Today (Thursday, June 19) is the first day of the 42^nd annual La Kermesse Festival.

 But the volunteers who make the annual festival possible have been working hard behind the scenes for the last 11 months in order to make this year’s celebration even more festive.

Although the festival celebrates the region’s Franco-American culture and heritage, there is lots to do, eat and see underneath the big tents and throughout the carnival fairway on St. Louis Field — no matter your own ancestry.

“It’s really an opportunity for the whole community to gather and celebrate all the things that make this such a great place to live,” said Abigail Worthing, the festival’s marketing director.

Worthing says that this year’s festival will include all the favorite things that people in the community look forward to each year, including a parade, live musical performances and a spectacular fireworks show on Saturday night.

Because of an ongoing sewer upgrade project in the city’s downtown area, this year’s La Kermesse Parade on Friday will proceed along a different route, beginning at Biddeford Middle School and continuing to West Street and onto the field entrance on Prospect Street.

The parade begins at 6 p.m.

This year, local brewery Banded Brewing will be operating out of the Main Tent, offering bar and food services for guests over the age of 21 to enjoy.

But don’t be fooled. There will also be tons of activities for families with children.

In fact, Worthing recalls growing up with La Kermesse dominating some of her favorite childhood memories.

“It was always a big deal for my family,” she smiled while reminiscing about not wanting to leave the field when she was a little girl.

“I know how much this festival meant to me and my family over the years,” Worthing said. “Now, I am so honored to be part of all the hard work that goes into making this festival happen, continuing a cherished tradition.”

This year’s festival will include a car show, plenty of live entertainment and the traditional fairway that offers carnival rides and everything from sausage sandwiches to fried dough.

Featured entertainment includes local band The O Harrows on Thursday evening, and the Studio Two Beatles Tribute on Friday evening from 8:30-11:00 p.m.

On Saturday night, The Inflatables will perform with a fireworks intermission.

In traditional La Kermesse fashion, Alex Silver, Roger Hurtubise and Julia Pouliot will be treating guests to traditional French music throughout the weekend, according to event organizers.

Worthing says that area dance schools will also offer performances, including an Irish dance review.

“It’s a lot of work, and it takes a lot of time, but it’s so worth it when you see it come together,” she said. “When you see the smiles on the kids’ faces.”

“I really want this to be a legacy, not just an event,” Worthing added.

Organizers are expecting good weather and look forward to crowds of 1,000 or more people. Attendance, Worthing said, has been resurging over the past decade.

For more information about the festival, please visit the La Kermesse website.

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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