At the 1985 La Kermesse festival, a young couple met for the very first time; got stranded on the Ferris wheel and became engaged six months later — many others also enjoyed this year’s celebration
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor
On Saturday, Carmen and Dan Boston were seen holding hands at Biddeford’s annual La Kermesse Festival – the exact same thing they did exactly 41 years ago while on their very first date.
Dan, a graduate of St. Louis High School was home visiting his family in 1985.
Carmen Neault, a Thornton Academy graduate who says she is “100 percent Franco American” attended the 1985 festival, partly out of curiosity.
. . .
“My best friend told me there would be a boy there who I might want to meet,” she recalled.
The young couple – somewhat nervous on their first date – opted to take a ride on the festival’s giant Ferris wheel.
For reasons never explained, the Ferris wheel got stuck just as the young couple had been lifted to the ride’s highest point.
“I was so nervous,” Carmen explained. “I don’t like heights, but he just reached over and held my hand, assuring me that everything was going to be okay.”
It was the gentle assurance and steadying influence from Dan that convinced Carmen she had struck gold.
Six months later, the couple became engaged. Dan was working in Washington, D.C. and he proposed to Carmen near the National Christmas Tree display.
That was 41 years ago, and later this year — Dan and Carmen will celebrate their 40th year of matrimony.
“I just knew it was the right decision,” she said. “It was just too perfect.”
“I just knew it was the right
— Carmen Boston
decision. It was just too perfect.”
Dan adamantly denies having any role in the fact that the Ferris wheel got stuck 41 years ago with the young couple exactly at the highest point, dangling in mid-air.
Although the couple now lives in Rockville, Md., they recently secured an apartment at The Lincoln so that they can visit their hometown more frequently.
Every year, attending La Kermesse is on the couple’s “to-do” list, and every year, Carmen says she fondly remembers the quiet steadying nature of a young man she had known for little more than an hour.”
Dan and Carmen Boston were not the only ones enjoying this year’s La Kermesse celebration.
Mark Smoneau of Biddeford was busy serving up traditional Franco-American cuisine and couldn’t remember how many years he has been volunteering at the annual festival.
Isla Jones, 4, of Biddeford was enjoying Saturday’s mild temperatures and breezy weather, jumping in a harness from a giant air cushion.
Frank and M.J. Boudrow of Biddeford were all smiles as they watched their young grandsons – Casey and Reece – ride on the Merry-Go-Round.
The weather cooperated – at least on Saturday while the festival was in full swing with many performers still scheduled to perform under the big tent.
“Thursday’s weather wasn’t so great and kind of put a damper on things,” said Jessica Quattrone, president of the La Kermesse board. “Friday’s parade, she said was well attended, but like last year – the route was shortened to accommodate city concerns about traffic.
Though the parade route was shorter, Quattrone said more groups are participating in the parade.
Saturday’s annual fireworks show was still on schedule, according to organizers.
Note: Parade photos by Gail Toussaint of Biddeford
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