The Evangeline Parish Police Jury today (Tuesday) continued their long standing tradition of conducting their December meeting all in Cajun French. From all indications, it is the only meeting of its kind in Louisiana. Jury President Ryan Ardoin said the jury makes this effort to show their support for our parish’s rich Cajun French heritage. The jury meeting room was packed with a standing room crowd of visitors, family members and VIP’s. KVPI 1050 The Legend was there covering the entire meeting live for residents who could not attend in person.
      Police Juror Eric Soileau conducted the meeting. Clerk of Court Randy Deshotel led the group in the invocation. The French Immersion students from Mamou Elementary did the pledge of allegiance and sand Christmas songs all in French.
      Gilbert “Winky” Aucoin and his wife, Margaret “Chicken” Aucoin addressed the jury about the upcoming “Grand Hoorah” festival planned for April at Chicot State Park. Once again, this year, the festival will team up with the Dewey Balfa Folkroots camp and is scheduled for April 20-26.
        Cary Porche with Folk Roots said the last time, the event was held at Chicot Park, there were 103 people enrolled for the week long camp representing 26 states and 11 countries. He expects that the same number of people to be there next year..
        Also, Boisy Pitre of Prairie Rhonde was introduced who will be in charge of the traditional boucherie that will take place on Saturday April 21 during the festival.
       John Vidrine spoke to the audience. He is a member of the Hoorah Dewey Balfa Ramblers who entertained the crowds after the meeting ended.
       Becky Buller of Keep Evangeline Beautiful said parish residents are showing pride because she is seeing more clean areas than ever before. Her group is expected to introduce a new original song sung by local artist Kyle Veillon overt KVPI.
        In other news, the police jury:
--advertising to receive bids for the construction of a new Chataignier Library Branch building;
--reappointed Randy Fruge and Albert LeJeune to another two year term on the Acadia/Evangeline Fire Protection District Board;
--approved a request for a trail ride in the Mamou area on Bieber road;
--heard from Secretary Treasurer Donald Bergeron report that sales tax collections in November amounted to $293,307.