Happy 200, Lafourche

It’s not every day a parish celebrates its 200th birthday, and Lafourche Parish is pulling no punches in commemorating this milestone March 31.

In 1807, Lafourche got its start; it was among 19 parishes carved from the Louisiana Purchase.

Two-hundred years later, the parish’s bicentennial celebration will have something for all ages, according to event organizers.

Festivities will be held in Raceland on the 30-acre manicured grounds of the Raceland Recreation Center.

The fun will kick off Saturday at 10 a.m., with an array of activities, including nationally-recognized musicians performing.

Although plans were still being finalized as Gumbo went to press, organizers did say the grand occasion will feature over 22 cultural organizations from Lafourche Parish n featuring some of Louisiana’s best chefs n cooking their favorite local specialty dishes.

The delectable cuisine will be found under a huge tent. Culinary demonstrations and folk life presentations will also keep audiences captivated.

And all proceeds from the sale of the dishes goes to the organization preparing the meal.

In keeping with Lafourche Parish’s rich culture and history, the event will feature examples of local carving, quilting bingo, bouree and plenty of activities for children.

Lafourche Parish also has strong roots in the sugar industry n the region has been a world leader in sugar-producing technology and mechanization for at least a half-century.

A John Deere display will include tools of the trade n from hand-cutting knives used to harvest sugar cane for hundreds of years to the present air-conditioned chopper harvester.

And a number of exhibits that highlight Lafourche Parish’s history will be on display in the Recreational Center.

Visitors will be invited to view, listen and handle artifacts that help define the people of Lafourche and their cultural heritage.

Guests are also invited to bring their dancing shoes. A double-stage, facing an open-air lawn ideal for picnicking, will be the site of continuous music representing the many communities of Bayou Lafourche. An area reserved for some serious dancing will be marked off near the stage.