BY KYLE BARNETT
Staff Reporter

GARYVILLE – The San Francisco Plantation is gearing up to celebrate the fifth annual Frisco Fest in less than two weeks.

The festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, March 1 and 2, on the San Francisco Plantation grounds.

In addition to an ongoing art and craft exhibition, festival events are scheduled to run throughout the weekend. Events include competitions, games, food and drinks, music and a 50/50 raffle.

Proceeds from the festival are a major source of fund raising for the non-profit foundation that operates the historical landmark.

On Saturday, March 1, the plantation will be hosting a bike race, a car show, a Texas Hold ‘Em tournament and a washerboard tournament.

The 5th Annual Tour De’ San Francisco begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Police will escort cyclists as they race 25 miles through St. John and St. James Parishes.

Fees for riders are $20 in advance and $25 after Feb. 25.

The package includes a t-shirt, drinks, a meal, free admission to craft show and awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Packages for non-riders cost $10.

Check in time for cyclists is 7:30 a.m. and the race starts at 8 a.m. Lunch will be served at 11 a.m.

“Cruisin’ the Plantation Open Car Show” will be held Saturday on the plantation grounds.

Registration will begin at 11 a.m., judging begins at 12 noon and the trophies and awards ceremony will be held at 3 p.m.

A variety of vehicles is to be expected as all makes, models and years are welcome to participate including cars, trucks, motorcycles, antiques, hot rods and late models.

Top 25 Awards will be given out including best engine, best paint, best interior, best bike and people’s choice.

The early registration period for this event ended February 16. Day of show registration is $25.

The Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament will take place Saturday in the Marathon Rec Club Building on River Road in Garyville.

Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. with play beginning at 12 noon. The first 100 players will be accepted.

Buy-in is $50 for 2,200 chips. Winners will receive 50% payout, while the other 50% of the proceeds will go to benefit San Francisco Plantation.

The washerboard tournament will also be Saturday at 12 noon at the San Francisco Plantation Grounds.

On Sunday, March 2, activities include a 5K and one mile run and the chef’s cook off.

The 5th Annual Frisco Fest Run on Sunday will consist of both a 5K run and 1 mile run. Awards will include 1st and 2nd place for Men & Women in the one mile and 1st and 2nd in the 5K according to the following age brackets: 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 and over. In addition, 1st and 2nd place awards will be given to children 12 and under in both the 5K and one mile runs.

Entry fee is $12 before February 25th and $15 after. Age 12 and under are free.

Race amenities include a custom t-shirt, food, cold beer and free admission to browse around the fest.

The Chef’s Cook Off will be on Sunday.

Four categories will be judged for the cook off: best soup, salad, gumbo, appetizer, best meat entrée (chicken, pork, beef and wild game), best seafood entrée and best dessert.

Awards plaques will go to the first, second and third place winner in each category. In addition there will be a people’s choice award and an award for best overall dish.

Gates open at 6 a.m. At 10:30 judges will sample the food and 11 a.m. the competition will open to public who will receive a taster’s tray for $7.

“It is a real good feeling, we have wonderful choices this year,” said Chefs Event Organizer Sue Poirrier. “I have one or two wild game. I really have a good variety so far. Red fish courtboullion.”

“This is our fourth year. It has been a huge success every year. We have a great time underneath the tent. All the chefs are taste testing everyone’s food. It makes for a fun morning. There is always that competition going between the chefs.”

Poirrier said she does not reveal her judges, but did say they are normally in the restaurant industry and usually go in for the complex dishes.

Frisco Fest is still looking for sponsors for the 5K Run and Bicycle Tour. As a sponsor, you or your company’s name will be included on the t-shirts given to all participants.

Any questions regarding sponsorship or entry into contests can be directed to San Francisco Plantation: Kim Fontenot (985)535-2341, Beverly Oubre (225)206-0133 or Sue Poirrier (985)535-7384.