MWoC celebrates Franco-American culture with events

WOONSOCKET — The Museum of Work & Culture’s 19th annual Salute to Spring/Bonjour Printemps event will take place on Sunday, March 25, at 1:30 p.m., and will celebrate Franco-American culture.

The day will include the MoWC’s eagerly anticipated 2nd annual Best Rhode Island Poutine Competition. Restaurants and food trucks from across the state will compete to find out who makes the best version of the traditional Québecois dish of French fries smothered in gravy and cheese curds. Last year’s champion, Friskie Fries, as well as Fan Favorite, Ciro’s Tavern, will be returning to compete against a new slate of competitors, including Pomodoro Restaurant and Adeline’s Speakeasy Kitchen Bar. Woonsocket-based Ravenous Brewery will also be on hand to offer beer tastings. Judges for the Poutine Competition include Dale Venturini, President & CEO of the Rhode Island Hospitality Association; Tom Ward, Publisher of The Valley Breeze; Marc Jacques, Senior Political and Economic Affairs Attaché for the Consulate General of Canada in Boston; Laurence Gagnon, Communications & Francophone Affairs Attaché for the Québec Délégation in Boston; Tim Beaulieu, organizer of the New Hampshire PoutineFest; and David Lahousse, owner of Kay’s Restaurant and The Lodge.

Entertainment includes performances and dances of French Canadian fiddle tunes and Cajun music by the band French Roast at 1:30 p.m.