BIDDEFORD — La Kermesse continued Saturday at St. Louis Field with food, field events, performers and more in the annual Franco-American Festival.
“We come every year. It’s tradition,” said Gerie Valliere of Buxton, as she ate ice cream Saturday with her granddaughter, 8-year-old Marissa Valliere.
A native of Biddeford, Valliere has been coming from the start ”“ all 27 years. Others in attendance have similar stories of their history with La Kermesse.
“My husband grew up in Biddeford, so he’s come every year of his life,” said Tracy Gagnon, as she watched her son, Nathan, feed goats at the petting zoo. The Gagnons live in Saco, but have carried on the tradition, now bringing their son to the annual celebration.
La Kermesse is still going strong, according to President Priscille Gagnon.
“In the very beginning, the founder, Joseph Plamondon, saw there was a need to get families together to enjoy each other,” Gagnon said. “This is a time they can get together and enjoy it. Everyone is happy when they’re here.”
People had the chance to enjoy some new events this year also. The party kicked into gear Thursday with the first Brewers Festival and pig roast. Gagnon said the event was a success and people who came for the pig roast enjoyed the low-key atmosphere of the evening.
Gagnon said the organizers decided to cancel the block party this year, due to lack of sponsorship, but she was pleased to see many familiar faces at the other events throughout the five-day festival.
On Saturday, a few new groups also participated in the festival, including a Native American Pow Wow and a new magic show.
The Heart of Biddeford featured a new project at the event this year as well. Executive Director Rachael Weyand was collecting stories from locals about their favorite memories from the downtown area. The organization will continue to collect stories over a two-year period, which will then become a visual and living document, she said.
“We’re really psyched to be at La Kermesse,” Weyand said Saturday. “I hear stories all the time that are never recorded, and it’s really exciting that they’re going to be recorded.”
Gagnon said among the new offerings, all the traditional favorites returned as well, including the rides, food vendors and musicians. Activities for all ages were available, but Gagnon said she hopes in years to come the cultural theme continues.
“If we are to keep this as La Kermesse, we have to keep the cultural tenet,” Gagnon said.
And with French musicians, a French military encampment and a group of French writers this year, the festival had plenty of culture to offer.
— Staff Writer Robyn Burnham can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 329 or rburnham@journaltribune.com.
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