Several thousand people came to visit the Creole and Family Festival, formerly the St Augustine Catholic Church Annual Fair, held at the historic St. Augustine Church in Isle Brevelle Oct.11-13. The popular event is a celebration of Creole Culture and is something of a family reunion as descendants of the area’s families come home from all over the United States and abroad. The festival also transforms the St. Augustine parish hall into what is arguably the finest restaurant in the state of Louisiana as the hardworking cooks serve thousands of homemade meatpies, tamales, red beans and rice, and, of course, over 100 gallons of their signature gumbo.
This year’s festival featured the inaugural “Run for Rod” 5k Saturday, October 12. The run is intended to honor the memory of Chad “Rod” Nelson, II, a young man and avid runner taken from us all too soon. The proceeds from the event will be donated to St. Augustine Church in his memory.
There were games for the children in addition to music and dancing. Dr. Kent Peacock of the NSU Creole Heritage Center was also on hand with volunteers and an information booth. Saturday’s festivities featured the renowned Zydeco artist Gerard Delafose and the Zydeco Gators.
The Creole and Family Festival is a decades long standing tradition in our community and is a celebration of one of the many cultures that make Louisiana a unique place. The Natchitoches Parish Journal is looking forward to next year!
