Another successful year for annual Frisco Fest

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, March 10, 2010

By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

GARYVILLE – Revelers had plenty to celebrate last weekend as San Francisco Plantation in Garyville hosted the annual Frisco Fest.

Crowds were thick as local and some not-so-locals took advantage of the phenomenal spring weather to party in the shadow of one of St. John the Baptist Parish’s most distinguished structures.

“We had a good attendance,” said Kim Fontenot, general manager of San Francisco Plantation.

Over 130 craft booths with vendors from as far away as Oklahoma crowded the plantation grounds, offering something to fit pretty much everyone’s tastes. Pottery, art, preserves, pickles, clothing, you name it and it was there.

The food tent was, as to be expected, one of the more popular attractions. With offerings such as jambalaya, corn and shrimp bisque and shrimp etouffee, area cuisine was well represented, but burgers, hot dogs and French fries were also to be had. And to satisfy the sweet tooth, strawberry shortcake and other desserts could be had in the barn while listening to local musicians. And outside, snowball and Italian ice vendors were there to cool off anyone who got a little overheated while trying to see everything.

“We just had such great food this weekend,” said Fontenot. “The food court was full the whole time.”

A petting zoo was the highlight of the children’s area. While the usual goats and rabbits were there for tiny hands to touch, this particular zoo also boasted a wallaby, which is sort of a small kangaroo. Pony rides and the Eurobungee were also busy attractions. And those a little braver at heart could strap themselves into a giant gyroscope. Probably not a good idea after visiting the food tent.

The car show Saturday was a popular attraction, with over 70 classic cars crowding the grounds immediately surrounding the house.

The Sunday bike ride attracted over 200 cyclists.

Some made the 40-mile journey to Poche Plantation in St. James Parish for the inaugural “Prayers and Plantations” tour.

The exciting weekend has taken its toll on those who helped out, though.

“I know my festival committee are very, very tired,” said Fontenot, who concluded, “We did really well. I want to thank everyone who came out to support the plantation.”