By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

RESERVE – A slight chill may have hung in the air, but the atmoshere at the Reserve Family Fun Day held at Regala Park Sunday was anything but chilly. More than anything, the daylong event felt like a family reunion — not surprising considering the community it celebrated.

“I think it’s nice. I’ve been to all the activities,” said attendee Verna Schexnayder.

One of the main events of the day was a jambalaya cook off, a contest that served the double purpose of providing delicious edibles for all whose made it out to the park. The Reserve Lions Club, led by head chef Sheldon Vice, took home the top honors in the competition, while Team Pepsi came in second, and Bailey’s Andouille and the Reserve Volunteer Fire Department tied for third.

While people munched on the free jambalaya and hot dogs, the River Rats, led by Alton Terrio, provided a little home-grown musical entertainment.

The children got to engage in a little community bonding themselves by competing in sack and peanut races. Pony rides and a petting zoo kept them entertained between competitions.

Local residents also got the chance to contribute to a time capsule, which will be buried in December and unearthed in 50 years.

Following the Reserve movie premiere Thursday, the Family Fun Day represented the culmination of the efforts of the Reserve150 committee to celebrate 150 years of the community’s existence. The celebration is not over, however. The lecture series will continue tomorrow evening at 7 p.m. with a lecture on German POWs in Reserve presented by St. John the Baptist Parish School Board President Gerald Keller. The lecture will take place at the LaCour Center on West Seventh Street in Reserve next to St. Peter School.

For more information on this or any of the other events related to the Reserve sesquicentennial, visit www.reserve150.org.