Cut Off amps up the rides at this year’s fair

The Cut Off Youth Center Fair is in its 42nd year and still raising money so that kids in the area can have a place to play, said youth center director D’Lynn Boudreaux.

The fair – held Friday, Nov. 6, through Sunday, Nov. 8, this year – is on the grounds of the center (205 W. 79th St. in Cut Off).

The 2009 celebration promises great music and food as always, and the carnival rides continue to be improved, Boudreaux said. A new amusement ride company was used in 2008 that proved to be a hit and the same company will be supplying the fun again this year.

“The rides before last year weren’t that great,” Boudreaux said.

The ones for 2009 will include a small rollercoaster and the fast, swinging “The Hustler.”

The food offerings are extensive, especially a certain crustacean. Shrimp jambalaya, fried shrimp, shrimp boulets (balls), shrimp fettuccine and shrimp soup will be served. Other south Louisiana edibles at the fair include alligator sauce piquante, grillades, pork routee and pork skins. Steak and roast beef sandwiches will be available also.

Hamburgers and hot dogs will be cooked up “for kids who don’t know how to eat food,” Boudreaux said.

The fair opens at 5 p.m. Friday. The musical acts start right away with Reaux Shambo followed by DNA. The fair closes at 1 a.m. on Saturday opens again at 11 a.m. Waylon Thibodeaux saws on the fiddle from noon to 4 p.m. and Unlimited takes the stage from 5 to 9 p.m. and Halifax performs from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday with D.J. Collins providing the music from 1 to 5 p.m. An area for dancing will be in front of the stage, naturally.

An auction will be held throughout the fair, Boudreaux said, with wood furniture, barbecue pits, large boiling pots and a mystery ice chest up for bid. On Saturday, bidding will also take place on the crown to be worn by the fair’s pageant winner.

The fair is the Cut Off Youth Center’s main fundraiser, Boudreaux said. All proceeds benefit the center. Call (985) 632-7616 for more info.

Cut Off amps up the rides at this year’s fair