c_est_la_vie_4.2012

c’est la viec’est la vie

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SPRING/SUMMER 2012 EDITION

that’s life in the river parishesthat’s life in the river parishes

c’est la vie - page 2

welcome

South Louisiana is a place full of bridges.With the Mississippi River roaring throughthe state and a number of smaller waterwayscrisscrossing the landscape, bridges are away of life for people down here.

But the region – especially the RiverParishes – is a place full of figurative bridgesas well. Looking to the future while holdingonto the past is not just a mindset but a pointof pride for people in these parts.

So hop in, enjoy the view, and go whereverthe next bridge leads.

bienvenuebienvenue

welcome



VViissiittoorrss’’ CCeenntteerrss 55

AAffrriiccaann AAmmeerriiccaann HHeerriittaaggee TTrraaiill 99

AAttttrraaccttiioonnss 1111

Plantations 12

Entertainment 20Boat Launches 22Golf 23Historic Churches 25

Summer Sports at Regala 26

MMaapp ooff tthhee RRiivveerr PPaarriisshheess 2288--2299

EEvveennttss 3311Fairs and Festivals 32

CCrraazzyy ‘‘BBoouutt HHiissttoorryy 3355

DDiinniinngg 4411

contentscontents


NNeeww OOrrlleeaannss PPllaannttaattiioonn CCoouunnttrryy TToouurriisstt IInnffoorrmmaattiioonn CCeenntteerr2900 U.S. 51, LaPlace

866-204-7782

SStt.. CChhaarrlleess PPaarriisshh TToouurriisstt IInnffoorrmmaattiioonn CCeenntteerr13825 River Road, Luling

985-783-5145 or 985-783-5140

SStt.. JJaammeess WWeellccoommee CCeenntteerr1094 N. Airline Ave., Gramercy

225-562-2525

visitors’ centersvisitors’ centers


BY ROBIN SHANNONL’OBSERVATEUR

LAPLACE – In 2008, theLouisiana Office of Tourismembarked on an endeavor tocompile a list of destinationsacross the state that show-case the broad and elaboratehistory of African-Amer-icans.

The tour, dubbed the Af-rican American HeritageTrail, takes visitors to muse-ums, heritage sites, institu-tions and cultural attrac-tions in all corners of Lou-isiana and tells stories thathave often been forgotten orpushed to the background.The trail was launched with26 member sites, but hasnow expended to includemore than 30 locations.

Four of those locationscan be found in the RiverParishes. Three are planta-tions that dot the banks ofthe Mississippi River andthe fourth is a historicchurch known to house thefirst black Catholic congre-gation in the region.

The tour begins in Vach-erie at the home of Laura: ACreole Plantation, whereowners Norman and SandMarmillion have compiledan extensive list of the men,women and children wholived and worked on theplantation.

“We wanted to create ageneral profile of the peoplewho worked the landbecause it is such a pivotalpart of the history,” SandMarmillion said. “Without

the slaves, you have no plan-tation. Slaves built thehouse. We wanted to findout when these people werepurchased, when they andtheir offspring were bornand what they did after theywere set free. The storydoesn’t stop at the Civil War.We made an effort to findout what happened to themand what happened to theirdescendants.”

The Marmillions andtheir support staff of histori-ans have scoured state ar-chives, records from theArchdiocese of New Or-leans, newspaper clippingsand various other references

BBeeyyoonndd tthhee ooppuulleennccee

Travel the African American Heritage Trail


to come up with a list ofnames and stories for morethan 400 people who livedon the plantation. Theresearch spans four genera-tions of two families whohad a stake in the business.

“And we know there aremany more, some we willnever know,” Marmillionsaid. “But when you realizewho the people are and whothe children and grandchil-dren of these people are theresearch really gets excit-ing.”

The Marmillions said thetask was a struggle at thebeginning because theywere dealing with topicsthat state tourism officialswanted to essentially ignorebecause they had a hardtime marketing it.

“It was sometimes diffi-cult for tour guides to putthings into words appropri-ately,” said Norman Mar-million. “What we alwayssay is that we are going totalk about what happenedhere but we are not going tomake a judgment on it. We

are here to tell a story.”About six miles downriv-

er from Laura is the secondstop on the tour, a sprawlingplantation known as Ever-green in Wallace. Evergreenis known as the most intactplantation complex in thesouth with 37 of its buildingson the National Register ofHistoric Places. Amongthose structures are twomatching rows of 22 slavecabins, all of which are situ-ated in their original loca-tions.

Evergreen’s tour show-cases the history of theslaves who lived and workedthe property and helped sus-tain the spectacular eco-nomic growth experiencedalong the River Road duringthe first half of the 19th cen-tury. Once the Civil Warended, Evergreen remainedhome to many of the AfricanAmericans who were freedas a result of the Emanci-pation Proclamation. Manyof those families continuedto live and work on theproperty into the 1940s.

Like Laura, researchers atEvergreen have also com-piled an extensive list of theslaves who lived and workedon the property with infor-mation about their ages,how long they lived andwhat they were purchasedfor.

From Evergreen, the tourcrosses the Mississippi andheads to Garyville for a stopat San Francisco Plantation,a site that dates back to 1827,when Elisée Rillieux, a freeman of color, began buyingtracts of land and slaves toestablish a sugar plantationin St. John the BaptistParish.

In 2003, San Francisco’scurrent management, leadby executive director KimFontenot, embarked on acomprehensive researchproject to uncover some ofthe history of the plantation,including information onthe livelihoods of the Afrian-Americans who lived andworked on the farm before,during and after the CivilWar.


“We have been able to doextensive research on thosemen and women who didnot choose to live here,”Fontenot said. “You cannotjust have the home and notexplain how the home wasbuilt and operated.”

Fontenot said San Fran-cisco has been able to collectand compile personal histo-ries and short biographies ofmore than 100 slaves andfree workers who lived onthe property. She said theplantation is currentlyworking on a brochure onthe slave population thatwill be ready for publicationthis year.

Fontenot said the re-search was further fueled bya discovery of letters writtenfrom the plantation thatwere found in an attic inMunich. Fontenot said mostof the letters were writtenby German settlers between1860 and 1877.

“The information fromthose letters gave us anexclusive, emotional win-dow to the everyday life of avanished world,” Fontenotsaid. “The letters are beingcombined with other studiesfrom our records for a bookon the history of the planta-tion.”

Fontenot said the touralso introduces visitors tothe history of Louisiana’sfree people of color. She saidthe plantation has been ableto recently acquire an origi-nal 1840s slave cabin and asmall schoolhouse from the1830s used by residents ofthe property.

The final stop on the touris in Reserve, where travel-ers will find Our Lady ofGrace Sanctuary, a morethan 70-year-old churchbuilding that served as the

home for the area’s firstAfrican-American Catholiccongregation. Prior its con-struction, blacks would wor-ship at the segregated St.Peter Church in Reserve.

“Two or three pews at therear of the church were usu-ally reserved for AfricanAmericans,” said Rita Per-rilloux, whose husband,Steven Perrilloux, is pastorof Riverlands Christian Cen-ter, the current occupants ofthe structure. “They wereallowed to worship and takecommunion but couldn’tfully participate in theparish. They couldn’t sing inthe choir or participate asaltar servers.”

Perrilloux said FatherRoderick Auclair, along withwhite pastor MonsignorJean M. Eyraud, led thecharge to construct a churchand school for the blackparishioners of St. Peter.The St. Catherine Schoolopened in 1932, and OurLady of Grace started con-

struction in 1936 with mostof the work done by thecommunity who would useit.

“When the church wasadded to the Register ofHistoric Places, we got someof the original parishionerstogether to talk about theopening day celebration,”Perrilloux said. “One of thestories recalled that thepriest at St. Peter offered uphis altar boys and other serv-ices for the first mass at OurLady of Grace. As it turnedout the parishioners de-clined because they finallydid not need them. They hadtheir own.”

Perrilloux said the churchwas originally constructedon River Road not far fromSt. Peter’s, but it is now posi-tioned just off NW ThirdStreet on the former Corn-land Plantation following arather precarious reposi-tioning of the building in1992 to save it from demoli-tion.

bon lieuxbon lieux

attractionsattractions

As the name suggests, water runs throughthe very heart and soul of the RiverParishes. It also provides a jumping-offpoint for many of the region’s attractions.

Historic plantations line both banks of themighty Mississippi River. Farther north,lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas likewiseprovide a wealth of water-borne activities.

So whether you’re in the mood for taking insome history, casting a line or just relaxingin the sun, the River Parishes provide end-less opportunities.



The River Parishes are the focal point of Louisiana’s plantationcountry. Lining the banks of both sides of the Mississippi River,these grand mansions are vivid reminders of the great cultural her-itage of the area. They remind us of where we’ve been and show uswhere we’re going.

From the historical focus of Destrehan Plantation to the grandvista of the tree-lined entrance of Oak Alley Plantation, each ofthese properties has its own unique offerings and stories to tell.And together, they show the world one of the characteristics thatmake the River Parishes the exceptional place that it is.

plantations

BBooccaaggee PPllaannttaattiioonn

39050 La. 942, Darrow

225-473-4445

[email protected]

Tours of the home and groundstake place Wednesday throughSunday, noon-5 p.m. $20 per per-

son, children 12 and under get infree

Features: The meticulouslyrestored property also serves asa high-end bed and breakfastand is available for special events.

((SSeeee oouurr aadd oonn ppaaggee 2244))

plantations


DDeessttrreehhaann PPllaannttaattiioonn

13034 River Road, Destrehan

985-764-9315

www.destrehanplantation.org

Tours with costumed interpreters,demonstrations of crafts and spe-

cial exhibits are featured daily.

Hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Features: Tour groups welcome,gardens, gift shop, costumedguides, slave cabins, demonstra-tions, motor coach parking, hand-icap accessible.


EEvveerrggrreeeenn PPllaannttaattiioonn

4677 La. Hwy. 18, Edgard

985-497-3837

www.evergreenplantation.org

National landmark of 37 buildings,22 slave cabins, cultural history

tour and alley of 100 moss-draped oaks.

Hours: Monday through Saturday,11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Features: Tour groups welcome,gardens, slave cabins, motorcoach parking.

HHoouummaass HHoouussee PPllaannttaattiioonn aanndd GGaarrddeennss

40136 Hwy. 942, Darrow

225-473-9380

www.houmashouse.com

Grand antebellum estate display-ing Southern splendor of “TheSugar Place.”

Sixteen rooms filled with period

antiques and Louisiana artwork.

Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m.to 5 p.m., Wednesday throughSunday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Features: Tour groups welcome,gardens, gift shop, costumedguides, on-site restaurant, motorcoach parking, handicap accessi-ble.


LLaauurraa:: AA CCrreeoollee PPllaannttaattiioonn

2247 La. Hwy. 18, Vacherie

225-265-7690

www.lauraplantation.com

Award winning tours focusing onCreole plantation women, slaves,

and children. Visit mansion, gar-dens, and slave cabins.

Hours: Daily 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Features: Tour groups welcome,gardens, gift shop, slave cabins,motor coach parking.

((sseeee oouurr aadd oonn ppaaggee 3355))


OOaakk AAlllleeyy PPllaannttaattiioonn3645 La. Hwy. 18, Vacherie

225-265-2151

www.oakalleyplantation.com

Built in 1839 and famous for itsalley of 300-year-old oak trees,this National Historic Landmark isrecognized for having one of themost spectacular settings in the

entire Mississippi Valley.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 10a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and

Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Features: Tour groups welcome,gardens, gift shop, costumedguides, demonstrations, on-siterestaurant, motor coach parking,accommodations.


OOrrmmoonndd PPllaannttaattiioonn13786 River Road, Destrehan

985-764-8544

www.plantation.com

Established in 1789, OrmondPlantation is billed as the oldestFrench West Indies-style Creoleplantation on the Mississippi.

Features: Ormond Plantation is

currently open as both a bed andbreakfast and for private parties.Tours are available Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thegrounds are also the home of theweekly German Coast FarmersMarket. The restaurant is openMonday through Friday for lunch11 a.m. - 2 p.m.



PPoocchhéé PPllaannttaattiioonn6554 La. Hwy. 44, Convent

225-715-9510

www.pocheplantation.com

One of the last plantation homesto be built on the majesticMississippi River, this National

Register of Historic Places offersdaily tours, a B&B and RV park.

Tour time: 10 a.m.

Features: Tour groups welcome,gardens, gift shop, on-site restau-rant, motor coach parking, handi-cap accessible, accommodations.

SSaann FFrraanncciissccoo PPllaannttaattiioonn

2646 La. Hwy. 44, Garyville

985-535-2341

www.sanfranciscoplantation.org

Located on the East Bank of theMississippi River right offInterstate 10. A $2 million restora-

tion brought this exquisite homeback to its original grandeur.

Hours: Daily 9:40 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Features: Tour groups welcome,gardens, gift shop, costumedguides, slave cabins, demonstra-tions, motor coach parking.


SStt.. JJoosseepphh PPllaannttaattiioonn

3535 La. Hwy. 18, Vacherie

225-265-4078

www.stjosephplantation.com

This authentic Creole plantationoffers the opportunity to exploreoriginal slave cabins and viewexhibits about early plantationlife. Tours are provided by de-scendants of the original owners.

Hours: Tours on the hour. Mondaythrough Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3p.m. (October through March); 10a.m. to 4 p.m. (April throughSeptember)

Features: Tour groups welcome,gardens, gift shop, slave cabins,exhibits, motor coach parking,handicap accessible.



AAiirrbbooaatt TToouurrss bbyy AArrtthhuurr MMaatthheerrnnee4262 U.S. 90, Des Allemands

800-975-9345

www.airboattours.com

Thrilling airboat tours throughswamps, marshes, and bayous forsix to 15 passengers with a USCGlicensed captain.


CCaajjuunn PPrriiddee SSwwaammpp TToouurrss110 Frenier Road, LaPlace

800-467-0758

www.cajunprideswamptours.com

Tour the famous Manchac Swampfor a unique journey back to theearly days of Louisiana bayou andswamp explorations.


CCaajjuunn VViillllaaggee6486 La. 22, Sorrento

225-675-2782

www.cajunvillageshops.com

A collection of unique shops andgalleries featuring Louisiana artistsand products set up in cabins thatlook like they were pulled straightout of the swamp


CCrraazzyy BBoouutt HHiissttoorryy TToouurrss225-869-8148

www.crazybouthistoryinc.org

Tours are culturally and historicallydesigned to entertain and educate.

entertainmententertainment


GGeerrmmaann CCooaasstt FFaarrmmeerrss MMaarrkkeettEast Bank Saturday market, Ormond

Plantation, 13786 River Road,Destrehan, 8 a.m.-noon

West Bank Wednesday market, St.Charles Plaza, 12715 U.S. 90, Luling,3 p.m.-6:30 p.m.


HHoollllyywwoooodd CCiinneemmaass 771312 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace

985-652-6700

www.hollywoodcinemas7.com

LLaannddmmaarrkk AAnnttiiqquueess9291 Airline Highway, Sorrento

225-675-7467


PPllaannttaattiioonn CCoouunnttrryy AAiirrbbooaatt TToouurrss1757 Hwy. 3127, Boutte

877-247-2628

Airboat and plantation tours ofbeautiful, private fresh water or

ancient cypress swamp. Hotel pick-up available. Located 24 miles fromdowntown New Orleans.

PPlleeaassuurree BBeenndd NNaattuurree TToouurrss117 Rue St. Martin, Vacherie

225-265-7611

Pontoon boat ride with a USCGlicensed operator on beautiful LacDes Allemands and canals provideviews of southern Louisiana’s pris-tine beauty.

SStt.. CChhaarrlleess PPaarriisshh PPllaanneettaarriiuumm105 Lakewood Drive, Luling

985-785-8471

www.stcharles.lib.la.us/planetarium

Offering a three-dimensional portalto the universe by viewing over110,000 stars with the latest digitaltechnology.

SStt.. JJoohhnn TThheeaattrree115 W. 4th St., Reserve

985-536-6630

www.stjohntheatre.com


BBaayyoouu GGaauucchhee BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated at the end of La. Hwy.

306 at Bayou Gauche

BBlliinndd RRiivveerr BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated on Airline Highway

between Gramercy and Gonzales

BBoonnnneett CCaarrrree SSppiillllwwaayy LLaauunncchh ((NNoorrccoo))Located on Airline Hwy. at East

Levee Spillway

BBrraazzeenn CCaannaall BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated at the end of La. Hwy.

644

DDeess AAlllleemmaannddss BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated under the U.S. 90 bridge

on the east side

EEaasstt GGuuiiddee LLeevveeee LLaauunncchh ((NNoorrccoo))Located at the end of the East

Bonnet Carre Spillway Levee at

Lake Pontchartrain

FFiisshheerrmmaann’’ss WWhhaarrff ((BBaayyoouu GGaauucchhee))Located on La. Hwy. 306 at Bayou

Gauche

HHaahhnnvviillllee BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated at the intersection of La.

Hwys. 3127 and 3160

PPiieerr 9900Located on U.S. 90 between Luling

and Jefferson Parish

FFrreedd’’ss BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated at the end of La. Hwy. 643

in Pleasure Bend

MMoollll CCaannaall BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated off La. Hwy. 3127 in

Edgard

PPeeaavviinnee BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated at the end of Peavine

Road

RReesseerrvvee CCaannaall BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated on Airline Highway

between La. Hwy. 3179 and La.Hwy. 53

RRuuddddoocckk BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated off of Interstate 55, exit 7

boat launchesboat launches


BBeellllee TTeerrrree GGoollff && CCoouunnttrryy CClluubb111 Fairway Drive, LaPlace

985-652-5000

www.belleterregolf.com

Semi-private course, opened 1977

18 holes, 72 par, 72.2 rating, 130slope rating on Bermuda grass

FFaasshhiioonn GGoollff && CCoouunnttrryy CClluubb223 Joe Louis Lane, Hahnville

985-783-6486

Private course, opened 1962, nineholes, 36 par

CCyypprreessss LLaakkeess CCoouunnttrryy CClluubbaatt OOrrmmoonndd

10 Villere Drive, Destrehan

985-764-6868

www.ormondcc.com

Semi-private course, opened 1979

18 holes, 72 par, 72.8 rating, 124slope rating

RRiivveerrllaannddss GGoollff && CCoouunnttrryy CClluubb500 Fairway Drive, LaPlace

985-652-6316

Private course opened 1964

18 holes, 72 par, 71.1 rating, 128slope rating on Bermuda grass

SStt.. RRoossee DDrriivviinngg RRaannggee10362 Airline Highway, St Rose

504-466-0411

www.strosedrivingrange.com

33 driving bays


golfgolf


LLuuttcchheerr MMeetthhooddiisstt CChhuurrcchh2347 Texas St., Lutcher

225-869-5248

Built in 1901

MMaannrreessaa HHoouussee ooff RReettrreeaattss5858 La. Hwy. 44, Convent

Built in 1836

This is a private retreat but can beviewed easily from the road.

OOuurr LLaaddyy ooff PPeeaaccee CCaatthhoolliicc CChhuurrcchh aanndd CCeemmeetteerryy13281 La. Hwy. 644, Vacherie

225-265-3953

www.olopchurch.org

Built in 1894

SStt.. CChhaarrlleess BBoorrrroommeeoo CChhuurrcchh aanndd CCeemmeetteerryy13396 River Road, Destrehan

985-764-6383

www.archdiocese-no.org/scbparish

Built in 1921

SStt.. JJaammeess CCaatthhoolliicc CChhuurrcchh aanndd CCeemmeetteerryy 6613 La. Hwy. 18, St. James

225-265-4225

Built in 1930

SStt.. JJoohhnn tthhee BBaappttiisstt CCaatthhoolliiccCChhuurrcchh && CCeemmeetteerryy2361 La. Hwy. 18, Edgard

985-497-3412

Built in 1920

SStt.. JJoosseepphh CCaatthhoolliicc CChhuurrcchh2130 Rectory St., Paulina

225-869-5751

Built in 1921

www.riverroadcatholic.com

SStt.. MMaarryy CCaatthhoolliicc CChhaappeellMMiissssiioonn CChhaappeell ooff SStt.. MMiicchhaaeell

tthhee AArrcchhaannggeell

21750 La. Hwy. 44, Union

Built in 1875

SStt.. MMiicchhaaeell tthhee AArrcchhaannggeell CCaatthhoolliicc CChhuurrcchh6476 La. Hwy. 44, Convent

225-562-3549

www.riverroadcatholic.com

Built in 1833

SStt.. PPhhiilliipp CCaatthhoolliicc CChhuurrcchh1175 La. Hwy. 18, Vacherie

225-265-4085

Built in 1921

historic churcheshistoric churches


BY RYAN ARENAL’OBSERVATEUR

RESERVE — With RegalaPark in Reserve enhanced bythe recent openings of itsbrand new gymnasium andswimming pool, one thing isfor certain: the park will be amain station for those look-ing for fun things to do andways to stay in shape thissummer.

St. John the Baptist ParishParks and Recreation Dir-ector Terrence Jones said

the parish plans to institutebaseball, softball, basketballand swimming programs fora number of different agegroups this summer, inclu-sive of both teens and adults.

Depending on the num-ber of people that sign up,Jones said baseball, softballand basketball leagues willbe separated into four differ-ent age divisions: 14-17(post-Biddy), 18-25, 26-39and 40 and over.

All three sports will alsooffer industrial leagues for

company competition aswell as faith-based leagues.For basketball specifically,there will also be a 6-foot-and-under league offered.

“We want to offer asmuch as we can to as manypeople as we can,” saidJones. “It gives us a chanceto offer the sport(s) to peo-ple of various populations,be it the younger ones whowill grow up and move onone day, or those who havegraduated and come back tothe community.”

BBiigg ssuummmmeerr ppllaannssRegala set to expand sporting options


He also said a benefit wasthe ability to maintain con-tact with those who finishplaying Biddy ball, whileanother was that young menand women would have anoutlet to be a part of some-thing after finishing theireducation.

“Those ages of 21-28 … it’sa crucial time, a time whenkids can get into trouble. It’sgood for that demographicthat, when they’re donewith school, if they want toplay, they’ve got a place toplay,” he said

“I’ve been involved withthese kinds of programsbefore, so I’m very familiarwith the positive elements itcan introduce into a com-munity.”

Jones said specific startdates and times will bedetermined. He said theleagues will go on during thesummer months, however.

“We’ve been hammeringout everything with (youth)baseball and its registrationand scheduling,” said Jones.“We don’t want to compro-mise that. But once that issettled, we will move for-ward with this.”

The pool will be openbeginning in late May, andits use will run concurrentlywith the park’s summercamp program.

Jones said there is alsotalk that the parish canbegin an aquatics program atthe pool for senior citizens.

“It would be a low cost,attractive program to offerto people that need recre-ation and exercise without alot of physical movementinvolved,” he said. “It givesthem a chance to have activ-ity outside of their normal,everyday world.”

In terms of baseball and

softball, while the parish hashad these programs in thepast, he said the hope is tobuild it to the point whereteams don’t feel the need toventure elsewhere to play.

“It’s huge in St. CharlesParish, and I know teamsfrom here have gone there toplay. We want to provide abackdrop where those teamsstay here,” Jones said.

More than anything,Jones hopes these programs

lead to a closer bondbetween different sectionsof the community.

“Our challenge is to estab-lish relationships and createa community with theselike-minded, collaborativegroups,” he said.

Those interested in sign-ing up for any of these activ-ities over the coming weekscan contact Jones throughthe parish governmentoffice at 985-652-1702.

bon tempsbon temps

events events

Like much of South Louisiana, spring andsummer happenings in the River Parishescenter on a variety of fairs and festivals.

From small church- or school-orientedevents such as the Little Red Church Fun &Food Festival in Destrehan to full-blown,county fair-style offerings such as theAndouille Festival in LaPlace, hardly aweekend goes by during the warm springand summer months when there isn’t some-thing to entertain adults and children alike.

There are plenty of other activities to keepchildren occupied during the summermonths, too.

Laissez Le Bon Temps Roulet!



LLiittttllee RReedd CChhuurrcchh FFooooddaanndd FFuunn FFeessttiivvaall

May 4 - 6

St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church,13396 River Road, Destrehan

Phone: 985-764-6383

AAnnnnuuaall MMaayy FFeessttiivvaallMay 4 - 6

Lutcher Recreation Park, 2545Louisiana Ave., Lutcher

Fri. (6 - 10 p.m.), Sat. (noon - 11 p.m.),Sun. (1 p.m. - till)

Phone: 225-623-9751 or 225-869-5112

JJuunneetteeeenntthh CCeelleebbrraattiioonnJune 2 - 3

7260 Park St., St. James

Sat. (8 a.m. - 8 p.m.),Sun. (8 a.m-8 p.m.)

Phone: 800-367-7852 or 225-473-1505

SStt.. JJoohhnn PPaarriisshhFFoouurrtthh ooff JJuullyy CCeelleebbrraattiioonn

July 3

St. Peter Church, 143 W. Seventh St.,Reserve/Edgard Courthouse, 2393 La.Highway 18, Edgard

fairs & festivalsfairs & festivals


SStt.. CChhaarrlleess PPaarriisshhFFoouurrtthh ooff JJuullyy CCeelleebbrraattiioonn

July 3

West Bank Bridge Park, 13825 RiverRoad, Luling

LLoouuiissiiaannaa CCaattffiisshh FFeessttiivvaallJune 22-24

St. Gertrude Catholic Church, 17292 La.Highway 63, Des Allemands

Fri. (5 - 11 p.m.), Sat. (10 a.m. - 11 p.m.),Sun. (10:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.)

Phone: 985-758-7542

http://tabasco.com/taste_tent/festi-vals/catfish_festival.cfm

JJuunniioorr CChhoouuppiiqquuee RRooddeeooAug. 5

St. James Parish Boat Club, AirlineHighway, Gramercy

8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Phone: 225-869-8966

AAlllliiggaattoorr FFeessttiivvaallSept. 27 - 30

West Bank Bridge Park, 13825 RiverRoad, Luling

Thurs. (6-9 p.m.), Fri. (6-11 p.m.), Sat. (11a.m.-11 p.m.), Sun. (11 a.m.-9 p.m.)

Phone: 985-785-9035

http://stcharlesrotary.com/alFestival.html

SStt.. MMiicchhaaeell’’ss CChhuurrcchh FFeessttiivvaallOct. 6 - 7

St. Michaels Church, 6484 La. Highway44, Convent

8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Phone: 225-869-5751


PPuummppkkiinn PPaattcchhOct. 6 - 31

Lutcher/Gramercy Lions Club, 1094 U.S.Highway 61, Gramercy

8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Phone: 225-869-1717

AAnnddoouuiillllee FFeessttiivvaallOct. 19 - 21

St John Community Center, 2900 U.S.Highway 51, LaPlace

Phone: 985-652-9569

htttp://sjbparish.com orhttp://andouillefestival.com

OOaakk AAlllleeyy PPllaannttaattiioonnFFaallll AArrttss aanndd CCrraaffttss FFeessttiivvaall

Oct. 20 - 21

Oak Alley Plantation, 3645 La. Highway18, Vacherie

Sat. (9 a.m. - 5p.m.), Sun. (9 a.m. - 4p.m.)

Phone: 225-265-2151 or 800-442-5539


CCrraazzyy ffrroomm tthhee hhiissttoorryy

BY DAVID VITRANOL’OBSERVATEUR

CONVENT – Some mightcall it an obsession. Othersmight think it’s just plaincrazy — and that’s alrightwith Connie Donadieu, thedriving force behind the St.James Parish-based Crazy‘Bout History.

What’s crazy to Donadieuis that local residents don’tknow more about the histo-ry of the area.

“There are so many peo-ple in this area that don’tunderstand the history. Thehistory along the river is justamazing,” said Donadieu,adding, “You can’t have afuture without a past.”

The Pennsylvania nativesaid her interest was firststoked by a seventh-gradehistory teacher who was sopassionate sitting in thefront row of her class couldbe hazardous.

“She was so animated,”she said. “I just loved it.”

Of course, the history ofindustrial Pennsylvania isquite different from that ofsouthern Louisiana, but for

Donadieu, that was much ofthe draw.

“It’s a different history.It’s a different culture,” shesaid.

Donadieu got her startlocally as a tour guide at oneof the local plantations,where she stood out as beingparticularly knowledgeable.She said she would often

answer tourists questionsafter the tour and wassought out for her insight.

“I realized how little ofthe history people were get-ting,” she said.

Then, she and her col-

Group setto celebrateLouisiana’sbicentenial


league, Brenda Mitchell,decided to take their knackfor local history and starttheir own tour group. It wasduring these tours thatCrazy ‘Bout History’s claimto fame — a sort of blendbetween historical re-enact-ment and entertainment —was born.

“Brenda would playSojourner Truth, and Ibecame the plantation wife,”said Donadieu. “It was allhistorically correct.”

It was also at this timethat Donadieu learned animportant aspect of present-ing history to the masses.

“If I have a visual, they’regoing to remember it,” shesaid.

Unfortunately, HurricaneKatrina came along anddestroyed that version ofCrazy ‘Bout History, butfrom its ashes a new, non-profit version was born.

Shortly after attaining its501(c) status, Crazy ‘BoutHistory began its “Gone ButNot Forgotten” cemetery

tours at St. Michael’sChurch and Cemetery inConvent.

The event took visitors ona trip through time as theygot to interact with charac-ters from the past whoregaled them with little-known stories from localhistory. Donadieu herselfeven learned quite a bitalong the way.

Speaking of last year’stour, she said, “I didn’t knowthat four kids drowned inthe river right there.”

After doing the tour forfive years, however, thegroup has moved on to otherprojects in 2012, an auspi-cious year to do so since it isthe bicentennial of Louis-iana attaining statehood.

In celebration of the mile-stone, Crazy ‘Bout History isholding a blowout for theages May 5 on the groundsof St. Michael’s, which,according to Donadieu, isthe oldest church on the eastbank of St. James Parish.

The celebration will take

place from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.and will feature cook-offs,living history tours, food,old-time games, music, an-tique cars and historic craft-ers among other attractions.There will also be a numberof historical artifacts on dis-play both from the local his-torical society as well asDonadieu’s own collection.

“I have the suit that myfather-in-law wore when hecame here from France atage 11,” she said.

Another highlight of theday will be a Cajun Mass,said in French, at 4:30 p.m.

“We try to do more thanwhat people expect. Duringthe celebration, we will bedressed in costume, spikingpeople’s interest,” she said,adding, “If you come here,and there’s nothing thatinterests you, you have aproblem.”

The $5 entrance fee willgo toward the restorationand upkeep of the cemeteryat St. Michael’s.

For more information


about the festival or Crazy‘Bout History in general,visit www.crazybouthistory-inc.org or call 225-869-8148.

Also, in October Crazy‘Bout History will onceagain be hosting a ladies

social, this time at BocagePlantation in AscensionParish.

In the mean time, Don-adieu can be found doingcopious research or leadingtour either through the

French Quarter or along theriver.

“If it’s for history, I’m notgoing to refuse,” she said.

So call her what you will— just remember that crazyis in the eye of the beholder.


c’est bonc’est bon

bon appétitbon appétit

dining dining

Dining in the River Parishes can be justabout any kind of experience you wish.

From upscale restaurants to hole-in-the-wall eateries and from Cajun/Creole cuisineto Chinese buffets, the many restaurants inthe area cover all the bases.

So whether you’re looking for the comfort ofa big plate of red beans and rice or some-thing a little more exotic, you can find it righthere in the River Parishes.

And don’t forget about the andouille.There’s a reason LaPlace has been pro-claimed the “Andouille Capital of theWorld”!



St. John the Baptist Parish

33LLJJ’’ss CCaaffee

2917 U.S. 51, Ste. A, LaPlace

985-359-0380

BBaaiilleeyy’’ss AAnnddoouuiillllee

513 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace

985-652-9090


BBeellllee TTeerrrree111 Fairway Drive, LaPlace

985-652-5000

BBeesstt WWookk CChhiinneessee RReessttaauurraanntt530 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace

985-652-9989

BBuuddddyy BB’’ss 2788 River Road, Garyville

985-535-3663

TThhee NNeeww BBuullll’’ss CCoorrnneerr1036 W. Airline Highway, Ste. 101,

LaPlace

985-359-8888


BBuullllyy’’ss HHaallffwwaayy HHoouussee3701 U.S. 51, LaPlace

985-652-9168

CCaajjuunn GGrriillll 135 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace

985-359-4745

CChhiillii’’ss GGrriillll && BBaarr1820 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace

985-652-1227

CChhiinneessee KKiinngg 1036 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace

985-651-7888


CChhiinnaa HHoouussee SSuuppeerr BBuuffffeett1900 U.S. 51, LaPlace

985-651-0041

CChhuunngg’’ss HHaavveenneellyy SSwweeeettss607 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace

985-359-7987

CCoonnnniiee’’ss GGrriillll 1462 La. Hwy. 44, Reserve

985-536-3027

((SSeeee oouurr aadd oonn ppaaggee 5533ww))

CCrraabb TTrraapp IIII117 Pontchartrain Road, LaPlace

985-651-2345

CCoorrnneerrssttoonnee CCaaffee50 Dominica Drive, LaPlace

985-652-1111

DDoonnuutt HHoollee 421 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace

985-651-4001

DDrraaggoonn GGaarrddeenn140 Belle Terre Blvd.Ste E., LaPlace

985-652-7250

EEll MMeexxiiccaannoo1036 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace

985-652-4250


FFaattttyy’’ss RReessttaauurraanntt186 Museum St., Garyville

985-535-5555

FFaattttyy’’ss MMaaiinn SSttrreeeett GGrriillll

509 Main St., LaPlace

985-359-5555

FFrreenniieerr LLaannddiinngg RReessttaauurraanntt && OOyysstteerr BBaarr113 Dottie Lane, LaPlace

985-224-2178



FFrroossttoopp DDrriivvee--IInn RReessttaauurraanntt 411 E. Airline Hwy., LaPlace

985-652-6361


GGaattoorr’’ss DDeennOld Highway 51 South, Manchac985-386-7902

HHiibbaacchhii SSuupprreemmee GGrriillll1721 W. Airline Highway, LaPlace985-652-5233

IIHHOOPP220 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace985-652-4468((sseeee oouurr aadd oonn ppaaggee 3322))

IIttaalliiaann PPiiee 405 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace

985-359-1743

JJaaccoobb’’ss AAnnddoouuiillllee

505 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace

985-652-9080


KKoobbee JJaappaanneessee SStteeaakk

aanndd SSuusshhii506 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace

985-652-8880/652-8853

LLaaCCaarrrreettaa MMeexxiiccaann CCuuiissiinnee 107 Carrollwood Drive, LaPlace

985-651-9991

LLeett’’ss TToopp IItt150 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace

985-224-8634

MMccDDoonnaallddss1608 W. Airline Hwy, LaPlace

985-652-2600

MMccDDoonnaallddss1616 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace

985-652-4822


MMccDDoonnaallddss4297 Main St., LaPlace

985-652-5171

NNeeww OOrrlleeaannss HHaammbbuurrggeerr aanndd SSeeaaffoooodd CCoo..1338 W. Airline Hwy., Ste. 7A,

LaPlace

985-653-6731

PPiieerr 5511 SSeeaaffoooodd RReessttaauurraanntt && OOyysstteerr BBaarr3017 U.S. 51, LaPlace

985-651-0300


PPiirroogguuee’’ss CCaafféé719 W. 10th St., Reserve

985-479-7800


PPooppeeyyee''ss FFrriieedd CChhiicckkeenn

1603 W Airline Hwy, LaPlace, LA70068

(985) 652-3030

RRoottoolloo’’ss PPiizzzzeerriiaa3503 W. Airline Hwy., Ste. B,

Reserve

985-536-3503

RRuubbyy GGaarrddeenn CChhiinneessee RReessttaauurraanntt 3101 U.S. 51, LaPlace

985-653-8700

SSiicciillyy’’ss PPiizzzzaa 214 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace

985-652-7010

SSoonniicc DDrriivvee IInnnn100 Ormond Blvd., LaPlace

985-652-3168


SSuubbwwaayy357 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace

985-652-8700

SSuubbwwaayy 2701 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace

1900 Hwy. 51, Ste. B, LaPlace

985-479-7827

985-652-9699

WWaayynnee JJaaccoobb’’ss SSmmookkeehhoouussee769 W. Fifth St., LaPlace

985-652-9990


St. James Parish

CCaafféé PPeerriiqquuee234 East Main St., Gramercy

225-869-1774

TThhee CCrreeoollee CCaaffee3409 La. Hwy. 3125, Paulina

225-869-3333

CChhiinnaa KKiinngg849 N. Pine St., Gramercy

225-869-2000

CChhuucckk LLeeee’’ss CChhiinneessee KKiittcchheenn10560 Hwy. 70 W., St. James

225-473-3050

DDJJ’’ss GGrriillllee21060 La. Hwy. 20, Vacherie

225-265-7600


GGoollddeenn GGrroovvee RReessttaauurraanntt935 La. Hwy. 641, Gramercy

225-869-1212

GGrraanndd PPooiinnttTTrruucckk SSttoopp && CCaassiinnoo

3415 La. Hwy. 3125, Paulina

225-869-6960

HHyymmeell’’ss SSeeaaffoooodd RReessttaauurraanntt8740 La. Hwy. 44, Convent

225-562-7031

JJeennnnyy’’ss OOvveerrssttuuffffeedd PPoobbooyy && CChhiicckkeenn SShhoopp114 N. Airline Hwy., Gramercy

225-869-0899


OOnnee SSttoopp GGrruubb22170 Highway 20

Vacherie

225-265-4782

PPaarraaddiissee SSmmooootthhiiee10850 Hwy. 3125, Ste. C, Gramercy

225-258-4448

PPiizzzzaa HHuutt1665 Louisiana Highway 3125

Gramercy

225-869-6151

PPooppeeyyee’’ss982 La. Hwy. 3125, Gramercy

225-869-6060

SSoonniicc DDrriivvee IInn852 N. Pine St., Gramercy

225-869-5666


TTaayylloorr’’ss EExxpprreessss TTrruucckk SSttoopp964 La. Hwy. 3125, Gramercy

225-869-1734

St. Charles Parish

AAnniittaa’’ss SSmmookkiinn’’ SStteeaakk BBuurrggeerrss13145 U.S. 90 Ste. B, Boutte

985-785-2220

BBaammbboooo GGaarrddeenn13491 U.S. 90, Ste. 6, Boutte

985-785-9929

BBeeii JJiinngg12895 U.S. 90, Ste. D, Boutte

985-331-8885

BBrreeeezzee CCaaffee124 Longview Drive, Destrehan

985-764-8800

BBoouulleevvaarrdd BBiissttrroo1950 Ormond, Ste. B, Destrehan

BBuurrggeerr FFrriieess && MMoorree737 Paul Mallard Rd., Luling

985-308-1584

BBuusstteerr’’ss GGrriillll10405 Airline Hwy., St. Rose

504-472-0771

CCaaffee OOrrmmoonndd1974 Ormond Blvd., Destrehan

985-725-0741

CCaajjuunn KKiittcchheenn13322 U.S. 90, Boutte, Ste. Q

985-785-2405

CCaasshhiioo’’ss FFoooodd VViillllaa aanndd DDeellii13572 River Road, Destrehan

985-764-9389

CChhooww’’ss GGaarrddeenn1974 Ormond Blvd., Ste. I,

Destrehan

985-725-2469 / 985-725-2488

CCoouunnttrryy CCoorrnneerr DDeellii13217 River Road, Luling

985-785-7800

DDaaddddyy’’ss FFrriieedd CChhiicckkeenn15683 River Road, Hahnville

985-783-6743


DDoott’’ss DDiinneerr12179 U.S. 90, Luling

985-785-6836

EEll MMeexxiiccaannoo12715 U.S. 90, Ste. 140, Luling

985-785-7694

FFrroossttoopp3001 Ormond Blvd., Ste. H,

Destrehan

985-725-1116

GGrruummppyy’’ss14984 U.S. 90, Paradis

985-785-2083

HHaappppyy GGaarrddeennss IIII15264 U.S. 90, Paradis

985-785-3888

TThhee HHoowwlliinngg PPeeppppeerr

109 St. Rose Ave., St. Rose

504-466-1944

IIHHOOPP

14099 U.S. 90, Boutte

985-308-0013

IIrroonn GGaattee13299 U.S. 90, Boutte

985-308-0013

JJuulliiee’’ss RReessttaauurraanntt15805 River Road, Hahnville

985-783-6349

LLaaMMaaiissoonn MMaaggnnoolliiaa950 First St., Norco

985-725-0400

LLeett’’ss TToopp IItt YYoogguurrtt BBaarr

13322 U.S. 90, Boutte

985-308-1318

LLiittttllee TTookkyyoo13371 U.S. 90, Ste. A, Boutte

985-331-0887

LLoovveecccchhiioo’’ss DDeellii29 Apple St., Norco

985-725-5683

MMaarriiaannoo’’ss IIttaalliiaann EEaatteerryy12371 Highway 90, Suite A

Luling

985-785-7777

MMccDDoonnaallddss3009 Ormond Blvd., Destrehan

985-725-1021

MMoocchhaa LLaattttee1950 Ormond Blvd., Ste. B,

Destrehan

985-307-0852

MMrrss.. SSnnoowwmmaann110A Lakewood Dr., Luling

985-331-1411


OOccccaassiioonn’’ss RReessttaauurraannttaanndd LLoouunnggee

117 Maryland Drive, Luling

985-785-1681

OOrrmmoonndd PPllaannttaattiioonn RReessttaauurraanntt13786 River Road, Destrehan

985-764-8544

PPaallmmeettttoo’’ss RReessttaauurraanntt10405 Airline Hwy., St. Rose

504-472-0771

PPaamm aanndd DDaallee’’ss SSeeaaffooooddRReessttaauurraanntt

14620 River Road, Destrehan

985-764-3112

PPiizzzzaa HHuutt

12439 Hwy. 90, Luling

985-331-8380

PP..JJ..’’ss CCooffffeeee ooff NNeeww OOrrlleeaannss150 Ormond Center Court, Ste. T,

Destrehan

985-764-7573

PP..JJ’’ss PPooBBooyyss

13527 River Rd., Luling

985-308-1491

PPooppeeyyee''ss FFaammoouuss FFrriieedd CChhiicckkeenn116 Longivew Drive, Destrehan

985-764-1231

PPooppeeyyee''ss FFaammoouuss FFrriieedd CChhiicckkeenn13210 U.S. 90, Boutte

985-785-1377

PPooppeeyyee’’ss

13210 Hwy. 90, Boutte

985785-1377

PPooppeeyyee’’ss


985-785-1377

PPoorrttssiiddee RReessttaauurraanntt11698 River Road, St. Rose

504-5469-3111

RRoottoolloo’’ss PPiizzzzeerriiaa2243 Paul Maillard Road, Boutte

985-785-7777

RRoottoolloo’’ss PPiizzzzeerriiaa150 Ormond Center Court,

Destrehan

985-725-2411

SSaaiillffiisshh FFoooodd aanndd SSppiirriittss12287 U.S. 90, Luling

985-308-0712

SSiicciillyy’’ss IIttaalliiaann BBuuffffeett12895 U.S. 90, Boutte

985-785-9064


SSoouutthheerrnn LLaattttee CCaaffee13322 U.S. 90, Ste. D, Boutte

985-308-1472

SSoonniicc DDrriivvee IInn12557 U.S. 90, Luling

985-331-0099

SSppoorrtt’’ss PPuubb && GGrriillll3001 Ormond Blvd., Destrehan

985-764-1100

SStt.. RRoossee DDrriivviinngg RRaannggeeaanndd SSppoorrttss BBaarr

10362 Airline Dr., St. Rose

504-466-0411


SStt.. RRoossee TTaavveerrnn11760 River Road, St. Rose

504-469-8864

SSuubb EExxpprreessss26 Apple St., Norco

985-764-9922

SSuubbwwaayy613 Paul Maillard Road, Ste. 200,

Luling

985-331-2257

SSuubbwwaayy14130 U.S. 90, Boutte

985-785-9818

SSuubbwwaayy(located inside WalMart)

13001 U.S. 90, Boutte

985-331-1786

SSuubbwwaayy12715 U.S. 90, Ste. 120, Luling

985-785-3999

SSuubbwwaayy12609 Airline Drive, Destrehan

985-725-1108

SSuubbwwaayy1955 Ormond Blvd., Destrehan

985-725-9444

SSuunnnnyy DDaayy CCaaffee120 Mallard St., Ste. 120, St. Rose

504-465-1331

SSuusshhii CCaaffee13899 River Road, Ste. A, Luling

985-308-1003

TTaakkee AAwwaayy DDoonnuuttss


985-785-6499

TTaassttee ooff TTooyykkoo1972 Ormond Blvd., Ste. E-2,

Destrehan

985-764-1818

TTrreeyy WWaahh ((CChhiinneessee))124 Longview Drive, Destrehan

985-764-1147

VVooooddoooo GGrriillll100 James Drive East, St. Rose

504-464-1880

WWaaffffllee HHoouussee14173 U.S. 90, Boutte

985-758-6499

WWaaffffllee HHoouussee

10384 E. Airline Hwy., St. Rose

504-467-1522


WWiinnggzzzzzz613 Paul Maillard Road, Ste. 400,

Luling

985-308-0743

ZZyyddeeccoo’’ss IIII13228 U.S. 90, Boutte

985-308-1058

c_est_la_vie_4.2012

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