In the quaint town of Larose, Louisiana, a tradition that began as a modest idea in the early 1970s has blossomed into a remarkable celebration of Cajun culture and cuisine. Sidney Triche, a key figure in the festival’s evolution, reminisces about its humble origins, emphasizing the significant growth it has undergone since its inception, as per this article from HoumaToday.
As the curtains closed on the third and final day of this year’s French Food Festival, Triche, now 87, took center stage to conduct the auction, a task that had become both a source of pride and a challenging endeavor. His dedication and emotional connection to the event were palpable, reflecting a sentiment akin to a parent sending their child off to college. The festival, he asserted, had become an integral part of the community, and he was determined to ensure its perpetual success.
Over the years, the French Food Festival has become a source of immense pride for the Larose community. Triche, reflecting on the arduous journey, acknowledged the initial struggles the festival faced in gaining momentum. However, its resilience and commitment to preserving Cajun traditions have resulted in a highly successful event, consistently generating around $300,000 in profit annually over the past three years.
On the bustling Saturday of the festival, the pavilion teemed with over 1,200 enthusiastic attendees, according to Lindsey Savoie, a dedicated board member of the Bayou Civic Club. The festival’s profits for this year were yet to be determined, with Savoie estimating that the final figures would only be available come December.
The festival’s roots trace back to 1973 when Weldon Matherne and his sister, Bernice Ordoyne, conceived the idea as part of the Bayou Civic Club. Originally named the Bouillabaisse Festival, the event has since undergone several transformations. Triche, an early board member, vividly recounted the first attempt to sell home-cooked dishes on the field that now houses the Larose Community Center. Mother Nature, however, had different plans, as heavy rain, lightning, and ankle-deep water dampened the inaugural festival.
Undeterred, the civic club persevered through the adverse weather conditions, learning valuable lessons along the way. The following year, armed with a tent, they raised an impressive $30,000. Despite further challenges, including a storm that toppled their tent, the club’s determination attracted attention from elected officials. Louisiana Sen. Leonard J. Chabert played a crucial role by securing grants that facilitated the construction of the Larose Community Center.
For the next two decades, the festival became a staple in the community, with approximately $80,000 to $85,000 in profits each year. The event’s success not only sustained the Larose Community Center but also funded the nearby Larose Regional Park.
The heart of the festival lies in its 22 food booths, cherished by locals for their connection to familial traditions. Lindsey Savoie emphasized that these booths are often passed down through generations, creating a sense of continuity and community. Among the vendors is Joel Barrios of Bayou Boys Po-Boys, who temporarily closed his Texas restaurant to participate in the festival. Barrios, a Larose native, saw this as an opportunity to expose his Texas-based employees to the authentic South Lafourche regional meals that shaped his childhood.
One of Barrios’s employees, Kristyn Douglas, a Texas native, expressed her delight in experiencing the festival for the first time. She praised the unique flavors of Cajun cuisine, highlighting the pastalaya—a twist on traditional jambalaya that incorporates pasta. Douglas marveled at the authenticity of the food, noting that Texas doesn’t quite capture the essence of Cajun Culture and its flavors.
As the festival concluded, its success echoed through the vibrant streets of Larose. The community’s dedication to preserving its cultural heritage, overcoming challenges, and fostering a sense of togetherness was evident in every aspect of the French Food Festival.
In summary, the French Food Festival in Larose has transformed from a weather-dampened inaugural event to a thriving celebration of Cajun culture and culinary excellence. Through resilience, community spirit, and a commitment to tradition, the festival has not only endured but flourished, benefiting both the Larose Community Center and the Larose Regional Park.
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