The La Kermesse Franco-Americaine Festival () is a festival in Biddeford, Maine, which celebrates the state's French and French Canadian heritage. It is colloquially shortened to 'La Kermesse' (). La Kermesse began in 1982 with the motto "C'est Le Temps" ().
History Established in 1982, La Kermesse has been a celebration of French Canadian culture in Maine with live music, games and entertainment.La Kermese shifts focus to diversify the traditional French festival this year Portland Press Herald, June 23, 1997 In 1997, the Festival shifted to include all groups in the city. Throughout its history the festival has used a green frog as its mascot and pin-back buttons to confirm entry. These buttons get changed every year and so people collect and trade them. Fireworks are also a prominent feature of the festival. After being postponed by COVID-19 in 2020,La Kermesse cancelled this year Portland Press Herald, May 3, 2020 La Kermesse returned in 2022.
Struggles In 2009 and 2010, the Festival faced significant financial difficulties and nearly shut down.Biddeford's Franco festival won't be canceled Portland Press Herald, April 27, 2010 After the festival survived these difficult times, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the festival to be postponed in 2020 and 2021.Biddeford's La Kermesse Festival postponed until 2022 due to pandemic WGME, March 31, 2020
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