VILLE PLATTE ROTARY CLUB

MAY 24, 2016

     The Ville Platte Smoked Meat Festival was the topic of Guest Speaker Renee Brown at today’s (Tuesday) meeting of the Ville Platte Rotary Club.

     The 24^th Annual Smoked Meat Festival is scheduled for June 24 and 25 at the Civic Center grounds. This year for the first time, a carnival will be a part of the festival. A carnival will be at the city park grounds from Wednesday June 22 to 25 for the children to enjoy.

     Brown said she is excited about the opening ceremonies planned for 12 noon on the Saturday of the festival. Veterans across Louisiana are expected to attend the event including a large group motorcycle riding vets who will part of an honor guard during the ceremony. Veterans will not be charged to attend the event.

    Also for the first time, a scholarship will be provided for the Smoked Meat Festival Queen who is the official ambassador for the festival throughout the state.

   One of the big highlights of the yearly event is the World Championship Smoked Meat Cook off scheduled for the Saturday June 25. Last year, judges reviewed 190 dishes in the cook off. There will be musical acts Friday night and all day on Saturday.

    Brown thanked everyone for their support and a special thanks to the Ville Platte Lions Club who will be volunteering during the festival. She was the special guest of Rotarian David Mayeaux.

   In other rotary news:

--the installation of officers for the rotary club will be held June 14 at Main Street Pizza;

--received news from Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine that the new Ville Platte Boys and Girls Club registration is closed. The new club is filled to capacity with 100 students from ages 8-15. The classes begin June 1 at the old city hall location.