AUGUSTA — Maine’s Franco-American heritage and culture was on proud display Tuesday at the Legislature as lawmakers recognized the state’s largest ethnic group on Tuesday.

The event was originally scheduled for March 20 but was postponed due to a snowstorm.

“I am so glad that we were able to reschedule the event,” said Sen. Margaret Craven, D- Lewiston, who is Senate chairwoman of the Franco-American caucus. “This has become an important annual event, and so many people were disappointed. I appreciate everyone being so patient.”

Craven, a native of Ireland and an “honorary Franco” attended many of the ceremonies and spoke about the important contributions Francos have made to Maine’s history and society.

The day featured French music and cultural displays in the Hall of Flags and a nearly all-French news conference with dignitaries from Canada speaking on the strong cultural and economic ties between Maine and Quebec.

Meanwhile, the House and the Senate chambers were led by lawmakers with French backgrounds.

In the House of Representatives, Rep. Paul Gilbert, D-Jay, served as speaker pro tempore, and Sen. John Cleveland, D-Auburn, served as president pro tempore in the Senate.

Gilbert conducted the first part of the House’s business in French.

Both House Minority Leader Ken Fredette, R-Newport, and Assistant Minority Leader Alex Willette, R-Mapleton, spoke of their French heritage during brief speeches as well.

Lawmakers also inducted four people into the state’s Franco-American Hall of Fame, including Father Jacques Lapointe of Madawaska, Lisa Marrache of Waterville, Cindy Larock of Lewiston and Michael Cantara of Biddeford.

Leon Albert Guimond of Madawaska, brothers Adolphe and Napoleon Gingras of Augusta, Louis Phillipe Gagne of Lewiston and Camille Bolduc of Biddeford were honored posthumously for their lifelong work for the Franco-American people of Maine.