By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – San Francisco Plantation hosted its 11th annual Frisco Fest on March 15 on plantation grounds.

Originally slated to occur on both March 15 and 16, San Francisco Plantation General Manager Kim Fontenot said the decision was made early Sunday morning to cancel the day’s events because of weather and safety concerns for any visiting patrons. Fontenot said because of extensive flooding on the grounds, as well as the need to run electrical cords around the grounds, Sunday festivities were cancelled.

On Saturday, family-friendly attractions included a petting zoo, pony rides, space walks, euro bungee and rock climbing. Everything from Cajun rice and etouffee to traditional springtime favorites like burgers and hotdogs were food staples of the day.

Funds generated from Frisco Fest, San Francisco Plantation’s biggest fundraiser, are used for San Francisco Plantation’s upkeep.

“Everything goes toward preserving a historic landmark,” said Fontenot.

For the first time ever, admission to Frisco Fest was free this year. In the past admission was $5.

More than 100 crafters and artist booths were on the grounds Saturday, offering carefully created items that include woodworks, stained glass, hand-crafted jewelry and Cajun products.

A car show and bike tour were held on Saturday, but Sunday’s 1-mile fun run and 5K race were cancelled along with the rest of the festival.

Fontenot said race T-shirts will be mailed out to people who registered for the race.