The Franco-American Collection at the University of Southern Maine and the Franco Center invite you to a celebration of St. Jean-Baptiste Day! Join us at the Franco Center, 46 Cedar St. in Lewiston, on June 24, 2025 at 6 p.m. for the event. Ticket prices include dinner. This program is made possible by the generous sponsorship of Champoux Insurance, the Québec Delegation in Boston, and TV5MONDE.
This collaboration between the USM Franco-American Collection and Franco Center promises to be an exciting tribute to St. Jean-Baptiste celebrations of days gone by. St. Jean-Baptiste, the patron saint of Québec, inspired large-scale parades, parties, and special religious masses in Lewiston between the late 19th century and the mid 20th century. According to the Sun Journal in 1940, the St. Jean-Baptiste celebration was so large, they needed two separate parades to include all the floats and participants. Traditionally, a local boy with curly, blond hair would be selected to portray St. Jean-Baptiste in the parade–and don’t worry, we’ll have pictures to prove it! If you are one of these St. Jean-Baptistes, we hope you are able to join us this June 24th to be recognized at the event.
The doors will open at 5 p.m., along with the cash bar and conversation in French and English. At 6 pm, dinner will begin. Music, featuring Robert Sylvain and Steve Muise, will begin at 6:30 p.m. and Don and Cindy Roy will take the stage at 8 p.m. accompanied by Cindy Larock who will lead contra dancing until 9 p.m. The dinner menu will include Franco-American foods, featuring Pâté chinois, pea soup, and sugar pie for dessert. There will also be a vegetarian version of Pâté chinois, and a green salad and rolls. Water, lemonade and coffee drinks are free with your ticket, and sodas and bar drinks available for purchase.
Ticket prices are as follows:
Adults: $22
Seniors: $18
Children 12 and under: $12
Please note that the TICKET DEADLINE is JUNE 17TH!
For more information, to read about the musicians, or to reserve your seat, contact the Franco Center at 207-689-2000 or visit:
https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=267694
If you have questions about disability access or need to request disability accommodations, please contact the Franco Center. Requests should be made as soon as possible to allow sufficient time for the accommodation process.
Also check out other Music events in Lewiston, Entertainment events in Lewiston.
