Past: French Heritage Festival

The French Heritage Festival celebrates 300 years of French culture in North America from Quebec to New Orleans and recognizes Ste. Genevieve’s status as having the greatest concentration of authentic French Colonial architecture that exists in North America. Opening ceremonies are conducted on the steps of the Church of Ste.Genevieve at 10:30am, where “Marie Antionette” and “King Louis XVI” will make an appearance. French carols by the Ste.Genevieve Chanteurs, a salute by the Ste.Genevieve Milice, a traditional benediction, and a Grand Promenade through the historic district will follow. Throughout the day, festival activities center around the downtown including music, dancing, storytelling, skill demonstrations by re-enactors, children’s activities, French Colonial architectural tours, beer/wine and other refreshments. Live music concerts featuring traditional Creole music and fiddle playing by Creole Stomp and Dennis Stroughmatt et L’Esprit Creole are a major highlight of the event. On Sunday, early birds can enjoy a guided Audubon Bird Walk at 7am. from the Ste. Genevieve Middle Mississippi River Refuge. Also on Sunday, historic homes and gardens will be available to tour.