The 2013 Smoked Meat Festival took place Friday night and all day on Saturday at the city park grounds.  From all indications, it was another successful festival with large crowds enjoying the musical acts. KVPI FM was there covering the festival Saturday including the opening ceremonies. Clerk of Court Randy Deshotel was this year’s emcee. Mable Forman was selected the Viet Nam Veterans Member of the Year. The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Department and Ville Platte Home Health were honored as Friends of the V.V.A. The new festival management group, Ping Enterprises, presented a special award to the Evangeline Parish Chapter of the Viet Nam Veterans for the 20 years of sponsoring the Smoked Meat Festival.