Host Michel Lajoie reacts Thursday afternoon after Elaine Roop, right, reveals to the crowd at La Rencontre at the Gendron Franco Center in Lewiston that Saint Patrick wore blue, not green. Each gathering of La Rencontre during the year has a cultural theme. Thursday’s included a traditional boiled dinner. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Joanne and Paul Ducharme of Poland dance and sing “Can’t Help Falling in Love” on Thursday afternoon at the Gendron Franco Center in Lewiston. La Rencontre, which means the gathering, is offered several times a year. “How can you not dance to this?” Ducharme said. The couple formerly lived in Lewiston. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

George Dorion, 91, of Jay dances Thursday afternoon at La Rencontre, the gathering, at the Gendron Franco Center in Lewiston. He said he needs to keep moving and having fun. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

The group Present Company plays a song Thursday afternoon at the Gendron Franco Center in Lewiston during La Rencontre, which means the gathering. With a strong Franco community in the area, people filled the hall to enjoy the food, games, culture and performing arts while socializing. Several conversations at the tables were in French. The next La Rencontre will be June 23. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal