Margaret Craven Announces 2012 Franco-American Day Plans
AUGUSTA – Senator Margaret Craven (D-Lewiston) is pleased to announce that the eleventh annual Franco-American Day will be held at the State Capitol in Augusta on Wednesday, March 21. Once again the celebration is scheduled during International Francophone Week, “La Semaine de la Francophonie,” which is being celebrated worldwide during the week of March 18-24.
“I am very excited,” Senator Craven said. “This is a wonderful occasion for the Legislature to recognize and celebrate the contributions of our French heritage. I’d like to encourage everyone who can make it to come to the State House.”
There will be many events including the Presentation of colors by Lewiston’s own Franco-American Veterans, and presentations by dignitaries from France, Canada and the Province of Quebec. A press conference will be held at 11:30am to announce the nominees to the Hall of Fame, and recognize the visiting dignitaries from France, Canada and Quebec Province.
French music will be performed in the State House halls and the national anthems of France, Canada and the United States will be performed in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Cross Cafeteria in the neighboring State Office Building will be serving a Franco-American menu, and there will be displays from Franco-American organizations throughout the state in the Hall of Flags. There is still some space available, so if you are interested in having a table, or if you’d like more information about Franco-American Day at the State House, contact either Alex Pringle in the House Democratic Office at 287-1430 or Dan Shagoury in the Senate Democratic Office at 287-1515.
“The Lewiston Auburn community embraces the opportunity to celebrate their French roots as it is celebrated throughout the entire Francophone world during the third week of March,” said Rita Dube, Executive Director of the Franco-American Heritage Center in Lewiston.
The Franco-American Heritage Center will celebrate “La Semaine de la Francophonie” on the same day as Franco Day in Augusta. The event starts with a wine and cheese reception, followed by a tour of the Franco-American Collection of artifacts, a few brief talks by dignitaries and then a concert entitled “Roulez Roulottes.” The musical program is performed by a group of 12 entertainers who come directly from France and Switzerland and they are called “Faits Divers.”
The same group will be performing for the Lewiston School department’s 4th graders on Thursday morning the 22nd at 10 a.m., where they will be joined by the chorus from L’Ecole Francaise du Maine of Freeport. All home schooled children and their parents are invited to attend this event. The Auburn after school program students will also be entertained at 4 p.m. on Wednesday and again all home schooled children are welcome. There will be a fourth performance by this group held at St. Michael’s School in Augusta on Tuesday evening March 20th. For more information about these events, contact Rita Dube at the Franco-American Heritage Center at 783-1585.