LEWISTON — Franco-American tradition will once again be on full display at the Franco Center, with a baked chicken dinner followed by French-Canadian songs performed by the Lorraine Ouellette Trio at the next La Rencontre (the gathering). The monthly event will take place at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 8. The cost of the meal and program is $8 a person.

Doors will open at 10 a.m. Guests may contact the center office for reservations at 783.1585; leave a message or call during office hours, Monday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m.

Reservations must be placed by 4 p.m. Tuesday. Email reservations may be sent to [email protected]. La Rencontre is in no way restricted to French-speakers or even those of Franco descent. All are welcome to attend.

After a lunch of baked chicken, roasted potatoes, peas and carrots, dinner rolls, and pudding with whipped cream for dessert, entertainment in the form of traditional French-Canadian songs will be performed by the trio of Lorraine Ouellette. accordion; Gerry Dubé, guitar; and Adrien Leclair, guitar.

They will be joined on some of the songs by vocalists, Yvette Parent and Madeleine LeBlanc. The local trio has been a regular favorite at the Franco and throughout the community for many years.

Executive Director Mitch Thomas advises not waiting until the last minute, since the Franco Center’s Heritage Hall will likely reach full capacity days before the registration deadline for this particular event. The center is located on the corner of Cedar and Oxford streets just across the bridge from New Auburn.