Creole Families Bastille Day

July 16, 2016

The 7^th annual Creole Families Bastille Day Festival was held today at the Ville Platte Civic Center. The emcee was event President Gene Buller. The Holy Mass was conducted all in French by Fr. Jason Vidrine of St. Anthony Catholic Church.  The guest speaker was Dr. Olivier Chatelain with the French Consul General’s Office in New Orleans. Dr. Chatelain talked about the recent terrorist attack in Nice, France. He also talked about the close relationship between France and its French cousins in Louisiana. At the end of his address, the French National Anthem “La Marseillaise” was played over the public address system.  Dr. Charles Fontenot and Gene Fontenot recognized a special roll call of well- known Creoles whose work, support, support have contributed to the preservation of our French and Creole heritage and culture. A special champagne toast was held at the conclusion of the program.  Local educator and author John Lafleur gave an address on “Our Rich Louisiana Creole and French Cultural Heritage.  Donna Demourelle Johnson with the Evangeline Genealogical and Historical Society spoke on the “first Families of Ville Platte.  KVPI FM Classic Hits 92.5 was there covering the entire event live for those who could not attend.