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RAYNE - The Fifth Annual Rayne Mardi Gras Parade and After Party promises to be a fun, family friendly safe event for everyone to enjoy.
It’s hard to believe this began five years ago, with co-sponsorship of the City of Rayne and everyone who volunteers to help. This event has seen growth in the past four years.
This event, slated Saturday, Feb 22, is held for the community, economic development and tourism with everyone invited to participate, in addition to fly a Mardi Gras flag at their home or business.
Entry forms to participate in the Parade and Chicken & Sausage Gumbo Cook-off at the After Party (4-7 p.m. (following the parade at the Frog Festival Pavilion) are available at the Rayne Chamber office.
There is no admission to attend the After Party. In addition to the Gumbo Cook-off, the After Party will also include BBQ burgers provided for sale by the RHS Band Booster Club, beer and soft drinks at the Chamber concession, fun jumps provided by A & O 21st Century Club, and a DJ with music.
Let’s welcome Rayne visitors with the best Mardi Gras Parade and After Party possible.
The Chamber is now accepting applications for teams for the Gumbo Cook-off. Trophies will be awarded to winners.

RAYNE - As the 8th Annual Rayne Court Mardi Gras Ball approaches, Wednesday’s meeting of the Rayne Chamber of Commerce heard reports for the January 18 fun event.
Tiffany Thibodeaux gave a brief report of the 2020 Mardi Gras Ball as months of planning are winding down for the “We Love The 80s” theme.
She noted very few tickets are still available for purchase, reminding everyone that no tickets to be available at the door.
The Rayne Grand Court Mardi Gras Ball will again be hosted by the Rayne Chamber of Commerce at the Rayne Civic Center with King Jeremy Lavergne Queen Michelle C. Autin inviting all party-goers to attend.
An update was also given by Suzette Leonards due to the absence of Brian Mouton of the Fifth Annual Rayne Mardi Gras Parade and After Party Celebration slated Saturday, Feb. 22, for the citizens of Rayne by the City of Rayne and the Rayne Chamber of Commerce. The parade is slated for 3 p.m. ending at the Frog Festival Pavilion where the after-party and gumbo cook-off will be enjoyed until 7 p.m. A number of activities have been planned for the entire family.
Due to the absence of Chamber President and Frog Festival Chairman Jeremy Lavergne, an abbreviated report of the 2020 Rayne Frog Festival was given, with sponsors the main object being highlighted at this point of the schedule. Members were also reminded of a Frog Festival committee meeting slated January 14 at the Chamber office.
It was also announced Frog Festival nominations have begun for grand marshal and poster contest entries.
Chairman Marietta Sikat gave a report of the recently completed Rayne Holiday Market held on Shop Small Saturday, noting a very positive event with a number of vendors in attendance at The Depot along with numerous Rayne businesses offering shopping deals.
Sikat also gave tentative dates for the four Rayne Market Place events (formerly known as the Quarterly Farmers Market) for 2020, including March 14, June 13, September 12 and November 28. The event will be held between 8 a.m. and noon at The Depot Square in historic downtown Rayne.
Under new business, it was announced the annual Business Appreciation Night will be held Wednesday, Feb. 12, at the Rayne Civic Center by the Chamber and City of Rayne.
Banquet deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 5, for nominations for the four awards to be presented during the evening, Business Person of the Year, Outstanding Employee of the Year, Humanitarian of the Year and Chamber Member of the Year.
The deadline of Friday, Jan. 10, was also given for the nominations for prospective new Chamber Board members.
Board members were also reminded to submit Board committee assignment sheets and dues by January 15.
Announcement was made for the following events and meetings: Frog Festival committee meeting Jan. 14; special Board meeting at noon on Jan. 15; and 2020 LAFF Convention Feb. 6-9.
The meeting was adjourned and a lunch was provided by C.J. Prevost Insurance Company and Rayne Realty.

RAYNE - During special ceremonies held Monday evening during the Rayne City Council meeting in honor of Russell Domingue, the Army veteran and retired member of the Rayne Police Department was acknowledged.
Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux welcomed Domingue and his family in attendance to the meeting at which time, he was presented a quilt from the “Quilt of Valor Foundation.”
Foundation member Becky Haaland made the quilt presentation, stating, “This is an expression of gratitude to thank and comfort to Mr. Domingue for his service, sacrifice and valor during his service to his country during World War II as a member of the United States Army. Whenever you use your quilt, remember that it’s our nation hugging you and thanking you.”
Domingue served in the U.S. Army from 1944 until 1946, later returning home to serve the Rayne Police Department for 23 years. He is now retired but continues to be active at 93 years of age.
The monthly financial update was presented by City Clerk Annette Cutrera and approved by the Council.
Also approved by the Council were:
• Request by Kerry Delatte and Kimberly Miller with Altered Metal Car & Truck Show at the pavilion on March 27-29;
• Request by Fran Bihm to hold the 5th Annual Rayne Mardi Gras Parade and After Party on Saturday, Feb. 22;
• Request by Ludy Bellard to hold the annual Mardi Gras parade and events on Tuesday, Feb. 25, for the Krewe of King and Queen Extraordinaire; and
• Consider entering the City of Rayne in the 2020 Cleanest City Contest held by the State Garden Club Federation.
For the permit department report, the Council approved a request by the Rayne Planning and Zoning Committee to renew Lee Seilhan as chairman of the Rayne Planning and Zoning Committee for the 2020 calendar year.
Under new business, the Council considered and approved a recommendation by the board members of the Acadia Parish Fire District #9 to reinstate Alton Thibodeaux as a board member for the 2020-2022 term.
Also approved by the Council under new business was a request by Rayne City Court to declare the following as surplus: APC battery backup, red desk chair, two Fellowship shredders, Intertek shredder, Cannon adding machine, Boston electric pencil sharpener, HD monitor, Brother typewriter, Kensington wireless keyboard, ceramic element heater, two Compucessory wireless mice, two Compucessory wired mice, E-Machine wired keyboard, floor mat, Levono computer, two E-Machine computers, APC battery backups and Acer wired keyboard.
The final vote approval by the Council was a resolution of the 2020 United States Census in support of the goals and ideals of the Census while pledging their support and encouraging all Rayne citizens to participate in this vital tool for future federal and state funding.
With no further business, Robichaux and members of the Council thanked everyone for attending and reminded everyone of the LSU football championship game later that evening.

RAYNE - The public is invited to attend and participate in the 2020 Annual City-Wide Martin Luther King Program in honor of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This year’s celebration will be held Monday, Jan. 20, at both the Martin Luther King Center and the Rayne Civic Center.
Every year during the month of January, the city of Rayne celebrates the life of the civil rights movement leader by recognizing education, positive achievements and the legacy of Dr. King.
Theme for the 2020 program is “Celebrate the Man; Live the Message.”
In a change from former celebrations, the day will begin at the Martin Luther King Center at 8:15 a.m. when doors will open and hot cocoa will be served by the Ebonite Civic and Social Club of Rayne.
Also to be held at the MLK Center is the inaugural bike decorating contest for youngsters six years of age and older. All in attendance will then participate in the march to the Civic Center where bike winners will be announced during the main program. Bike entries will be judged on overall appearance, creativity, theme and use of color.
An opening prayer will be presented by Pastor Reginald Wiltz and a “march” to the Civic Center will be followed by a short program to be held surrounding the flagpoles.
Following a welcome by Jackie Wiltz, the local Boys Scouts will raise the U.S. Flag, followed by a special MLK flag as Daylen Granger will provide the Star Spangle Banner on trumpet, along with “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by all in attendance.
Guest speaker Brian Mouton will be introduced by Yvette Senegal and the short program will conclude with closing remarks by Jackie Wiltz and participants will then march inside the Rayne Civic Center where the main program will begin at 11 a.m.
Guest speaker for the main program will be Dr. Donovan L. Segura of Crowley, staff member at Southern University. The Crowley native is a graduate of Crowley High School, three-time graduate of Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, and higher education professional who is committed to being an effective change agent and a servant leader.
Dr. Segura is a community advocate, inspirational speaker, eloquent communicator, paradigm shifter and political analyst who works religiously to leave an indelible imprint on every project he undertakes. The prominent, accomplished, energetic professional can often be seen working with the administration, faculty, staff and students on the flagship campus. Professionally, Dr. Segura is employed at Southern University and A&M College. His responsibilities include a service-quality that develops faculty, strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, administrative coaching, project management, data analysis and college marketing. In addition to his administrative duties at the university he remains active in the community through the Beta Iota Lambda chapter of his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha and as a Board Member for the non-profit organization, Serve Louisiana. He is a member of the Southern University Alumni Association and was selected as a member of the association’s Inaugural Cohort Top 40 Under 40 Alumni
Pastor Reginald Hilts of Sanctuary of Worship Church will serve as the day’s master of ceremonies.
A wellness program will again be available at the Civic Center during the morning, with entertainment to be provided by local youth, schools, churches and organizations. Lunch will be served following the program.
Winners will be announced and prizes will be awarded during the annual school-related contests, including coloring, t-shirt, essay and oratorical contests.
In the event of inclement weather, all activities will be held inside the Civic Center.
Every January, the MLK Committee works with the City of Rayne to celebrate this special occasion with the community to recognize education, positive achievements and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.