Thursday, June 21 to Sunday, June 24, 2012; 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Location: Mechanics Park, , Biddeford, Maine

Contact: ; (207) 282-2894

Website: lakermessefestival.com

La Kermesse presents the Summer Festival in Biddeford and Saco. With its 30th Anniversary, La Kermesse returns to its roots to embrace and celebrate Biddeford’s proud Franco-Americaine heritage and include neighboring Saco as well as the host of multicultural groups that reside in our diverse communities. A free trolley will run between our sister cities throughout the weekend to encourage local residents and visitors to park at the Chamber of Commerce/Amtrak Station lot in Saco, and enjoy all of the events in both cities. 

The La Kermesse event area in Mechanics Park will be open:

Thursday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Friday from 4 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The event area will feature everyone’s favorite Franco-Americaine and Acadian bands and the La Kermesse Idol contest. In addition, there will be kid’s rides, the parade on Friday starting in Biddeford at 6:00 p.m., the fireworks display on Saturday evening, as well as mass and a crepe breakfast on Sunday morning.

The Heart of Biddeford is coordinating family activities on lower Main Street. These areas will include a World Stage at 100 Main Street (across from Happy Dragon) featuring music and dance from Greek, Italian, Irish, Jewish, Latino, African, and Native American heritages. In addition, booths will be set up by more than 20 local community groups who will provide children’s activities and information about community services and events. The World Stage, bounce houses, children’s activities and community booths will line Biddeford’s lower Main Street throughout much of the weekend.

The Pepperell Mill Campus is coordinating Hands-on Heritage Days on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the North Dam Mill parking lot. Watch and participate in hands on activities such as woodworking, leather work and glass blowing while enjoying locally prepared ethnic foods.

The Downtown Development Commission (DDC) brings back the ever-popular car show, Maine Coastal Cruisers, Saturday from 9 a.m. to Noon. The cars will line lower Main Street and Laconia Street.

On Saturday, over 100 artists, photographers and fine craftspeople will transform Main Street Saco and Pepperell Square into a giant outdoor art gallery. This years’ Festival takes place on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. 

 La Kermesse Festival passes and day passes will be available at locations throughout Biddeford and Saco, which will be listed here shortly. The passes allow entrance into La Kermesse, all the rides and the Pepperell Campus events. Four-day Festival passes advanced sales are $12. Passes sold during the weekend are $15 and day-passes are $5.