Rita Hutchinson
July 31, 2008
Helen Ann Hebert Martin
August 4, 2008
The shrimp and oil-and-gas industries are key elements to the economy of South Louisiana. For years, these industries were the sole providers of our basic needs as they’ve enhanced the state’s quality of life.
Each Labor Day weekend, the community of Morgan City hosts a five-day extravaganza to say “thank you” to those people and companies that work tirelessly to provide the economic lifeblood of South Louisiana.
The 73rd annual Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival, set for Aug. 28 through Sept. 1, promises to be the best festival in the history of the event, according to Festival Director Lee Delaune.
Being voted Festival of the Year in 2006 and 2007 presents a unique challenge of what to do for a repeat performance.
“We try to keep our status up every year. Though, in the past few years it has been hard. We have to maintain our stability and continue to put on a good show every year,” Delaune said.
The stability is evident because the festival is a major economic engine in St. Mary Parish, attracting more than 125,000 people to the area and generating nearly $2 million across the area, according to a 2007 University of New Orleans study.
A couple of years ago, the festival was even mentioned in “Time” magazine and on “Late Night with David Letterman.” Last year, board member Nathalie Webre was on a flight and ran across a mention of the festival in the airline’s magazine.
“We are very fortunate because our advertising team is doing such a great job in promoting us. We pride ourselves in having the best festival around,” Delaune said.
What makes it the best festival in the state? The Shrimp and Petroleum Festival ensures fun for all ages.
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. 28, at 5 p.m., when the Mitchell Brothers Carnival opens.
Monday, Sept. 1, is Children’s Day. Youngsters will enjoy the field and game events – three-legged races and sack races – beginning at 9 a.m. Professional storytellers will keep the young ones entertained beginning at 10 a.m., and at 11 a.m. 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 2007 Festival Queen and the Children’s Day King and Queen will officially open the McDermott/Teche Regional Medical Center Children’s Village.
The Cajun Culinary Classic, a showcase of local, “homemade” cooking will be held from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Local non-profit groups and civic organizations benefit from the proceeds, Delaune said.
Traditional activities include the Coronation Court and Pageant set for Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the municipal auditorium. 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 2008 king and queen and the Knights of Columbus, outfitted in full regalia, will be featured.
At 10 a.m. Sunday, the historic Blessing of the Fleet is held. A water parade featuring decorated shrimp boats, pleasure crafts and some of the biggest muscle boats of 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 along with the Marine Force Reserve Band from New Orleans. And at 9 p.m. that night, the skies will light up with a fireworks display.
The weekend also includes a golf tournament, 5K run/walk, bass and horseshoe tournaments, luncheon and art show and sale. This is also the first year the festival will have a shuttle to transport visitors from the parking area to the park.
With the help of sponsors, this is one of the few festivals in the state that does not charge a cover or gate fee. Over 40 nonprofit agencies depend on the Shrimp & Petroleum Festival for major fundraising.
For a complete roundup of this year’s events, visit www.shrimp-petrofest.org, or call the festival office at (985) 385-0703.
The 73rd annual Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival kicks off Aug. 28 through Sept. 1. Voted among the state’s Festivals of the Year for two years running, the Labor Day weekend celebration is a true family affair.
