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Louisiana Cattle Festival and Fair
Description: The Louisiana Cattle Festival is an annual festival held every first weekend in October since 1949. This festivity takes place in the small town of Abbeville, Louisiana. This three day Festival also brings family and friends together from all of the surrounding communities and from other states as well. It is a yearly celebration that occurs during the fall session, and it is a family oriented event.

History: The Cattle Festival was originated by Roy R. Theriot, Sr. on September 24, 1949. He was the former Mayor of Abbeville, Louisiana. The name was changed in 1979 from the Diary Festival to what it is known as now. This change was made to honor the cattle industry of Louisiana. The very first festival was on September 24th 1949. Governor Earl Long addressed the people of Vermillion Parish, and this was followed by a parade. After the parade a Diary Queen was chosen to overlook the festivities. This tradition has been repeated ever since.

Activities: There are many activities to enjoy at the festival such as: There are also booths that offer food, drinks, souvenirs, arts and crafts, and Cajun hospitality to all visitors. All these activities are available throughout the entire festiva
 * Baby Show- for ages 0 to 4 years
 * Queen’s pageant - for ages 17 to 23
 * Parade- takes place on Charity St. in Abbeville on Saturday at 11 am to 1:30 pm
 * Beef cooking contest- allows the public to judge different beef dishes
 * BB gun tournament- takes place on the Sunday of the festival at 10 am at the Jay Guidry Arena
 * Live entertainment- different bands perform throughout the 3 day festival
 * Street fair- this occurs every day of the three day festival
 * Street Dancing- also known as “Fais Do Do.” Guests can listen and dance to the different bands

Dedications: Every year, the Cattle Festival is dedicated to an outstanding group. In 2003, it was dedicated to the Veterans of World War II. In 2004, it was dedicated to the Veterans of the Korean War; and in 2005, it was dedicated to Vietnam War. In 2006, it was dedicated to the Veteran Organizations of Ladies Auxiliaries; and in 2007, the Borden, Inc. who also celebrated its 150th birthday. There were no dedications for the 2009 and 2010 festivities; but in 2011, the festival was dedicated to Virgie Foreman.

Themes: In the past, there has been some themes for the Cattle Festival. For example, in 2003, the theme was the Louisiana Purchase. In 2004, the theme was The Old West; and in 2005, the theme was Cajun Cowboys on the Bayou.

2011 Friday’s Line-Up: This past festival for 2011 was full of entertaining music. On Friday, October 14, 2011, Timbo performed from 6 pm to 7 pm. Chubby Carrier was there from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, and Geno Delafosse performed from 10:00 pm to midnight. These musicians performed on Stage 1. On Stage 2 The Cypress Band performed from 7 pm to 9 pm featuring Warren Storm and Willie Tee with special guest Tommy Mclain, and at 9:30 to 11:30 pm Jaryd Lane closed with his astounding performance.

2011 Saturday & Sunday’s Line-Up On Saturday, October 15, 2011 the spectacular Charity St. Parade Grandstand took place from 11 am to 1:30 pm. On Stage 1, Al “Lil Fats” Jackson performed at 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, and Jamie Bergeron was next at 8 pm to 10 pm. Travis Matte followed at 10:30 pm to 12:30 pm. On Stage 2, The Cypress City Band played from 5 pm to 7 pm, and Richard LeBouef with special Schel Reaux performed at 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Robbeaux closed for the night from 10 pm to midnight. On Sunday, October 16, 2011, the stage was given to the Louisiana kids on Stage 1 from 11 am to 12:30 pm, and the stage was given to Payton Rae from 1 pm to 3:30 pm.

Ambassador Award: In 2003, a new honor was added to the event. This prestige award is known as the Louisiana Cattle Festival Ambassador Award. This award is presented every year since 2003 to a Vermillion Parish native who has promoted the festival and Parish, and who has excelled in his or her field. In 2010, there were two Ambassadors chosen, David Bourque and Rick Coleman. For the 2011 festival, the new ambassador chosen was Courtney Hoffpauir.

Links: www.louisianacattlefestival.org www.louisianatravel.com www.crtstate.la.us www.laffnet.com