By KEVIN CHIRI

Editor and Publisher

LAPLACE – Julia Remondet probably gets asked fairly often what will be new at the annual Andouille Festival here in LaPlace each year.

As the director of Economic Development in the parish, she is the top lady heading up the very popular festival in St. John Parish year.

But when you consider what a huge crowd continues to come out for the Andouille Festival each year, Remondet is right on when she figures there isn’t much need to change things.

&#8220This fair is so successful like it is,” she said. &#8220It’s all about the non-profit groups in the area that we offer the opportunity to help raise funds for all their charitable work. So what could be better than that?”

The 2007 Andouille Festival is ready to kick off this Friday night, Sept. 21 at its usual site on the Percy Hebert Building Grounds, beginning at 6 p.m. and running until midnight.

Then the festival continues on Saturday, Sept. 22 from 11 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday, Sept. 23 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

This year’s fair is being held about a month early due to a scheduling conflict associated with the fall elections, since the Andouille Festival is usually held later in October. But Remondet said the change had absolutely no effect on the many groups wanting to be involved.

&#8220The participation is as good as ever, even with the earlier time to hold it,” she added. &#8220We have 13 food booths, many craft vendors and a waiting list to get into the fair.”

The usual great lineup of bands is set again as well. That schedule is as follows:

Friday, Sept. 21

6 p.m. – The &#8220BCSN” Band.

9 p.m. – Top Cats.

Saturday, Sept. 22

11 a.m.-Southern Image.

3:30 p.m. – Russell Walker.

8:30 p.m. – Louisiana.

Sunday, Sept. 23

11 a.m. – Lamatt.

12:30 p.m. – Hennessey Bastian.

3 p.m. – 1 Knucklup.

7 p.m. – Chee Weez.

The 29th Andouille Run will be held on Sunday, Sept. 23 at 8:30 a.m. with a five mile run, and two mile run/walk, and the &#8220Pay One Price” bracelets for all the carnival rides will be $25 each this year.