By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

DESTREHAN – It is common knowledge in the River Parishes that the Wetland Watchers work to restore the region’s wetlands, the valuable storm barrier that has fallen victim to erosion both man made and natural, but in recent years they have also worked to revive a regional cultural phenomenon that has also been the victim of time — the reveillon.

Once a common event in the local areas of French descent, the reveillon is the traditional “long meal” that precedes both Christmas and New Years Day. The Christmas meal is a drawn-out and luxurious affair, with tradition often dictating the types and amounts of food served at each course.

The tradition has undergone somewhat of a revival in recent years, and a number of New Orleans-based restaurants now offer a reveillon menu in the period leading up to the holidays.

The Harry Hurst Middle School-based Wetland Watchers organization recently held its third reveillon celebration at the Mule Barn at Destrehan Plantation, and the event was worthy of its cultured heritage.

The culinary experts in training at the St. Charles Satellite Center provided the evening’s mandatory dinner spread, but the Watchers’ event is much more than food.

Wetland Watchers partner Amanda Shaw provided the entertainment and allowed the attendees the chance to burn off a few of the calories they picked up munching on the evening’s rich offering.

Additionally, those in attendance got the chance to get a little of their holiday shopping done courtesy of a silent auction that boasted jewelry from Mignon Faget, signed artwork from George Rodrigue of Blue Dog fame and sports memorabilia from the Saints and Hornets among its offerings.

The celebration typically caps a day of festivities in the area that starts with the annual Norco Christmas Parade.