By Nyla Smith

L’Observateur

GARYVILLE – Music, dancing and good eats were the highlights of this year’s annual festival at St. Hubert’s Roman Catholic Church in Garyville. The three-day event began Friday afternoon and lasted through Sunday.

Program coordinator Katrina Levron said the church has held the festival for as long as the church has been in existence, which is well over 100 years. She also said the fair was initially held in the fall, but because of hurricane season, the church decided to move it to the spring season in 2006.

“It used to be a one-day event with dinner and bingo, but we added music and events to draw more people,” said Levron.

She also said when the fair was held in October, it was named  “the Rosary Bizarre” in recognition of the blessed mother Mary and the Rosary. The name has since been changed to “St. Hubert’s Festival.”

Pastor Bill Blank said he has been serving at the church for about one year, but it’s his third time attending the fair.

“I like the whole event, and the food is good,” said Blank.

While attendees enjoyed sweet treats donated by parishioners of the church and cool snowballs to beat the heat, bands and local dance teams entertained the crowd with music and dance routines.

The Christian rock band Driven performed Saturday afternoon to a supportive crowd, with lead singers Remy Ropert and Cassidy Williams. The band played contemporary and traditional gospel tunes.

Off the Hook and the “United States Navy Brass Band of New Orleans also entertained the crowd throughout the weekend.

Ashley Montz of Garyville said she has been attending the fair since her childhood, at least 24 years.

“I like playing bingo because you get to win money.” said Montz. “But we all like the washboard competition. Last year we came in second place.”

The washboard game is similar to horseshoes, but it uses iron washer rings to throw in a board with three holes. The participants team up or compete independently to win cash prizes.

The children also had an opportunity to win prizes with the cookie decorating contest and a scavenger egg hunt.

The first-prize winner of the cookie contest was Victoria Roequin of Garyville. 

An auction of donated prizes and a car show ended the festivities on Sunday with 14 cars competing for best of show. 

Coordinator Sue Poirrier said she has been putting the car show together for the past five years, and her organized style has enticed many drivers to return year after year.

“I give away the top 20 and the Best of Show prize,” said Poirrier.

Participants pay a $25 registration fee, and their cars are critiqued by anonymous judges on uniqueness, restoration, motor condition and overall look.

Spectator Sammy Miano of Garyville narrowed his favorite car choice quickly by sticking to his favorite brand.

“I don’t look at the Chevys. I’m a Ford man,” said Miano.

All drivers received a plaque for their participation, and the Best of Show winner was Toy Gremillion of Gonzales with his 1955 210 post-model Chevy. 

Craft booths displaying the work of Cindy Stewart of Gonzales with her homemade toys for children and handcrafted outfits for small dogs attracted both kids and adults.

Also on hand was LSU student Donny Terrio of Garyville, who showcased his charcoal drawings on stationary and as framed art.