Chamber meeting hears Mardi Gras, Frog Festival reports
RAYNE - Updates of the upcoming Mardi Gras Ball and Frog Festival were the main topic of discussion during the January meeting of the Rayne Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture.
Chairman Michelle Autin reported on the upcoming 8th Annual Grand Court Mardi Gras Ball slated Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Rayne Civic Center. “Under the Big Top” is the theme for the 2019 celebration and that “Ticket sales went well” reminding everyone tickets will not be sold at the door. Autin stated court members took formal photos and that, “So far, everything is running smooth.”
Members were reminded that proceeds of the Mardi Gras Ball help to benefit the Chamber’s scholarship program presented to Rayne High and Notre Dame students at graduation each year.
Frog Festival Chairman Jeremy Lavergne gave a brief report of the upcoming 2019 Rayne Frog Festival (May 9-11).
“Entertainment has been booked and the schedule is complete,” Lavergne stated. “We are mainly concentrating on sponsors at this point.
“Sponsorship packets have been sent out and we hope to have a good response,” stated Lavergne.
“Final touches are being made to a number of events planned for the 47th annual event, and I’m sure the public will enjoy this year’s festival.”
Lavergne also noted that additional volunteers, including organizations and school clubs, are needed for the many events the festival will offer. Any club or organization is urged to contact the Chamber office with any questions or if interested in working a time slot during the festival.
Chamber President Nikki Link announced a Frog Festival meeting will be held on Monday, Jan. 28, at the Chamber Office and urged all to attend.
Link also discussed Board nominations noting that two names, Michele Veillon and Marietta Sikat, have been nominated. She announced that a Board meeting would be held Monday, Jan. 14, at the Chamber Office to elect new Board members, followed by a meeting at a later date to elect the new slate officers.
With the absence of Chairperson Marietta Sikat, Chamber Executive Director Fran Bihm gave a brief report of the recently held Christmas Farmers Market held in December at the Rayne Civic Center.
“There was a good turn-out,” Bihm stated. “Marietta did a good job for her first Christmas Farmers Market and thanked everyone for helping to produce another successful Chamber event.”
Members were reminded that no market will be held in January with the next Farmers Market slated Saturday Feb. 9, at The Depot Square.
Bihm, along with Link, also suggested an earlier date for next year’s event, maybe even combining the November and December markets for one, larger Christmas event. It was voted upon and approved.
Also voted upon and approved was the addition of treasurer Tiffany Thibodeaux-Gossen and the removal of Jimmy Prevost as a signature for the Chamber’s checking account.
Included in her monthly report, Bihm included a special thank you to the German Heritage Museum for hosting the Christmas Business After Hours held Tuesday, Dec. 11, at The German Heritage Museum. Three businesses were honored with Business of the Quarter awards, Rice Silk, Super 1 Foods and Lollihops Children’s Boutique.
She also noted that she and other Chamber members attended the Acadia Parish Holiday Business After Hours held Wednesday, Dec. 12, at the Grand Opera House in Crowley.
Bihm also noted that membership dues are continuing to be received, with the addition of three new Chamber members. She urged all Chamber members to submit their dues for the coming year.
The financial report was presented by treasurer Tiffany Thibodeaux and a free Chamber membership was presented to Thibodeaux following a drawing of members with perfect attendance during the past year.
Plans were also updated for the 4th Annual Rayne Mardi Gras Parade and After Party slated Saturday, March 2, by the Chamber. Brian Mouton will chair the parade and a committee meeting will be held Tuesday, Jan. 22, to complete the chairmen list.
Bihm reminded the membership that a date for the Business Appreciation Night would have to be moved to the month February due to Mardi Gras being in March this year. The date and location will be discussed during the executive meeting planned for Monday, Jan. 14, as will the Chamber budget.
Announcement was made of the annual Martin Luther King Day March and Celebration slated Monday, Jan. 21, by the National Association of University Women.
Suzette Leonards announced the filming of a documentary will be filmed throughout Louisiana and excitingly stated that Rayne would be included. A date for the television film will be announced as soon as known.
She also reminded the Chamber of the Frog Festival Queen attending the annual Washington, D.C. Mardi Gras Ball. Updates and photos will be shared soon.
Bihm announced that TV-10 KLFY would be highlighting Dr. Myrtle Servat and Miss Willie Etta Servat during a 90+ series on Friday, Jan. 11, during the 5 p.m. broadcast.
The meal for the noon meeting was provided by CJ Prevost Insurance Agency and Rayne Realty.