LEWISTON — A lively ensemble of instrumentalists ranging in age from 10 to 80 will provide the music for a festive, Franco-themed “Spring Fling” event in Callahan Hall at the Lewiston Public Library on Saturday, May 14.

Scheduled to take place from 1:30 to 4 p.m,, the Fling is designed to be a family affair fashioned after the old-time Franco kitchen parties, featuring dancing and singing as well as vintage French Canadian jigs-and-reels music. Admission is $3 for adults, and $1 for youngsters – including any full-time students up to age 22.

The musical ensemble for the event will feature fiddles, guitars, accordion, mandolin, banjo, spoons and more. Performers include youth from the Maine Folque Co-op’s music program backed up by a number of seasoned local musicians. Leading attendees in a variety of authentic French Canadian quadrilles and contra dances will be Cindy Larock, who will be assisted by some of her students from the USM LAC Senior College class in Franco folk dancing.

The class sparked fond memories for several of the its participants, including Lucy Bisson, chair of Senior College’s board of directors, who recalled her days growing up in Lewiston’s vibrant Franco-American community, when her large, extended family would get together for weddings and other occasions and would dance many of these dances, often accompanied by her great-uncle on fiddle.

Since singing was also typical at these happy family gatherings, members of the popular Franco women’s choral group Les Troubadours will be on hand to entertain the audience with a few favorite chansons. And as a special bonus, attendees will be treated to a display of exquisite paper art creations crafted by students enrolled in another Senior College class taught by paper sculptor Karen Brooks.

Tickets will be available at the door only. For more information, visit www.MaineFolqueCo-op.com or call 207-782-0386.

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