ON THE BALL: McPherson has big plans for Terrebonne hoops
August 1, 2007Dear Editor,
August 3, 2007The shrimp and oil-and-gas industries are synonymous with Louisiana’s coast.
For years, they’ve provided for our basic needs and enhanced the nation’s quality of life.
Each Labor Day weekend, the community of Morgan City hosts a five-day festival to say “thank you” to the companies and people that keep the industries alive.
The 72nd annual Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival, set for Aug. 30 through Sept. 3, promises to be even bigger and better than in year’s past, according to Brent Bergeron, publicity chairman for the celebration.
“Being voted one of the state’s best festivals brings on challenges of what to do for an encore,” Bergeron said. “We think we’ve got a great festival; we just continue to try to improve on the quality.”
The hard work has paid off, too.
The Shrimp and Petroleum Fest is a major economic engine in St. Mary Parish, generating nearly $2 million across the area, according to a recent University of New Orleans study, Bergeron said.
The five-day event has also received top honors from the state’s tourism department, as well as a mention in Time magazine and on “Late Night with David Letterman.” During a recent flight, board member Nathalie Webre even ran across a mention of the festival in the airline’s magazine.
“We try to remain humble of our award status,” Bergeron said. “Our most prideful thing is that the community feels that the Shrimp & Petroleum fest is so great and much-loved because it is a celebration that reflects all the blessings that our shrimp and petroleum industries and its people have been given by God. Not just the natural resources either, but south Louisiana’s greatest asset: her people.”
The 72nd annual festival promises fun for all ages, the promotions chairman said.
Situated in Morgan City’s Historic District, the event includes food, continuous free live music, children’s activities, crafts and a number of traditional events including rides and carnival games.
The fun gets under way Thursday, Aug. 30, at 5 p.m., when the Mitchell Brothers Carnival midway opens.
Saturday, Sept. 1, is Children’s Day. Youngsters will enjoy the Field & Game events – three-legged races, sack races and the like – beginning at 9 a.m. Professional storytellers will keep the young ones entertained beginning at 10 a.m. And at 11:30, the Children’s Day Mini-Street Parade will roll through the Historic District to Lawrence Park. Prizes will be given for the best decorated floats and costumes.
At 1 p.m., the Children’s Day King & Queen will officially open the McDermott/Teche Regional Medical Center Children’s Village.
The Cajun Culinary Classic, a showcase of local “home-style” cooking, will be held from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and noon to 9 p.m. Monday. Local non-profit groups and civic organizations benefit from the proceeds, Bergeron said.
Traditional activities include the Coronation Court and Pageant set for Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The festival’s new royalty will be announced at the ticketed event.
A Mass in the Park, beginning at 8:30 a.m., will be held Sunday. The 2007 king and queen and Knights of Columbus, outfitted in full regalia, will be featured.
And at 10 a.m. Sunday, the Historic Blessing of the Fleet is held. A Water Parade featuring decorated shrimp boats, pleasure craft and some of the biggest muscle boats of the offshore industry will participate.
At 3 p.m., the annual Street Parade rolls. The U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office of Morgan City will lead the parade. And at 9 p.m. that night, the skies will light up with a fireworks extravaganza.
The weekend also includes a golf tournament, 5K run/walk, bass and horseshoe tournaments, breakfast and style show and art show and sale.
“With the help of our many sponsors, including Shell Oil, this is one of the state’s very few festivals that doesn’t charge a cover or gate fee,” Bergeron said. “And over 40 nonprofit agencies depend on the Shrimp & Petroleum Festival for major fundraising. We’re really proud that we can deliver this huge undertaking and maintain a reputation for excellence. We’re grateful to the community for its support and generosity. And we look forward to everyone coming out for this year’s celebration.”
For a complete round-up of this year’s events, visit www.shrimp-petrofest.org, or call the festival office at (985) 385-0703.
