BIDDEFORD — As the Franco-American festival La Kermesse gets ready for its 27th celebration next month, there are significant changes underway due to the economic downturn.
The biggest change is that the free block party and fireworks will not be take place this year. For approximately 15 years, the block party has taken place in Biddeford’s downtown as a kick-off to the festival activities at St. Louis field.
“It’s just been not economically feasible to continue doing this,” said La Kermesse President Priscilla Gagnon.
The block party, which costs about $30,000, took a significant chunk of the festival’s annual operating budget of $290,000, said Gagnon.
“It was not an easy decision for us to make,” she said. “In order to save the rest of the festival, that was the decision that had to be made.”
Early on, the block party had a sponsor to pay for a large part of the cost, but it’s been several years now since a sponsor has paid for the event, said Gagnon.
Last year, the festival organizers, all volunteers, tried to save the block party by passing around a donation bucket, but only a few thousand dollars were raised.
Gagnon met with the mayors of both Biddeford and Saco, and representatives from both cities’ downtown business organizations, earlier this year to see if they could save the block party, to no avail.
City representatives were interested in the effort, said festival Vice President Ray Gagne, in part because many attending the block party would also frequent local businesses.
Even if a sponsor were found now, it’s too late to organize the block party for this year, said Gagnon. However, she and other festival organizers hope that if the economy turns around or other changes take place, the block party can take place in the future.
“Just because it’s gone this year doesn’t mean it won’t come back,” said Gagne.
Despite the loss of the block party, Gagnon said she believes this year’s festival will be one of the best ever.
The opening ceremony will be held Wednesday, June 24, at St. Louis field. Admission will be free. The paid events begin on Thursday, June 25 and end Sunday, June 28, adding an extra day to the festival, said Gagnon.
Thursday, which was traditionally the night of the block party, will feature new events, including a brew pub, a pig roast and a magic show. Other new events include a Native American Pow Wow and a French military encampment.
Many of the same events popular in years past will also be held, including the La Kermesse Idol competition (based on American Idol) amusement rides, numerous musical groups ”“ performing in both French and English ”“ a craft tent, a casino tent, lots of food, and many other attractions.
The parade on Friday will still be held, said Ray Gagne.
“I hope people will support us so we can keep holding the festival,” said Gagnon.
— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 324 or dmendros@gwi.net.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
