Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals

L.A.F.F.   Lines           Email: Laffhue@bellsouth.net

A Publication of the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals     Curtis J. Hue Editor

 

From the Italian Festival:

I’m Linda with the Independence Italian festival and we have some urgent news to share

 and get out to the public.  If you can help in anyway to spread the news and help us get the word about our move.  It was either cancel our festival with only 2 weeks to go or try to move it and make the best of what ever happens.  This decision to move was made on Wednesday, April 16^th.

 

Due to unexpected circumstance beyond our control the 2008 Independence Italian Festival has moved to the Independence Industrial Park located at 746 E. Railroad ave by the Independence National Guard Armory and the Central Tangi Hear Start.  Just follow the signs to support the success of the festival and enjoy another year of some family fun with more rides, great food, arts and crafts, live music, and plenty available parking.  For more information check out our web site at www.theitalianfest.com.

S/Linda McKinney  

 

First thing I have to do is to tell everyone that attended the convention “THANK YOU” for electing me as your new SECRETARY.  I hope that by the end of the year that you will be glad that the vote went that way.  I will strive to answer all question sent to me and keep you up to date on the happening of LAFF.

Curtis J. Hue/Secretary LAFF

 

 

VERY IMPORTANT

 

This is very important for your event.  I need a short story about your event.  Tell me what is included in your event along with the name, address, phone number and email address of your event chairperson.  This information is need to include in the Fair and Festival Guide for 2009.  I need this information prior to July 1, 2008.  This brochure will be full color, but best of all it will be at the expense of the Louisiana Tourism Department.  All I need to do is furnish the information and they will do the rest.  Why not hurry and sent this information now. An example of what is needed is displayed in the events of May and June in a lower section of this newsletter.

Send information today to:

Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals.

601 Oak Lane

Thibodaux, LA 70301

or laffhue@bellsouth.net

 

 

Your new officers for the year are, Jim Meaux, President; Equilla Victorian, Vice President; Barbara Horaist, Treasurer; Curtis Hue, Secretary; Paul McGee, Past President; Faron Molaison, District 1 Director; Ronnie Lougon, District 3 Director; Kaye Ladner, District 4 Director; Brandon Keene, District 5 Director; Alisa Yelverton, District 6 Director; Warren Deemer, District 7 Director; Deltus Mitchell, Carnival Director; Aaron Brasseaux, Entertainment Director and Neal Horaist, Supplier Director.  Not a director but a great ambassador, our Queen of Queens, Miss Brandi Stout.

 

President’s Message

 

My wife and I had the pleasure of attending the Iowa Rabbit Festival Queens Pageant this month. Donald and Faye Vest and all their volunteers put a lot of effort into this pageant.  We then went to the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival Queens Pageant. Byron Blanchard and the crawfish crew put together a really fine pageant as it shows with all the past royalty that attend each year to be a part of that year’s pageant.  Next we went to the Patterson Cypress Sawmill Festival’s Queens Pageant. If you find yourself in Patterson checkout the museum they have there.  David will be glad to give you the grand tour.  Our next stop was our favorite festival to attend because it is the one we work with.  It is the Arnaudville Etouffee Festival Queens Pageant.  Barbara Sanders always has the crawfish etouffee simmering on the stove to entice your taste buds.  The Miss, Ms. & Teen Queen pageant is on Sunday, but we do all the other categories on Saturday.  As everyone knows it is a lot of work but once you finish the day’s work, the satisfaction of doing your job makes everything seem better.  The festival is April 25 - 27, so please go by and enjoy the festivities.

Feel free to contact your district director or any officer when you have a question.  We will try to assist in any way we can.  Until next month let’s get ready to “Go to Hollywood”.

/Jim Meaux - President  

Vice President’s Message

Hello LAFF,

Mother nature has really been kind to us these past few months with beautiful weather, which is a plus for our fairs/festivals.  I do hope that the rest of the year is just as lovely for the events to come.  

March 8, I had the honor of Judging Miss Bunny in Iowa.  Faye Vest did a outstanding job and the girls were truly lovely, congratulation to your lovely new queens.

March 16, I visited the Catfish festival in Washington.  I had a great time as they say, “cutting the rug”.  I met Mayor Joe Pitre and one of the library board members Mrs. Dorothy Jobert.  Their festival had all the right ingredients: good weather, plenty of food, and great music.

March 29, I had the privilege to judge Patterson Cypress Saw Mill Festival Pageant and was treated to a great luncheon.  David and Linda thanks for such great hospitality, and congratulation to your new queen.

April 10, I attended the Louisiana Rail Road Days Festival pageant. Congratulations to their lovely new queen.  I enjoy being there each year to meet with great folks and good eating, but I also look forward to hearing that train blow at a certain time during competition.  It makes me think of my grandson who loves trains, I found out you can rent the museum and get a train ride (little train) for birthday parties.  Well, guess where my grandson will have his next party.  I was happy to see our lovely Queen of Queens Brandi with her beautiful smile representing her festival and LAFF.

April 20, I attended Etouffee in Arnaudville where my daughter Clara Victorian (Ms), Page (Miss), Carlee (Jr. Miss), gave up their titles.  Barbara had a lot of beautiful contestants and lovely queens.  Jim and Vicki thanks for the use of the camper for the rest.

Now on to convention, preparations are being made for next year’s convention.  Our first board meeting will be held April 26, at 10:00 am, Days Inn, Morgan City.  I know you’ve heard by now that all the rooms are booked solid at the Holiday Inn Select.  The Good thing is there are over flow hotels that will be accepting reservations.  Also, Holiday Inn Select said their new addition should be completed by the end of this year.  We do have rooms blocked for fairs/festivals queens who attended convention this past year, but the directors need to contact the hotel as soon as their new queen is selected and give Amber the queen’s name and a credit card to hold the rooms.  This year the queens’ room registration was very smooth and with this process, and we would like to keep it going.

A convention takes a lot of planning and team work.  One person can not do it all.  If you are interested in helping for nest year’s convention please contact your district director and volunteer.  Should anyone need any help with their festival/fair please call me @ 337-639-2680 or email ejv@centurytel.net.

S/ Equilla Victorian. 

 

3^rd District news

 

Well time has been flying so fast since convention that I have missed several newsletter articles. Spring is now in the air and we should be looking forward to weekly events in May & June. 

District 3 should start heating up with Breaux Bridge Crawfish going all out the 1^st weekend of May.  In June we can look forward to Church Point Buggy and Spice and Music.  There will be many other Festivals in other Districts, however, that can keep you hopping from one end of the state to the other.

By the time you rad this our Festival/Fair Committee with have met to discuss the Attendance/Division structure of our Association.  We will be reporting our findings at the April quarterly meeting to be held in Morgan City and hosted by Shrimp and Petroleum April 26, 2008.  I would like to thank the gang from Shrimp and Petroleum for volunteering their facilities.  I wish I could be there but I will be in California that week.  You should also be reminded that the meetings are open to all members.  Attend the meeting and see what your board is doing for LAFF!

I would like to remind all readers that if you have a concern or complaint, please contact your District Director.  If for some reason you cannot reach your Director, or if you are not getting results, do not hesitate to call other Directors and/or your Executive Board.  These volunteers are here to represent you, the fairs and festivals.  We need to know your opinions and concerns.

 

Ronnie Lougon - District 3 Rocks - 6603 Zwan Road - Gueydan, LA 70542

Office 337-536-7858 or Home 337-536-9328 or Cell 337-658-7858

 

District 7 News

As the spring showers bring May flowers, LAFF is working hard on the 2009 convention to provide you, the members, with another eventful educational convention.  Equilla is working hard to get all her ducks in a row, before they decide to swim away with the waters of the Mississippi as it flows through our state. As I travel the state I have had the opportunity to run into the LAFF President, Vice-President, and a few District Directors.  I can assure everyone that the LAFF Board and Directors are working tirelessly to make YOUR organization the very best.  Since the convention I had the honor of attending the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival and Queen’s Banquet.  I also attended the Patterson Cypress Sawmill Festival and Pageant; I was honored to have judged along with Alisa Yelverton at the Bayou Teche Black Bear Pageant, and attended the Louisiana Crawfish Festival in Chalmette. Also during that time I had a knee surgery, and all went well on that.

I am looking forward to another successful year in District 7, and want to thank all Fairs and Festivals in the District for their quick response fort the new Fair and Festivals Guide.  I want to thank Curtis for his continuous work in getting all the information together for the Office of Tourism.  If you have not sent in your 2009 information, you can only blame yourself if your event does not appear in the new guide.  There is still time to get it in , but please do so soon. 

Also, Gale Luquette is to be commended on the website, it is now up to date, with the information he has received.  The website along with the Fairs and Festivals guide is very important to you in getting your event dates out to the public.  Many people have visited the website and are very pleased with the information available.

This coming year the board will be working on many of the suggestion that you, the members offered on the evaluation forms.  If you want a particular workshop to be presented, please get that information to your District Director so that he can pass it on to the workshop committee.  If you have a particular talent and would like to assist the board with the convention, please contact our Vice-President and Convention Coordinator, Equilla Victorian, I assure she will not turn down any volunteers.  If I can be of assistance to your event, contact me, and I’ll do my best to Assist.

 

Warren Deemer, Director

 

 

 

 

ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS

1^st Place High School

Student: Branna Pugh

Grade 10^th

Phone: 985-386-6737

School: Ponchatoula High

 

The 1960's a Time of Change

 

The decade of peace and love, the 1960's , was, and still is very controversial time period.  It was a time of space travel, protest, war, civil rights, assassinations, and the infamous Woodstock.  Whether the issues that were resolved were good or bad is left unsaid, but there is no doubt that it was a time for our country to evolve. 

It was in the 60s that the American space travel epidemic occurred.  On May 5, 1961, Alan Shepard was sent to space in the Freedom 7.  Alan was the first American to travel in space.  In 1962 John Glenn became the first man to orbit the earth.  Space travel has helped America with technology since then.  It was because of these men, who had the courage to try something no other American has, which has changed society forever.

It was in the 60s that America got involved in Vietnam War.  Most people of America did not agree with the war.  The disagreements led to protests, walkouts, sit-ins, and rallies.  Upon returning from battle American soldiers did not get a warm welcome home from the people of the U.S.  The war caused many soldiers to suffer from PTSF.  Through all of the political conflicts concerning the Vietnam War, the American people still found the power to keep moving forward together.

It was in the 60s that J. F. Kennedy became President.  He challenged the people of America with his speech “Ask not what your country can do for you-ask what you can do for your country.”  He helped solve the Cuban Missile Crisis.  He focused on major domestic issues such as, civil rights, labor unions, and third world countries.  Even thought J. F. Kennedy was assassinated before this third year in office he managed to become on of the most influential Presidents’s and put America on the right tract to bettering ourselves.

            It was in the 60s that Martin Luther King Jr. Took the civil right movement to the next level. Mr. King delivered this “I Have a Dream” speech on August 28, 1963.  Over 200,000 peaceful demonstrators went to Washington DC to demand equal rights for black and whites.  The Civil rights movement led to enormous protests, bloody battles, and extreme racism.  The African Americans of the U.S. thought that the procedures used to separate them were ridiculous and wanted equal rights. It was a long, tough, and brutal battle but the bill to ban discrimination was passed.  Martin Luther King played a major role in banning discrimination and could have persuaded more people to understand the civil rights movement.  Unfortunately, King’s life was cut short when he was assassinated.

It was in the 60s that Woodstock was held.  The Woodstock Music and Art Fair was historic event held on a 600 acre dairy farm in Bethel, New York.  Over 450,000 people came to share the one thing most all Americans agree on.  Music. Music was their way of recovering from all the hardships that took place in the 60s.

It is because of the 60s that our society is as strong as it is today.  Without the space travel, protest, war, civil rights, assassinations, and the infamous Woodstock, our country would not be as civilized and advanced.  The 1960s was a crucial time for our country.  No one reallly agreed, but in the end we came together and made a difference.  I think that if we can successfully change a country for the better then we can certain fulfill the Beatles’ “Revolution” dream of changing the world.

 

1^st Place Jr. High School

Name: Stuart Townillion 

 

 Grade: 7^th

Phone: 985-386-4052 

School: St. Joseph School

Ponchatoula

The 1960,s

The 1960's in the United States were a time of immense change.  Money, inflation, and major events ruled the news.  Also, changing fast were fashions, music and technology.  Even the English language was changing.  This was an exciting era (1060's).   

Money, and inflation hit the home market.  Over a nine-year period from 1960 to 1969, houses went from $12,700.00 to $15,500.00.  That is an increase of $2,800.00 which is equal to eighteen percent.  Also, the price of a new car jumped from $2,800.00 in 1960 to $3,270.00 in 1969.  A gallon o gas in 1960 cost twenty-five cents, but by 1969, it had risen to thirty-five cents.  The average yearly income in 1960 was $5,315.00.  By 1969, it had risen to $8,540.oo.  From this data, one can see how consumer goods ascended during that time (1960's).

Many major events happened in the 1060's.  The first televised presidential debate was held in 1960 between John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon.  Many people voted for Kennedy, because, because he did so well in that debate.  In 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. Made his famous speech, “I Have A Dream”.  He talked about a time where all people could live in peace.  Also in 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.  It was a sad day for our country.  In 1965, President Johnson bombed North Vietnam, and many Americans started a protest against the War.  In 1968, Martin Luther King, Jr. And Robert Kennedy were both assassinated.  They wee both civil rights leaders.  In 1969, Apollo 11 landed on the moon and Neil Armstrong took his first steps for mankind.  These were some of the largest events of our history (Jessica and Amy).

Fashion was another change that occurred in the 1960's.  Clothing was dull and geared for older people until new little shops known as “boutiques” opened with colorful clothing that was very affordable.  Mini skirts, leather boots, and heavy make-up became poplar for women.  Paisley shirts, velvet trousers and high-collard jackets became popular for men.  By the end of the 1960's the skirts lengthened to the floor and so did the hair of men and women.  These were dramatic changes (Jessica and Amy).

In the music field, rock and roll continued from the 50's.  New groups, such as “The Beetles” and “The Rolling Stones”, became instantly popular worldwide.  Three other types of music in the 1960's were psychedelic, folk rock, and pop.  The most popular dance was the “Twist” which was thought to help relieve stress from the talk of the Cold War.  A three-day concert called “Woodstock” was held on a six hundred-acre farm in New York where bands played around the clock.  Music of the 1960's was definitely different (Jessica and Amy).

Technology made some huge gains in the 1960's.  The laser used for surgery was invented in 1961.  The computer mouse and a five-key keyboard were invented in 1964. 

The world’s first covered stadium was built in Houston, Texas in 1965.  Texas Instruments invented the first hand-held calculator, which cost $2500.00.  And the first ATM machine was put in use by First Philadelphia Bank.  These technologies brought help and hope to the future (Jessica and Amy)

The 1960's had it own unique language.  In the mid to late 1960's. The “smiley face” could be found on anything and everywhere. New words from a new culture were invented.  Some examples were: “body stocking”, boutique, dawk, microfiche, folkie, hippie, nitty-0gritty, teeny-bopper, and zonked.  It must have been difficult for older people to understand this new language (Compton Yearbook).

The 1960's had changed in economy, history, fashion, music, and technology.  Some of these changes were positive and some were negative.  Our country would not be the place it is today without these changes that took place.

 

Events to attend in May and June

 

May 1 - 4

Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair

The Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair began in early 1860's and the parade is the oldest continuous parade in Louisiana.  The Parade is held on Sunday at 10 am.  The fair draws over 150,000 people to the event every year.  Our net profit has been over $300,000.00 for the last 10 years.  All moneys go support the Thibodaux Fire Department.  The fair has food and drink booths of all kinds maned by volunteer firemen.  The auction nets over $100,000 per year. Our carnival is hosted by Farrow Amusement and brings on the average of 32 rides and 20 games each year.  Live music can be heard or dance to every day and night of the fair.  The fair is located on a 21 acre plot with ample parking on and around the grounds.  A mass is held two weeks prior for continued success and the protection of the firemen.  Come see us the first week end of May.

 

May 1 - 4

Little Red Church Food and Fun Festival

The Little Red Church Food and Fun Festival celebrates its 28^th year at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with the theme: “A Year of New Beginnings -Three cheers for the Red, White & Blue.”     With election fever in the air, it is our opportunity to express our patriotism through our most festive occasion.  The Festival is scheduled for May 1 - 4, on the tranquil setting of majestic oaks along the historic River Road in Destrehan.  We featur live bands such as The TOPCATS   and BITS & PIECES, sound system, Cajun Music, dance performances, Karate exhibitions, pageantry, paint ball, prizes and other exciting entertainment.  Of course, we pride ourselves on our delicious food: Jambalaya, Red Beans, Crawfish Stew, Fried Catfish, Onion Mums, Hamburgers & Hot Dogs, Snow-balls, Funnel Cakes & many tasty sweets.  Come join us in the fun!

 

May 2

Celebration of Herbs & Gardens

Our festival is always the first Saturday in May or rain-out on Sunday.  Our festival features Everything ro the Herb and Garden Enthusiants!  Guest Speaker on “Herbs” and another on “Care-Propagation and Arrangements of Bromelliads.  Several books and authors signing.  Over 75 venders with fresh herbs, herbal products, yard art, native plants and Plants & Flowers.  For more information call 337-662-5225. 

 

May 2 - 4

Tomato Festival

Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church in St. Bernard Parish will host it 57^th annual tomato Festival on Friday, May 2^nd through Sunday May 4^th.  The Tomato Festival names originates from the fact that the church and school are built on what was, at on time, a Creole Tomato farm.  The soils of Southeast Louisiana make for a unique Creole Tomato, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.  Entertainment will be provided by Zebra, the Top Cats and CheeWeez.  Food will be plentiful at the festival, and includes Grilled and Ray Oysters, Tomato a’la Chalmette, Jambalaya, BBQ Shrimp, Fettuccini, Pizza, Italian Sausage and much more.  Along with pleanty of games for the kids, amusement rides are provided by Goldstar Amusement.  A Tomato Queen and Teen Tomato Queen are crowned and proudly represent at the festival at events around the country.  The festival is located at 2320 Parish Road in Chalmette, in St. Bernard Parish.

 

May 2 - 4

Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival 

This is our 48^th annual festival.  One of the best features of the festival is our entertainment, over 30 of the best Cajun, Zydeco and Swamp Pop bands play all week-end long on three stages.  And of course Crawfish cooked every way imaginable.  Don’t miss our contest! World Famous Crawfish Races, Crawfish Eating Contest, Crawfish Etouffe Contest, Cajun Dance Contest & Zydeco dance.  Attend our Parade on Sunday.  Visit our Official Souvenir and T-Shirt booths and over 75 booths in our Arts & Crafts and Commercial vendor area.  So, Crawl on down to Breaux Bridge where we’ll show you a claw snapping, tail tapping good time!

 

May 15 - 17

Starks Mayhaw Festival

The first annual Starks Mayhaw Festival was held May 13, 1993.  This has become an annual event for many vendors and natives of Starks to come home and visit.  Thursday night includes a Talent Contest, food booths, games, and craft booths.  Friday night is country night with many great bands.  Saturday includes biscuits and Mayhaw Jelly, fresh churned butter and many games for children.  An auction is held on Saturday along with all the booths being open.  Gospel music ends out the festival.  This is a great family oriented festival.

 

Other events in May include:

Cochon de Lait Festival  

Contraband Days

Jambalaya Festival

LA Cajun Food Festival

Poke Salad Festival

Sacred Heart Spring Festival

Sulphur Heritage Festival

Zwolle Loggers & Forestry Festival

June 6 - 8

Opelousas Spice and Music Festival

The City of Opelousas, designated the Spice & Music Capital of Louisiana, hosts the annual festival which features Cajun & Zydeco music, Creole & Cajun food, carnival rides, pageant, parade and more.  The festival began in 2005 and will be held on the grounds of Evangeline DownsRacetrack and Casino.

June 6 - 8

The Buggy Festival of Church Point

The buggy Festival of Church Point started in 1981 as a unique Cajun Culture experience.  Church Point is noted as “The Buggy Capitol” and “Cajun Musician Capitol of Louisiana”.  Our festival showcases the Era of our Ancestors.  The buggy was their main means of transportation.  The “Grand Buggy Parade” held on Sunday, 1 p.m. and other horse drawn carriages, Live Cajun, French, Zydeco music, Antique Buggy Display, Cajun and variety foods, Accordion Extravaganza (10) Professional accordion players performing at the same time.   Crafts and arts from the Acadiana area, novelties and souvenirs.  ETC.  Proceeds provides Health Care for our Community and Students Scholarship.

June 13 - 15

Louisiana Corn Festival

Family fun festival with something for everyone since 1987.  Events taking place over the three day weekend are : Business and Residential Corn decorating Contest, Corn Farmer of the year named, live music and street dance, citywide parade, arts and crafts, Corn Cooking contest, Corn Shucking and Eating Contest, Children’s Corn Parade, large carnival, pirogue races on the bayou, a softball tournament that last all weekend and a signing talent contest.  There are food booths with something tempting for everyone.  The Queen’s Pageant takes place in April.

June 27 - 28

Le Festival de la Viande Boucane’e

If you smell smoke and hear music, it must be time for Le Festival de la Viande Boucane’e - The Smoked Meat Festival.  Since 1993 the Vietnam veterans of America Chapter #632 has conducted a first class event that promotes fabulous food, great music, frolic and fun.  The fun-filled weekend includes a patriotic opening ceremony dedicated to military veterans, 20 hours of continuous music by outstanding nationally and locally known performers, the very competitive World Championship Smoked Meat Cook off, a wide variety of Cajun and traditional foods, beauty pageants for all ages, culinary demonstrations by world-class chefs, arts and craftrs booths and much more.  Come to Ville Platte for Le Festival de la Viande Boucane’e!  We promise you’ll have a “smokin” good time.

June 28

Pink Festival

The Pink Festival will hold it’s first festival on June 28^th.  This is a tentative date to be held on the Ragley Heritage Site in Ragley.  We are planning to have games for children, craft booths, food, rides, music and a breast cancer walk.  This is a family festival and no liquor will be allowed on the premises.  The profit from this festival is for Breast Cancer Patients that have no insurance in our surrounding area.  On June 21 the Queen of Pink Pageant will be held at the South Beauregard High School.  This will be the 3^rd year for the pageant.  The Queen will be able to attend the 2009 Queen of Queens Pageant held at the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festival Convention.  For more information call Carol Ware at 337-725-3639.

June 30 - July 4

Erath 4^th of July Celebration