History of La Kermesse

La Kermesse Franco-Americaine

HISTORY OF LA KERMESSE FRANCO-AMERICAINE

In 1982 Joseph Plamondon and his wife Mignonne attended the Festival de Joie, an annual Franco-American festival, in Lewiston. While driving back to Biddeford, Joe began talking to Mignonne about his dream of having a festival similar to Lewiston's in Biddeford. Within a few weeks, Joe had assembled family members, friends and interested Biddeford citizens in planning a festival which would take place in the summer of 1983. The group organized entertainment, a parade, bean supper, etc. The main focus was of course fundraising. They held yard sales, raffles etc. to raise the necessary funds to put on the festival. In the spring of 1983 a few weeks before the scheduled event, Joe passed away. The dedicated volunteers, including his wife, children and friends, were determined that the festival would take place. And so in 1983 the 1st La Kermesse Festival was held and what a success it was. We thank the founding members and all the past members of La Kermesse for their pride and determination in making the last 25 festivals a success and we look forward to another great festival as we celebrate our 26th festival.

Priscille Gagnon, President