Staff Writer

The 29^th annual La Kermesse festival will offer a familiar atmosphere in a new location, according to organizers.

The Biddeford City Council last week approved a special events permit to hold the festival at downtown Mechanics Park. Councilors Patrician Boston and David Bourque voted in opposition. Councilors also waived more than $5,000 in fees for city services.

The festival will run June 24 to 26.

La Kermesse President Jessica Quattrone said the vote came after months of meetings with city officials to plan the event as organizers look to put behind them problems with the festival’s location, attendance and finances.

The festival, which celebrates Franco American heritage, was held at St. Louis Field for more than two decades. The field was heavily damaged during a rainy festival in 2009 and last year was instead held at Biddeford Ice Arena.

Quattrone said moving to downtown is a new start for the festival. Also new is working so closely with city officials, she said. She said with support of city officials, “we want to make sure that any of the past events that occurred do not occur again.”

Councilors questioned Quattrone and Treasurer Paul Gagne about festival plans during a May 10 special council meeting. Some expressed concern about details still being worked out such as street closures during fireworks. Councilors said festival directors must provide proof of insurance and a $10,000 bond for potential damages before the festival.

Quattrone said festival directors have met with the city’s special events committee to address a number of issues from safety to trash removal. She said plans for the safest way to configure the festival and to minimize impact on traffic are still being finalized.

City Manager John Bubier said all issues that would be “deal killers” have been resolved. He said meetings with festival directors have been productive and helpful.

Councilor Rick Laverriere said he is glad to see the festival move downtown and supported waiving fees. He also proposed the $10,000 bond to cover damages.

“I want something to know it’s covered and our people won’t have to pay for (damages),” he said.

Councilor George “Pete” Lamontagne said he had mixed emotions about using Mechanics Park for the festival.

“It’s OK to put money aside for damages, but repairs take time,” he said. “Mechanics Park is starting to come into its own. It’s a very fragile park.”

City officials have worked with festival directors to identify areas of the park where they cannot place heavy objects because of a protective barrier installed as part of remediation of the site. 

Councilor David Bourque said he felt there were “so many unanswered questions.” He also expressed concern about damage to the park if it rains during the festival.

“That park will be affected by a whole weekend of pedestrian traffic,” he said.

Councilor Bob Mills said his main concern stems from the 2009 festival at St. Louis Field. He suggested festival directors consider putting $1 from each ticket toward the $25,000 the city charged the festival for field damages.

“I definitely want to see some type of payment toward the past due balance,” he said.

Gagne, the festival treasurer, said the organization is still working to pay off vendors for that year and will “put you on the list.”

The council voted to table the festival’s liquor license until its May 17 meeting to allow more time for discussion. The meeting was held after the Courier’s publication deadline.

Quattrone said directors are moving ahead to line up entertainment, vendors and sponsors for the three-day festival. The parade will return this year, stepping off at 5:30 p.m. Friday from the corner of Beach and Main streets in Saco and winding its way to Biddeford City Hall.

“We wanted to try to tie Saco into the festival,” Quattrone said.

The festival will feature live music throughout the weekend, including performances for children. On Saturday, field games and face painting for children will be the highlight of the day, Quattrone said. A fireworks display will be held Saturday night.

Quattrone said people can pay $2 to come into the park for fireworks, a discount from the $5 ticket to get into the main tent. An area with carnival rides will be free to enter, but people will need to buy tickets for rides.

Festival tickets are $8 for two days when purchased in advance or $5 per day at the gate. They will be on sale at area businesses later this month.

Musical performances will be held on an outdoor stage and in the main tent. The band Contagious is set to perform Friday night, followed by the Corona Brothers Saturday night. French music and entertainment will be provided by Chantel et Marcel and La Famille LeBlanc. The alternative rock band Breakthrough also will perform.

“We’re trying to do a little bit of everything,” Quattrone said.

The La Kermesse Idol singing competition will begin June 22 with free auditions. Competitors will perform Friday and Saturday night.

On Sunday, La Kermesse will hold a Mass followed by a crepe breakfast. The St. Louis Alumni Band will perform that day. Quattrone said admission to the festival on Sunday is free.

“We are definitely trying to make it so people can come for a good time and not leave their arm and leg at the door,” she said.

Quattrone said she is looking forward to the festival’s “new start” downtown and feels it could grow to be one of the best events in southern Maine.

“We could eventually make this huge. What a way to kick off the summer,” she said.

Festival directors will post a full schedule of events when it is finalized at www.lakermessefestival.com.

Staff Writer Gillian Graham can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 213.