BIDDEFORD — The city’s long-running festival celebrating its Franco-American heritage is being investigated by authorities.
Paul Gagne, treasurer for La Kermesse Franco-Americaine de Biddeford, confirmed tonight that the festival’s finances are being investigated by Biddeford police and the state Attorney General’s Office.
Gagne said festival organizers were informed of the investigation by police about four weeks ago. “I was surprised, very much so, but we don’t know all the details and we can’t speculate,” he said.
He said the Attorney General’s Office has been given the organization’s bank records.
Biddeford police referred all questions to Deputy Chief JoAnne Fisk, who was not available tonight.
City officials say La Kermesse still owes Biddeford about $25,000 for damage done to St. Louis Field during last year’s celebration. As a result, organizers plan to hold a scaled-down version of the festival June 25-26 at the Biddeford Arena and Expo Center on Route 111.
Gagne said the investigation isn’t expected to deter organizers from holding the 28th annual La Kermesse festival next month.
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