The Greater Madawaska Chamber of Commerce invites you to experience the unique quality of life and the many opportunities available in our very special corner of America

 

29th Annual

ACADIAN FESTIVAL

June 24 to July 2, 2006

Caron Family Reunion

Festival Headquarters - 356 Main Street, Madawaska

For Tickets & Information call (207) 316-7980 or (207) 728-6250 


Last update: June 19, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Greater Madawaska Region includes the communities of Frenchville, Grand Isle, Madawaska, Sinclair and St. Agatha. Each town is unique, yet all share the common cultural ties, which unite the people and make the St. John Valley the special place that it is.

Madawaska
Madawaska
, Maine
serves as one of the Four Corners of the United States, as it is the most Northeasterly town in the country. It is situated on the International Border, across from Edmundston, the largest city in northwestern New Brunswick, Canada. Madawaska is the industrial center of the St. John Valley and Home to the internationally known Fraser Paper, Inc., the Northern Trading Cosmetic Company, and a exceedingly hardworking and dedicated labor force. Madawaska holds great potential for economic opportunity and growth.

The town is home to a strong agricultural community, which is responsible for growing famous
Maine potatoes, known all over for their consistently high quality. With each fall brings another potato harvest, when local schools provide release time for students to help with the work.
Maine State records show two separate acts of incorporation for the town of Madawaska, the first in l831 and the second in 1869. The original territory encompassed an area more than 4,200 miles, known as the Madawaska Settlement. It was more than 118 times the size of the ordinary Maine or United States Township; no other town of such magnitude has ever been created in Maine or any other state. The name "Madawaska" was actually derived from the Iroquois Indian word, which literally translated means "Land of the Porcupine".

Today, Madawaska is a vibrant community of just under 5,000 people, most of whom are of Acadian descent and speak fluent French. Year round festivals and events including, the Acadian Festival, and the International Snowmobile Festival are not to be missed.

Frenchville
This "Small Town with a Big Heart," was incorporated in 1869. Nestled in the big curve of the St. John River. Frenchville boasts a natural setting for great outdoor activity. Our cross-country ski club and snowmobile club takes full advantage of this panoramic setting. A fully equipped Recreational Park, with a baseball diamond, is certainly enjoyed during the summer months. “The Green Water Tower,” a watering hole for old-time steam engines, is always eye catching to newcomers, our local historical society maintains the tower along with a caboose that houses valued artifacts. Make arrangements to visit the Corriveau Grist Mill, which also houses an old wool-carding machine.

Frenchville is also home to St. Luce Church, the oldest Catholic Church on the American side of the river. Over the years, this small community has prospered as a community of farmers, merchants and small manufacturing operations such as the gristmill, starch factories and lumbering mills.

Grand Isle
This small community of just over 500 is located north of Van Buren and south of Madawaska on US Route 1. The people of Grand Isle are known for their strong family values and family ties. Each summer, these attributes are celebrated with a huge community “Homecoming” celebration. At which time former residents and hundreds of others from all over converge on the town and more than triple the local population. Tourists and locals alike may also take advantage of a picnic area at Mont Carmel or visit Long Lake and experience the best in recreational activities.

Lille village, a settlement just south of Grand Isle, is home to l’Association Culturelle et Historique du Mont Carmel, a museum housed in a former Catholic Church which includes many historical Acadian artifacts. The association hosts an annual Classical Impressionist Music Festival Labor Day weekend.

Sinclair
This small, picturesque community is situated on Long Lake just south of St. Agatha on Route 162.  In the winter months, ice fishermen take over the lake, forming little villages of ice shacks on the frozen water.  With summertime comes an influx of visitors who flock to camps along the lake, which offers numerous recreational possibilities.

Not to be shortchanged, fall brings with it a spectacular beauty as the lake mirrors the awesome color of the rolling hills surrounding it. Sinclair serves as the "Gateway to
Long Lake" for visitors traveling in off Route 161.

St. Agatha
Entering the town of St. Agatha, you experience a sense of tranquility and notable beauty, thus the nickname, "The Prettiest Town South of the Border". A small community, with a population of around eight hundred, St. Agatha primarily serves as a bedroom community to the labor force, is an outdoor recreational paradise for enthusiasts, and is well known for it's potato farming industry. Route 162, which is the town's main street, borders Long Lake. St. Agatha, which lies approximately five miles south of Route One, provides a safe and comfortable family living atmosphere.

The town itself, was initially a parish before it was officially incorporated on
March 17, 1899 as the 466th town in the State of Maine. People who resided here were often times referred to as the people of the lake, or, "Du Lac". The official name St. Agatha was initially Ste. Agathe, as named by Bishop Healy as an autonomous parish in the lake region in 1889. Visit the historical house museum to find out more.


Greater Madawaska Chamber of Commerce
 
PO Box 144 /
356 Main Street
Madawaska, ME 04756

valleyvisit@pwless.net
Tel: (207) 728-7000
Fax: (207) 728-4696

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