Gheens’ fest serves up more than ‘Good Eats’

A community center often acts as the beating heart of a small town.

From shooting hoops to saying, “I do,” the flexible functionality of the Vacherie-Gheens Community Center is a perfect example of how one building can bring a populace together.

“This center is a vital part of the area,” said Susan Falgout, community center board member.

Amongst the weddings, pageants and science fairs, this multipurpose structure and the surrounding grounds also serve as the location for the annual Gheens Bon Mange Festival, which is set to take place from June 3-5 of this year.

Originally called the Gheens Day Festival, this family-friendly event was started in the 1970s by several members of local clubs, who saw the need for a communal gathering place in the area.

With donated land from Nolan Falgout and a few years of dedication and hard work, the dream of a community center materialized.

Today, the festival still acts as the lifeblood of the center with 100 percent of the proceeds used to upkeep the facility, according to Susan Falgout.

“We do receive funds from recreation and other functions, but the festival is our main fundraiser,” she explained.

“Bon mange” translates from French into “good eats,” so it is no surprise that the menu for this function is quite extensive and appetizing. “It’s a bit of everything, Cajun food, white beans and red beans, seafood gumbo, jambalaya, rice dressing, meatballs and spaghetti, hamburgers and plenty more. … Plus lots of sweets,” Falgout said.

But food alone does not a fair make and the Gheens Bon Mange Festival is more than just copious amounts of delicious delectables. The event has grown immensely over the years and what started as a single-day food festival now spans across three fun-filled days.

The festivities commence on Friday, June 3, from 6 to 10 p.m. Gates re-open from 11 a.m. till on Saturday and again from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Carnival rides, games, auctions and various children’s activities are just some enticing features of the fest. Musical acts include DJ, 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Wayne Foret, noon to 4 p.m., Gary Thibodaux, 4 to 8 p.m. and The Groove, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday. Treater, featuring Charles Mann, takes the stage from noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

A special presentation of the royal court will occur Saturday, along with plenty of dancing and merriment.

“The Bon Mange Royalty is presented on Saturday evening at 7 p.m.,” Falgout said. “They announce the King and then auction off the Miss, Ms., Teen & Jr. queens for a dance.”

This year’s reigning queens are Miss Bon Mange Queen XXIII,

Deja Steib; Teen Miss Gheens Bon Mange Queen XXIII, Gabrielle

Gallardo; Ms. Gheens Bon Mange Queen VI, Sarah Deroche and Jr.

Miss Gheens Bon Mange XIX, Madison Coludrouich.

An anticipated 50 to 60 queens from all across the state of Louisiana are also expected to attend. In lieu of the customary jambalaya-eating contest, the visiting queens are invited to partake in a blindfolded food tasting challenge on Sunday.

Also on the agenda for the last day of the event is the Miss “Womanless” Gheens Bon Mange Pageant.

“The pageant is where guys compete for the title while dressed in their girlfriend’s, mom’s, wife’s, etc. dresses and shoes,” said board member Lori Robichaux. “They are all done up in make-up and wigs. It is definitely a site to see!”

The Bon Mange queens help dress the Miss “Womanless” contestants.

With so many different events combined into one celebration, the

Gheens Bon Mange Festival is a perfect place for those looking for good cooking, good fun and some small-town, Cajun community spirit.

“We have awesome food and great music,” said Falgout. “It’s a lot of people and a lot of socializing. It’s all very nice.”

There is no entrance fee for this festival. For more information, contact Susan Falgout at (985) 532-5960.

Gheens Bon Mange Festival

Where: Vacherie-Gheens Community Center

When: June 3-5

Cost: The festival is free and open to the public, however costs vary for food, rides and games

For More Info: Contact Susan Falgout at (985) 532-5960