Esma Orgeron
July 2, 2007
NSU business college dean elected to state CPA board
July 4, 2007Born out of a love of south Louisiana’s infamous sounds, the members of Our Lady of Good Voyage Knights of Columbus Dulac Council 7722 are “testing the waters” on a grander scale with this month’s fais do do.
In fact, the first annual “Down da Bayou” Festival July 14-15 in Dulac promises to be a celebration of Cajun, Zydeco and swamp pop rhythms.
For years, the knights have gathered at their Shrimpers Row headquarters to listen to music and swap tales with friends. And each year, the conversation turns to hosting an event where the whole community can join in passing a good time.
“This year, the feeling was we just had to do it; there was a real burning desire,” said event chairman John Silver.
Treater is the headliner throughout the weekend. Also slated to perform are Charles Mann, Warren Storm, Willie T, Duane Schurb, Vin Bruce, Pott Folse, D.L. Mernard, Fais Do Do, Southern Boyz and Southern Image.
“This festival is building upon the good times we have with our fais do dos,” Silver said. “It’s not going to be on the scale of a Jazz Fest, but we hope we have the right mix. There should be something everyone can enjoy.”
Besides great music, Silver said the “Down da Bayou” fest will capitalize on the second element that makes the region unique: It’s food.
“We’ll have all the traditional stuff – boiled and fried seafood, jambalaya, white beans. The foods South Louisiana is known for,” Silver said.
Local artisans will also be on hand to sell their wares and offer demonstrations in basket-weaving and woodcarving. And there’ll be bingo and a raffle.
For youngsters, there will be games of skill, a space walk/slide combo, a rock climbing wall and a dunking booth.
Admission is $3. Proceeds from the “Down da Bayou” Festival will go toward Council 7722’s charitable works in the community.
“This should be a nice event for the bayou,” Silver said. “It’s a great way for us to try to get our feet wet. We hope everyone comes out and joins us. We’re looking forward to this becoming an annual event.”
The festival is open Saturday from noon until 10 p.m., and Sunday from noon until 8 p.m.
