Welcome to the newly redesigned La Kermesse Franco-Americaine website! The La Kermesse Board of Directors, its volunteers and community supporters are working hard towards the planning of this year's festival which will take place from June 21st – 24th.
La Kermesse presents the Summer Festival in Biddeford and Saco
With its 30th Anniversary, La Kermesse returns to its roots to embrace and celebrate Biddeford's proud Franco-Americaine heritage and include neighboring Saco as well as the host of multicultural groups that reside in our diverse communities. A free trolley will run between our sister cities throughout the weekend to encourage local residents and visitors to park at the Chamber of Commerce/Amtrak Station lot in Saco, and enjoy all of the events in both cities.
Here are some highlights:
- The La Kermesse event area in Mechanics Park will be open:
Thursday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday from 4 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- The event area will feature everyone's favorite Franco-Americaine and Acadian bands and the La Kermesse Idol contest. In addition, there will be kid’s rides, the parade on Friday starting in Biddeford at 6:00 p.m., the fireworks display on Saturday evening, as well as mass and a crepe breakfast on Sunday morning.
- The Heart of Biddeford is coordinating family activities on lower Main Street. These areas will include a World Stage at 100 Main Street (across from Happy Dragon) featuring music and dance from Greek, Italian, Irish, Jewish, Latino, African, and Native American heritages. In addition, booths will be set up by more than 20 local community groups who will 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 throughout much of the weekend.
- The Pepperell Mill Campus is coordinating Hands-on Heritage Days on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the North Dam Mill parking lot. Watch and participate in hands on activities such as woodworking, leather work and glass blowing while enjoying locally prepared ethnic foods.
- The Downtown Development Commission (DDC) brings back the ever-popular car show, Maine Coastal Cruisers, Saturday from 9 a.m. to Noon. The cars will line lower Main Street and Laconia Street.
- On Saturday, over 100 artists, photographers and fine craftspeople will once again transform Main Street Saco and Pepperell Square into a giant outdoor art gallery. A tradition for 42 years, the Saco Sidewalk Arts Festival always draws a crowd of art enthusiasts and gives everyone the opportunity to experience the beauty and charm of historic Main Street Saco. This years’ Festival takes place on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.
The cities of Biddeford and Saco are jointly committed to this festival's success to encourage the continued growth of cultural and heritage tourism in our region. This weekend will be a wonderful complement to Saco's 250th Celebration, occurring throughout the month of June. La Kermesse Festival corporate sponsors are PeoplesChoice Credit Union, Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution, and Biddeford Savings. The World Stage is sponsored by TD Bank.
La Kermesse Festival passes and day passes will be available at locations throughout Biddeford and Saco, which will be listed here shortly. The passes allow entrance into La Kermesse, all the rides and the Pepperell Campus events. Four-day Festival passes advanced sales are $12. Passes sold during the weekend are $15 and day-passes are $5.
For more information: