermesse in Biddeford and the Sidewalk Art Festival and events celebrating the 250th anniversary in Saco.
The World Stage, held in conjunction with La Kermesse for the first time, featured music and performances by groups and individuals representing many of the cultural groups that settled in Biddeford, such as American Indians, Irish, Italians, Jews, Greeks and other groups.
The World Stage was one way to get back to the original concept of a multi-cultural festival that had been envisioned by the event’s founder, Joseph Plamondon, said HOB Executive Director Delilah Poupore.
Many said they enjoyed this year’s festival.
Lamontagne said he liked it because this year La Kermesse “went back to its roots.”
“I think it’s great,” said Scott Marcaux of Biddeford, who said he listened to some “great Franco music” over the weekend. “I’m glad they seem to be stronger this year.”
“I think it’s awesome,” said Bill Fuller, the manager of TD Bank’s Biddeford branch, which sponsored the World Stage. “I’m really glad they got Biddeford’s whole Main Street involved.”
“I’ve received so many thank yous,” said La Kermesse board President Jessica Quattrone.
This year, there has been a “sense of pride” by those attending, as the festival puts the past couple of rough years behind it, she said.
“This is the festival I remember,” said Quattrone.
While she doesn’t think the festival will financially break even this year, “it’s close,” she said.
But, said Quattrone, she believes the festival will keep growing in the future and would like to see the expansion of the list of activities taking place in conjunction with it, like the World Stage.
“Already the wheels are turning for next year,” she said.
— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.
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