By KERI CHAMPION

Staff Reporter

LAPLACE- Two separate celebrations are planned in St. John the Baptist Parish to celebrate the 200th year of the formation of the parish.

On the West Bank on Friday, March 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the West Bank Courthouse, a mock trial will be conducted to give citizens of the parish a chance to relive and understand the challenges faced by a criminal court of law in the early 1800’s.

&#8220The trial will reflect the crimes and consequences of the period and attempt to explain how the legal process worked at the turn of the 19th century,” said Julia Remondet, director of the St. John Economic Development Department.

Also on the West Bank, Governor Claiborne’s proclamation establishing the parish and it boundaries will be read, and the governor will announce the first appointed officials of the parish in a re-creation of the original event. The Economic Development Office is currently trying to find the correct names of those officials during that time.

&#8220The governor and his entourage will be dressed in period clothing in an effort to invoke the attitude and feel of the times, and to effectively reconstruct the era. We are asking for those attending the events to dress in period clothes as well, if possible,” she said.

Other activities include fictional transactions of parish matters such as land purchases and trade of collateral items.

A cake bake-off will be held and judges from local restaurants will determine the winners, who will receive awards from officials. Food, drinks and music will also be available.

&#8220On the East Bank on Saturday, March 31, the proclamation and establishment of a local government will be read again at the Percy D. Herbert building in LaPlace,” Remondet said.

A period nuptial ceremony will take place and the &#8220reception” will be a showcase of local flavors, music and food.

The cake bake-off will be extended to the East Bank, and local officials will give out prizes.