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October 9, 2013
A Chauvin festival concentrated on celebrating local culture in order to preserve it returns for its fourth consecutive year.
Sponsored by Terrebonne Advocates for Possibility, the two-day event features music, food, cultural demonstrations, contests and arts and crafts. The event aims to give a voice to Chauvin residents.
“We’ve chosen this particular time because it’s cool and it reminds us of festivals in a day gone by,” foundation president Kurt Lirette says.
Faded Ink, Boom, Don Rich, Southern Boyz and Larry White are among the bands scheduled to perform. Drum lines from Lacache Middle and South Terrebonne High schools are also expected to entertain. The Chauvin All-Stars are scheduled for a special one-night reunion.
Saturday features a jambalaya cook-off from 9 a.m. to noon, and a 5K fun run is set for 7:30 a.m. Saturday.
Children and teens can also participate in activities, including essay contests, performances and a dance.
Arts vendors are invited to set up booths and sell their wares, though they are required to have at least 80 percent original material, Lirette says.
“We’re trying to make sure we don’t have anyone reclaiming something and bringing it to the festival and selling it,” Lirette says.
Other events, unique to the Chauvin festival, include a talent show and genealogy presentations.
Roughly 1,500 people attend the festival each year.
All proceeds stay with the non-profit foundation, which hopes to one day open Chauvin Culture and Heritage museum at the Boudreaux Canal store. The group has a location but needs the money to repair the building. Last year’s festival contributed to a new roof, and flooring is the next step.
“Once it’s established, we’ll try to promote our culture not only in the past, but also in the present – where we’ll have living exhibits.”
Admission is free. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on both days.
For more information, visit www.terrebonneadvocatesforpossibility.org.
