By Gillian Graham

Staff Writer

For the first time in 27 years, La Kermesse tents will not dot St. Louis Field for the three-day Franco-American festival.

La Kermesse Treasurer Paul Gagne said there is no appropriate location in the city for the annual event now that city officials have said the festival cannot take place on the city-owned field on West Street.

“The festival is a no. There’s no other venue that could handle what we put on,” Gagne said. “It’s too late this year to put on a festival.”

City Attorney Keith Jacques informed La Kermesse organizers in late March they could not use St. Louis Field because of an outstanding bill of more than $25,000 for field repair following last year’s festival.

City Manager John Bubier said city officials also are concerned about the displacement of about 400 athletes who are not able to use the field for summer and fall sports. Heavy rains last June contributed to extensive field damage, which closed the field until this spring.

Gagne said La Kermesse organizers met with Mayor Joanne Twomey to talk about other possible locations. The committee is waiting to see if it can “work out an understanding of what’s going on” with Twomey, he said.

Twomey said she suggested the festival be held downtown, where businesses expressed interest in sponsoring a fireworks display, but has not had additional discussions about the event.

Gagne said the committee may try to host a parade and some entertainment in City Square. A decision will be made within the next week to allow time to book entertainment and vendors, he said.

“We’re at the point now, it’s almost at the crossroads of yes or no,” he said.

Gagne said he is a “a little sad” about the changes to the festival this year.

“I consider it to be a huge reunion. People meet friends at the same place each year to chit-chat and reminisce,” he said.

Twomey said she always looked forward to the festival, but the city has done everything it can to help.

“I originally got e-mails from the board members’ families that were upset. But I got equal e-mails saying the field shouldn’t go through what it went through,” she said.

Bubier said city officials posted information about city contributions to La Kermesse to put to rest information circulating Biddeford that is “not particularly accurate.” He said the information is meant to clarify that the city worked successfully with La Kermesse throughout its history.

The information shows the city contributed more than $503,000 to La Kermesse since its inception, including $211,000 for public works costs and $42,000 to repair field damages.

According to information provided by the city, total police department costs related to the festival are $208,435. La Kermesse receives a city credit of $9,000 each year to offset the cost of police presence at St. Louis Field. The festival does not pay for any fees related to the downtown block party and is not charged for the additional dispatcher needed for the weekend. Police department costs related to the block party – which was not held in 2009 – are $32,435 since 1992.

The city has spent a minimum of $25,000 for emergency medical services on the field in the past 10 years. The city council authorized $3,500 pre year for services starting in 2005; previously, $2,500 was spent each year.