Leonard Ray
March 30, 2007
Lady Tigers fall, but LSU baseball, softball teams have successful weekend
April 3, 2007Louisiana black bears were among St. Mary Parish’s first inhabitants. And Lyle Saxon, organizer of the upcoming 3rd annual Bayou Teche Bear Festival, wants to see the region continue to welcome the furry creatures.
Set for April 20-21 in downtown Franklin, Saxon said festival-goers are invited to enjoy “one of the prettiest of Louisiana towns.”
Saxon said the festival’s mission is to teach residents about the state’s black bear.
Added in, the event includes live music, food, educational activities, field trips and children’s activities.
The event, which is hosted by the Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge, was named the top “Best New Event” in Louisiana in 2006 by the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals.
The festival is an outgrowth of the region’s effort to provide a safe home for the Black Bear habitat. In 2001, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service bought over 9,000 acres, declaring it a Black Bear Habitat to establish the Bayou Teche National Wildlife Preserve for the protection of the animal. The festival was organized by a core group of volunteers who held an interest in wildlife and economically boosting the community and region.
The Bayou Teche Bear Festival will feature over 10 events and activities, including seminars, live music, arts and crafts, food booths, souvenirs, a parade and more, Saxon said.
It kicks off on the main stage, located behind the parish courthouse, beginning at 5:45 p.m. Friday. Knight Train, Johnny Chauvin and Zydeco Mojo and Rocking Doopsie and the Zydeco are slated to take the stage.
The program continues Saturday, starting at 10 a.m., with the Bayou-Y Patch in the Education Area. For a $1 entry fee, children up to age 12 can participate in the parade by decorating bicycles wagons, strollers and other non-motorized vehicles.
Saturday’s performers include Johnny Firmin and Company, the Wayne Hebert Band and Hunter Hayes.
Saxon said the New Orleans Saints Experience will keep youngsters entertained.
Reigning at the 2007 Bayou Teche Bear Festival are Jr. Miss Bayou Teche Bear Tiffany Lejune; Miss Bayou Teche Bear Laci Goulas and Miss Petite Bayou Teche Bear Brittany Grimes.
