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July 7, 2011St. Mary Parish blows out candles twice this year in celebration of its 200th birthday. The first party is set for July 9, from 4 to 9 p.m., at Kemper Williams Park in Patterson.
Much of south Louisiana was initially inhabited by the Atakapas (uh-TAK-uh-paws), a branch of ancient Indians who lived in the Gulf of Mexico’s northwestern crescent. The Atakapans called themselves Ishaks (ee-SHAKS), which means “the people,” according to historian and linguist Hugh Singleton.
The prehistoric Atakapans contributed greatly to our way of life today. Singleton said tasso, oyster pie and zydeco – the good time dance, are all gifts to the world.
In time, the Atakapas territory would be divided. St. Mary Parish as it is known today would occupy Atakapa and Chitimacha country until the early 1800s.
St. Mary was officially born April 17, 1811, when the Legislature of the Orleans Territory approved a measure to divide the County of Atakpas into two parishes: St. Mary and St. Martin.
The southern portion, St. Mary, was named by Catholic settlers after the French saint, Anselm of Saint Mary. A genealogist and friar, he was also known as Father Anselm. The northern reaches of the area was called St. Martin.
The two parishes of the 1800s would undergo another change when the land was later divvied into current-day parishes. In all, four familiar Louisiana parishes would be culled: St. Mary in 1811, Lafayette in 1823, Vermillion in 1844 and Iberia in 1868.
Sadly, very little has been written about the Atakapans, particularly after 1762, St. Mary Parish Councilman Gary Duhon said.
After the French and Indian War ended, France surrendered Louisiana to Spain and the rest was history.
“A lot of people credit the French for doing a good bit of settling in the area,” he said. In reality, however, the French Acadians didn’t return to the area until after the Louisiana Purchase, he explained.
Of the region’s diversity, Duhon said, “You can’t leave out the American Indians, the Spanish and the African population living and working here at the time.”
Meanwhile, the 200-year mark is so big, St. Mary Parish President Paul Naquin Jr. said it merits two parties. The first is set for this month and the second will be held in Franklin Oct. 14-16.
“We’ve been planning this for about two months now and we hope everyone comes out to join us,” the parish president said.
The day’s fun includes live entertainment, activities for youngsters, birthday cake and fireworks.
Flashback, an 8-member old-school, rock and blues band, performs from 4 to 6 p.m. Zydeco artists Johnny Chauvin and Mojo Band play from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fireworks follow the musical entertainment.
Officials highlight St. Mary’s history, recognize a few of the parish’s earliest residents and cut the birthday cake at 6 p.m.
In addition to bounce houses, Naquin said there will be activities for children. And the parish’s 2nd Annual Spring into Wellness event kicks off from 4 to 7:30 p.m. The event includes face-painting, a coloring contest, free fruit bags, a silent auction, kid’s bingo, raffles, kid’s golf putting contest, healthy eating info and physical activity promotion materials.
“It promises to be a great day. Bring a lawn chair and help us celebrate St. Mary Parish’s 200th birthday,” Duhon said. “We hope to see everyone there.”
For more information about the day’s festivities, call (337) 828-4100, extension 504, or (985) 395-4905.
St. Mary Birthday Party
Where: Kemper Williams Park in Patterson
When: July 9 from 4 to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free & Open to the Public
For More Info: (337) 828-4100, extension 504, or (985) 395-4905
