S&P Festival membership drive under way

The Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival is entering its 79th year. Festivities associated with the Labor Day weekend event is made possible by supporters, community involvement and volunteers. The Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival and Fair Association and staff expressed thanks to all those that make the culture and heritage festival possible every year.
The festival membership drive is under way. Membership makes possible the Blessing of the Fleet, the Culture & Heritage Expo, Music in the Park, Fireworks on the River, Children’s Village, Children’s Day activities, the Classic Car Show and all venues that are offered free to the community and visitors.
The membership committee is contacting supporters throughout the Tri-City area and St. Mary Parish for membership and membership renewals. Membership is what keeps the state’s oldest chartered harvest festival alive.
“The success of the Festival is owed to the community and all its supporters,” Festival Executive Director Lee Delaune said. “It is through the continued and generous support, volunteers and the participation of our citizens that the festival has become such an outstanding event.”
Numerous awards and “top listings” locally, statewide and nationally should be a source of pride, according to Delaune. The Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals has voted the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival as the Festival of the Year in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007 and 2009. The festival has also received many awards for Best Poster, Best T-shirt, Best Cap, Best Pin and Best Marketing Program.
In the last three years the festival received Volunteer of the Year in Division 3. Those recipients were Greg Price, Peggy Acosta and Rodney Grow. The festival has received national acclaim by being featured on many television shows, Delaune said.
The Festival was recently honored at the St. Mary Chamber of Commerce banquet as the recipient of the Non-Profit Organization of the Year.
Many festivals in the state charge a “gate” or entrance fee and keep profits from food and drink sales for festival operation. The Shrimp and Petroleum Festival is unique by remaining a “free” festival and has encouraged at least 40 nonprofit organizations to utilize it as a fund-raising venue, Delaune said. “We certainly could not accomplish any of this without the continued support of our community.”
Individuals and businesses seeking information regarding festival membership should contact the Festival office at 985-385-0703 or stop by the office located at 715 Second St. in downtown Morgan City.