BIDDEFORD — Sisters Priscille Dolor and Louise Peterson were born and raised in Biddeford. Both moved away — Dolor to Pennsylvania, and Peterson to Florida. But they were back in their hometown this weekend, taking in a bit of French culture at La Kermesse.

The festival, now in its 37th year, brings families and old friends together — an old home week with a Franco- American flare, as people sample traditional foods, listen to French music, and think about their ancestors who settled in this city on the banks of the Saco River.

La Kermesse is three days of fun for festival-goers and many more days of planning and hard work for the volunteers who see to it that Biddeford celebrates its roots — and more — every year. Yes, La Kermesse is a celebration of French culture, but organizers also try to have a bit of something for everyone. On years when the weather co-operates — though it didn’t this year, there’s a block party. There’s a parade, and fireworks, carnival rides for the young and those who wish they were,  a variety of musical acts and wrestling. There are French fiddlers, country music tunes, bluegrass and pop, and a pageant, this year including memeres – which is French for grandmother.

“We put on the best show we can,” said La Kermesse President Jessica Quattrone as she ladled gravy on a bowl of poutine on Saturday afternoon at the food concession stand on St. Louis field. “Our only hope is the people come and enjoy themselves.”

It appears they were. Dolor and Peterson were tucking into poutine themselves — that rib-sticking melding of French fries, cheese curds and beef gravy — and planning what they do for the rest of the day.

The pair had already perused the Biddeford Cultural and Historical Center tent, where the particulars of how the city began and those who helped make it strong and vibrant are celebrated and remembered.

Someone, the sisters recalled, mentioned fiddle music and they decided to take in the entertainment.

Phyllis Cyr of Old Orchard Beach is originally from Ohio, but has lived a good number of years in Maine. At lunchtime, she was sampling salmon pie — the first time she’d tried it was at La Kermesse, she recalled.

“I’ve loved it ever since,” she said.

Andre Chabot was raised in Sanford, but now lives in Saco. Enamored of pork pie, he was enjoying one piece, and had a second at the ready — and pronounced the savory pie “excellent.”

There were pony rides, a crafters tent, and an authentic sugar shack where people could sample maple candy made the old-fashioned way — by heating the maple syrup and pouring it on ice.

In the entertainment tent, there were singers — and dancers, including the group from the Academy of Dance who were on stage Saturday afternoon.

Khloe Parise, 10, has been dancing with the group for four years.

“I love it. I can have fun and it doesn’t matter what age you are,” she said, “We’re all best friends.”

Near the entrance, Biddeford Youth Hockey Association was hosting a booth where youngsters could try their hand at shooting a puck into a goal. Among those testing their skill was young Tucker Sabo, 4, of Auburn.

He slapped the puck with a hockey stick and a cheer went up,  one of the most enthusiastic from his grandfather, Randy Desmarais.

Perhaps the youngster is a budding Patrice Bergeron, who plays center for the Boston Bruins.

“We’re big hockey fans in the family,” said his mother, Crystal Sabo.

Back at the Biddeford Cultural and Historical Center tent, people examined a number of artifacts, and learned about the six who were named to the Biddeford Hall of Fame this year: Norman Beaupre, Joseph Plamondon, Bernard Osher, Dr. Andre Fortier, Rev. Zenon Decrary and Monsignor Arthur Decary.

La Kermesse wound down Sunday evening with an array of entertainment, concluding with the traditional Franco-American music of La Famille LeBlanc.

Now, it’s au revoir, until next year.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 780-9016 or twells@journaltribune.com.