The Franco Center is proud to celebrate everything French just as the Quebec immigrants did when they came to Lewiston-Auburn in the mid 1800s to work in our textile mills, shoe factories, and brickyards.
Parlez Vous?
With the support of Champoux Insurance, the Franco Center opens its doors every other Thursday at 10:30 a.m. to all French speaking people who wish to have conversations with others who also speak French.
The topics at each meet-up are varied and are brought up by those in attendance. Admission is free, but donations are always welcome.
The attendees are divided into two groups: those who are fluent in French and those who need to be reminded of their French language.
Facilitators are Janet Sullivan and Joanne Ducharme. There is no need to sign up or pre-register. Walk-ins are welcome.
The best way to learn if a class is still on as scheduled or has been cancelled is to give your email address and phone number to the facilitators at a meet-up so they can contact you.
La Rencontre aka “The Gathering”
Diverse cultures, performing arts, and languages come together at the Franco Center during La Rencontre. In Franco culture, big celebratory meals included live music provided by members of the family and their neighbors. Many families made sure their kids each learned to play an instrument in order to entertain at such gatherings — and so, accordingly, the Franco Center invites local musicians and entertainers to provide live music for its guests. Tickets are not sold at the door and must be purchased by noon on the Thursday before the event.Event sponsor is Champoux Insurance.
The price is $17 per person and includes lunch and entertainment. The event is usually held quarterly on the second Thursday of the month, but special situations arise and so please check our social media and event calendar. Doors open at 10 a.m. Entertainment and lunch (not always in that order) follow an hour of socializing. La Rencontre usually is completed between 1 to 1:30 p.m.
Tickets for La Rencontre can be purchased online: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=franc