La Fete d’Ecologie celebrates ‘us’

Is he really there, or has he just sprinkled mojo dust in your eyes? Cast Net King will not say. The King was seen for the first time ever at last year’s La Fete d’Ecologie performing a ritual dance during the festival’s cast-net-throwing competition.

But don’t look for Cast Net King in other places. He will appear exclusively for the people at this year’s 11th annual La Fete d’Ecologie on the grounds of Jean Lafitte National Park-Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center (314 St. Mary St. in Thibodaux)

The one-day celebration of south Louisiana folkways takes place on Saturday, Sept 29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

The King lives by himself in the swamp 45 minutes south of Thibodaux, only an alligator hide’s throw from the dwelling of one-armed Amos Moses.

Gumbo Entertainment Guide managed to track him down for a short visit.

In the meantime, Cast Net King acknowledged that there is much to see and do at the 2007 La Fete d’Ecologie.

Sponsored by the Barataria- Terrebonne National Estuary Program, the festival celebrates the natural, cultural and historical resources of the Barataria-Terrebonne estuary.

The estuary is the rapidly eroding area along Louisiana’s Gulf Coast between the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers.

“This festival is all about music, ecology, heritage, home … it’s about all of us,” said Shelley Sparks, media coordinator for the BTNEP.

“Although this festival has the staples of any festival, such as food and music, La Fete offers much more,” she said. “Not only will visitors have a fantastic time, but they will walk away with a sense of pride about this critically imperiled area, and with a full belly.”

Visitors can stuff their stomachs at the festival with the usual line-up of south Louisiana culinary treats-crab cakes, jambalaya, poboys, bread pudding, and more.

As for the live music, the Cajun Toujours, Cheap Shots with Damon Troy, the Creole Zydeco Farmers, and Southern Image will ratchet up the fun.

Besides the cast-net-throwing competition, the festival will also hold pirogue races, and other indoor and outdoor activities.

Things quiet down, though, at the educational exhibits.

“Traditional folk crafters, government agencies, nonprofits and educational groups participate every year to teach children and adults about the history, culture and bounty of the environment, as well as their efforts to restore Louisiana’s wetlands,” Sparks said.

“Visitors can learn about traditional wooden toys, how to carve a duck decoy, re-cane a chair, and make a cypress paddle,” she said. “They can also see how to make primitive weapons and hone the skills required to use them, and make their own cast net.”

Sparks summed up the essence of La Fete d’Ecologie.

The festival “is designed to educate people about the amazing environment that they live in, the history of the region, and the unique blend of cultures found in the estuary,” she said.

Now, back to the Swamp Svengali, the real force behind the festival.

Cast Net King condescended to explain to the Gumbo Entertainment Guide the various items making up his ritual costume, so that the people can more easily understand the awesomeness of his oneness.

The Viking helmet-“good to hang my net on to dry”

The moss beard-“helps me keep in touch with nature”

The skull-topped juju stick-“helps to bring in the voodoo power”

The smoke rising from the tub- “mystique of the Cast Net King”

The jumpsuit-“allows full body movement to throw the net”

Cast Net King said he may arrive at La Fete d’Ecologie next year riding on a boat.

“Unfortunately, I will be there this year,” he said.

As a final gesture, Gumbo asked the King why he does what he does.

“Cast-net throwing is such an integral part of our culture,” he said. “I want to raise awareness of coastal erosion.”

For more information about the La Fete d’Ecologie festival, call (985) 447-0868.