World Acadian Congress Opening Ceremonies [PHOTOS + VIDEO]

There were many smiling faces at Lonesome Pine Lodge in Fort Kent during the broadcast of the 2014 World Acadian Congress opening ceremonies on Friday. Check out some photos and video!

Local dignitaries, members of the 2014 World Acadian Congress as well as volunteers took the podium to address the days events and discuss the month long celebrations.

A live feed of the opening ceremonies was made possible via the web. The public was invited to Lonesome Pine Lodge to view the broadcast as well as have breakfast.

The 5th World Acadian Congress opened on the shore of Beau Lake, where the borders of New Brunswick, Quebec, and Maine meet. Arriving on the lake by canoe, a few dignitaries and first nations elders took part in a symbolic erasing of the borders ceremony.

I had the great opportunity to speak with George Dumond, President for the Maine Regional Coordinating Committee and Co-President of the International Organizing Committee for the World Acadian Congress.

Later there was a dedication to Acadians at the Four Corners Park in Madawaska put on by Joe LaChance, President & Founder of the park. Maine Governor Paul LePage along with his wife First Lady Ann LePage were on hand to say a few words.