BIDDEFORD — Organizers of La Kermesse announced that the Franco-American festival will be held in Mechanics Park Friday, June 24 through Sunday, June 26.

Jessica Quattrone, the festival’s president, said the last hurdle is receiving city council approval to hold the festival. She hopes that will happen at the next council meeting.

In addition to city approval, organizers are still looking to raise significant funds. Recent events have raised about $500 and the festival has received about $3,300 in sponsorship, Quattrone said. She estimates the operational budget will be at least $20,000 for the scaled down festival.

The festival’s board of directors is planning a parade Friday night that will start at Beach Street in Saco and follow Saco’s Main Street down York Hill and along Biddeford’s Main Street up until City Hall. Quattrone said fireworks will be held Saturday night, with York Hill blocked off as in previous years during the block party.

Throughout the weekend, Quattrone said there will be food vendors, crafters and one main tent with entertainment set up in Mechanics Park on Water Street. People will be charged $2 to come in and walk around or $5 for access to the main tent, she said. 

Organizers of Biddeford ArtWalk were hoping to hold a craft fair in Mechanics Park on Saturday, June 25. The BiddeFair Arts and Crafts Festival will now be held at Shevenell Park, organizer Tammy Ackerman said. Also, that same Saturday is Saco Spirit’s 41st annual Sidewalk Art Festival with artists lining Pepperell Square and Main Street in Saco.

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