Cajun Heritage fest preserves woodcarving skill

The Cajun Heritage Festival began in the 1970s. Thirty-two years later, it’s still showcasing skilled carvers from Louisiana and various other parts of the United States.

Carvers – novices, amateurs, professionals and young people – come to Louisiana to participate in the Louisiana State Woodcarving Championship Competition.

The carving competition has more than 100 divisions, which cater to every carving genre created since the festival’s inception in the ’70s when decoys became collectable items in southeast Louisiana.

Originally called the Cajun Hunter’s Festival, the competition began as a way to keep woodcarving alive in the community.

“It’s part of our culture,” said Festival Coordinator Robby Matherne.

“Woodcarving began right here in southeast Louisiana. And, that’s why we keep the festival going every year.”

Much of the festival’s success can be attributed to southeast Louisiana carvers, who have mastered the skill over the years to keep the culture alive. This year, Harry Lottinger, a long-time member of the local carving association, will be honored for his work and support of the club.

Lottinger has served as a board member for several years and has been an active member on the raffle and auction committees for the annual festival.

According to Matherne, Lottinger has been an active carver and has won numerous Best in Show awards. Lottinger can also been seen helping around the carving tank at every competition.

“It is because of Harry’s hard work that the board dedicates the 2007 Cajun Heritage Festival to him,” Matherne said. “Harry is a fine man whose dedication to the club is greatly appreciated.”

The festival will also include a miniature boat contest, an art auction, a duck head-carving contest, a decoy raffle and a duck-calling contest.

Festival display tables will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Matherne said all interested carvers must fill out an information sheet, which is available online at www.cajunheritagefestival.com, to assure a table reservation.

Table registration for members is $20, $35 for non-members.

Besides woodcarving, the festival will feature other artists.

Painters (canvas artists) can compete in the Cajun artist competition, which features the structure and landscaping of southeast Louisiana trapper cabins.

Or, artists can compete in the fine artistry, decorative painting (any medium), pen and ink/scratch art, flat art (wood burning only), or photo artistry competitions that capture a glimpse of Cajun wildlife or heritage, Matherne said.

Each fine arts competition entry is $5.

All artwork must be wired for hanging, according to fine arts competition chairperson Carol Richards, who is a member of the South Lafourche Art Club, Les Artist Du Bayou. Saw tooth hangers are not allowed.

For more information contact Richards at (985) 446-6893.

Vendors will be on hand to sell art and art supplies.

Early registration begins Friday, Sept. 7, from 3 to 6 p.m., at the Larose Civic Center. There will also be a wine and cheese dedication social from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday.

Regular registration will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Festival doors open at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Ticket prices are $2 for adults and $1 for children 12 and under.

The Larose Civic Center will sell food, including gumbo, hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks and other festival-type foods.

For more information, contact Matherne at (985) 228-0845.