"Nunsensations!" (Westwego)
March 2, 2010
Woman found dead, TPSO awaiting cause
March 4, 2010
The Southdown Plantation Spring Arts, Crafts and Food Festival is set for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, March 27. Admission is $4 per person. Children under age 12 get in free.
The Houma-Terrebonne tradition “started off a lot smaller. It was not as extravagant and has evolved into this wonderful show,” LeCompte says of the fundraising event. “Hands down, far and away, [the festival] is the most successful event for Southdown. It lets us stay open year-round.”
Proceeds benefit the non-profit Terrebonne Historical and Cultural Society and Southdown Plantation House/The Terrebonne Museum. Monies help fund programs, exhibits and go toward roof repairs.
The 1-day arts and crafts show boasts more than 300 local and national vendors selling all hand-made toys, woodwork, metal work, jewelry, clothing and “pretty much anything you can think of,” according to the director.
Festival favorites include face painting for children, brightly painted kids’ furniture, wire sculpture jewelry, vintage home decor and original design watercolor prints.
All that shopping is bound to give you the munchies. The Pavilion Food Court has a huge selection of festival favorites like jambalaya, roast beef po-boys, gumbo, beignets, pies, red beans and rice and corn soup. “People go crazy over the corn soup,” LeCompte notes.
You can take home the jambalaya, gumbo or corn soup by the pint or quart – but you’d better get it early – it sells out fast. “The kettle corn guy always has a line – it’s absolutely delicious,” LeCompte says.
New this year is a tent in front of the gift shop at which the TARC band and a library storyteller perform.
LeCompte estimates 7,000 to 8,000 people visit the marketplace. She suggests parking on Museum Drive of taking the free shuttle from the civic center, which runs every 15 minutes.
Southdown Marketplace has a family friendly, alcohol-free atmosphere “a place you can bring the kids and not worry – it’s a good, fun time,” the director says.
The Southdown Plantation Spring Arts, Crafts & Food Festival is Saturday, March 27, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
