A Word from our President
Dear “Acadians”,
It’s my pleasure to welcome you all to the 35th annual Acadian Festival taking place in one of the four corners of the United States, Madawaska, ME from August 9th-15th. This year’s festival will allow you to enjoy several aspects of the Acadian culture including authentic cuisine, music and art and most importantly the friendliness and hospitality of French Acadians. Visit historical sites throughout the area including “the Acadian Cross Landing” and “Tante Blanche Museum” in St. David, the “Acadian Village” in Van Buren, and several homesteads that will show you how your relatives lived a hundred years ago. Join us at the “landing” for the re-enactment of the original Acadians coming ashore, stick around and enjoy an authentic Acadian Meal,Talk to our “Treasures of the Valley” and learn how your ancestors made yarn, thread, clothing, blankets, baskets and more and of course enjoy the great music all festival long.
Family is the heart of the Acadian culture and on behalf of the committee we would like to personally welcome the celebrated family this year , the Talobt dit Gervais. Get re-acquainted with friends and family and meet new family you never knew you had. Enjoy time together at the family talent show and Dinner.
The 2012 festival will include events for all ages including Friday night’s “Party Du Main Street” with food, music and games , the ever popular Dunk Tank and the first annual Acadian Triathalon, which will include the bed race followed up by potato picking and a ploye eating contest. Don’t miss out on Saturday’s Family Fun day, that will have a food court with a wide assortment of choices, games and contests for adults and children, Acadian music, a display by Native Americans that will include educational talks, demonstrations and dances. Stick around into the evening and watch the fireworks and finish the night with some great music from a Beatles tribute band. Join us on main street on Sunday for the “Big Parade” featuring floats, bands, cars, trucks and more. The festival will keep going on Monday and Tuesday night with Music in the Park and finally come on down and make some noise on Wednesday for the international “Tintamarre” Parade.
Welcome to “Acadia of the Lands & Forests”, host of the 5th World Acadian Congress in 2014!
Mr. Mark Epstein
President, 2012 Acadian Festival Committee