By DAVID VITRANO

Staff Reporter

GARYVILLE – Bolstered by beautiful weather, the crowds thronged to last weekend’s Frisco Fest, which, according to San Franciso Plantation General Manager Kim Fontenot, was among the most successful in the festival’s five-year history.

“We had enormous crowds both days,” said Fontenot. “We really hit it out of the ballpark this year.”

The two-day festival, held every spring at the Garyville plantation, kicked off each day with some fit-minded fun consisting of a 25-mile bike tour on Saturday and a one-mile fun run and a 5K run on Sunday. Then, throughout the days, a wide variety of entertainment and activities kept the crowds smiling.

Over 100 garden and craft exhibits filled the plantation grounds. Horseshoes and Texas hold’em were also on tap while pony rides and a petting zoo kept the little ones occupied.

And, of course, what Louisiana festival would be complete without an abundance of food. Although normal festival fare such as hamburgers and hot dogs could be had, dishes such as jambalaya and gumbo ensured no one would forget where they were.

New to the festival this year was an open car show that showcased 107 works of automotive art.

Additionally, one of the highlights of this year’s festivities had be Sunday’s performance by Grammy-nominated Geno Delafose and the French Rockin’ Boogie Band.

Behind all the fun, though, lies a great cause. All funds generated by the event go to the upkeep and improvement of the historic structure. According to Fontenot, each year the festival funds a special project for the plantation. In past years, the festival’s success has led to improved kitchen and bathroom facilities. That is why Fontenot describes the event as “a labor of love.”

She is also quick to stress the important role sponsors, who provide everything from food to T-shirts to monetary contributions, play in the festival’s good fortune. Said Fontenot, “I can’t say enough about our sponsors.”