La Kermesse volunteers don’t give up. They’ve been through a multitude of huge challenges in recent years, from loss of venue to the low turnout and debt in 2009 caused largely by torrents of rain. They’ve faced down an amusement ride company that wouldn’t pay, dealt with reduced financial support during an economic downturn, and even come through the shock of embezzlement by the former festival president ”“ but they refuse to let the festival die.

For that, we applaud these volunteers and thank them for persevering through the hard times to continue this community tradition. La Kermesse is part of Biddeford’s identity, after nearly 30 years of annual celebrations, and it would truly be a shame for the city to lose it now.

La Kermesse serves a unique role in the city, highlighting the culture of the French Canadians who came to Maine in droves to work in the mills and shoe shops in the late 1800s and early 1900s. A great many people in the city are descendants of those immigrants and this festival gives them a public opportunity to delight in the foods, music and language of their heritage.

Frankly, it is amazing that La Kermesse has continued as long as it has, particularly nowadays when it’s difficult to get people to commit to anything when they are already stretched thin with work and other commitments. The fact that the festival has survived this long ”“ 29 years ”“ is testament to the pride that Biddeford Franco-Americans feel when it comes to preserving and celebrating their culture.

That said, however, it hasn’t been easy. The festival has lost some support in recent years, by those who feel it should become a multicultural festival or that it has grown too big ”“ or those who lost faith after the embezzlement incident. Even the city’s support waned as they demanded payment after St. Louis Field sustained damage from festival trailers and foot traffic during the rainy festival weekend in 2009.

Last year’s festival, which many did not believe would even happen, was on a very small scale compared to years past, but happen it did, sans the parade and block party with fireworks. The vendors, the performers and even a few rides were still there to delight festival-goers, and the crepes and tourtiere tasted just as good in the parking lot of the Biddeford Ice Arena as they had before on the grassy field.

We sincerely hope that attendance improves this year over last, and we believe La Kermesse will rediscover some of its former success by choosing to take the festivities downtown to Mechanics Park, and bringing back the fireworks display and parade.

Anyone who sees the value in a community festival celebrating Franco-American culture should get out and buy their festival ticket today, as festival President Jessica Quattrone has said this year’s support of the festival will determine whether or not it has a future. If organizers don’t hear from the community that this is an important event they want to see continued, it simply won’t happen again. “C’est le temps” to get out and have a good time, celebrate Franco culture and community ”“ and support the efforts of those who are trying to keep this festival alive.