The 20^th Annual Smoked Meat Festival was another success for the Evangeline Area Chapter of the Viet Nam Veterans of America.

      The opening ceremonies at noon Saturday featured Guest Speaker, Tony Cordero who founded Sons and Daughters United who are Gold Star children who lost their Dads or Moms in the service. Cordero lost his father in Viet Nam in 1965.

      Also speaking was last year’s featured speaker Chief Master Sgt. Linus Jordan, a native of nearby Savoy, Louisiana.

      Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine welcomed the crowds of people to Ville Platte. Also speaking were State Senator Eric LaFleur, State Representative Bernard LeBas, Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartigue and Assistant District Attorney Greg Vidrine.

      The Viet Nam Veterans presented the following awards: Friends of VVA awards were given to Dr. Stephen Nasen , Citizens Bank and Whitney Bank.

      The VVA Associate of the Year was given to John Sylvester. The VVA Point Man of the Year was given to Terry Guillory.

      Special tribute was given to the late Elford “Big Al” Fontenot, who was a strong supporter of the festival. A large framed photograph of Fontenot shaking hands with Sgt. Jordan from last year was given to Fontenot’s sister, Linda Fontenot.

      KVPI-Fm was there broadcasting live on remote . We hope to have the results of the world championship cook off later today.