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Log inFestival celebrates entire Franco-American community
Festival celebrates entire Franco-American community
by Outspoken on Sun Jul 06, 2008 5:29 am
Festival celebrates entire Franco-American community
BY KRIS FERRAZZA
Correspondent Kennebec Journal
AUGUSTA -- Le Festival de la Bastille means many things to many people.
Some say it's like a big high school reunion, where several decades worth of area graduates catch up with one another after many years apart. Others say it's the perfect place for a super-sized family reunion, providing a festive environment while allowing others to prepare the food and provide professional entertainment.
The founders' original intent was to celebrate Bastille Day, July 14, and there is no denying the event's roots are set deep in Franco-American heritage. It heartily celebrates that culture. However, it is much more, according to Le Club Calumet President Pat Boucher.
"I think it's something that everybody of all nationalities looks forward to," he said, noting it benefits the local economy and the whole city of Augusta. "It's a great event because it brings a lot of people to the area."
In the festival's heyday it brought as many as 10,000 people to the state's capital for a three-day weekend of eating, drinking, dancing and good family entertainment. With a huge 48-by-32-foot dance floor and live music, he described it as an old-fashioned festival.
"The people who are there are there for music, and entertainment, and the great food," Boucher said. Entertainment ranges from comedians and cloggers to musical acts from Canada.
Whole families plan their visits to Maine around the festival, and at times there have been between 60 and 90 members of the same family holding their reunions at the festival.
Boucher also noted city government supports the event, pointing out two members of the Augusta City Council, Pat Paradis and David Rollins, are members of Le Club Calumet, and Mayor Roger Katz is an honorary member.
http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/news/local/5174932.html
BY KRIS FERRAZZA
Correspondent Kennebec Journal
AUGUSTA -- Le Festival de la Bastille means many things to many people.
Some say it's like a big high school reunion, where several decades worth of area graduates catch up with one another after many years apart. Others say it's the perfect place for a super-sized family reunion, providing a festive environment while allowing others to prepare the food and provide professional entertainment.
The founders' original intent was to celebrate Bastille Day, July 14, and there is no denying the event's roots are set deep in Franco-American heritage. It heartily celebrates that culture. However, it is much more, according to Le Club Calumet President Pat Boucher.
"I think it's something that everybody of all nationalities looks forward to," he said, noting it benefits the local economy and the whole city of Augusta. "It's a great event because it brings a lot of people to the area."
In the festival's heyday it brought as many as 10,000 people to the state's capital for a three-day weekend of eating, drinking, dancing and good family entertainment. With a huge 48-by-32-foot dance floor and live music, he described it as an old-fashioned festival.
"The people who are there are there for music, and entertainment, and the great food," Boucher said. Entertainment ranges from comedians and cloggers to musical acts from Canada.
Whole families plan their visits to Maine around the festival, and at times there have been between 60 and 90 members of the same family holding their reunions at the festival.
Boucher also noted city government supports the event, pointing out two members of the Augusta City Council, Pat Paradis and David Rollins, are members of Le Club Calumet, and Mayor Roger Katz is an honorary member.
http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/news/local/5174932.html
"Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything."
Plato (427-347 BC)
Plato (427-347 BC)
