DONALDSONVILLE • DUTCHTOWN • GEISMAR • GONZALES • PRAIRIEVILLE • ST. AMANT
THE ASCENSION
ADVOCATE T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M
Darlene Denstorff AROUND ASCENSION
DEA specialist to speak at roundtable
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W e d n e s d ay, F e b r u a ry 12, 2025
Putting the fun in fundraising PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP
Leslie M. Faulkner, community outreach specialist with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, will be the featured speaker at the February Ascension GOP Roundtable, sponsored by Ascension Republican Women. The roundtable is at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 20 at the Clarion Inn, 1500 W. La. 30, in Gonzales. Cost for the lunch is $30. Guests can prepay at paypal.me/ARW225. To RSVP, call (225) 921-5187 or email arwrus@ aol.com.
Steven and Lily Butler, a fatherdaughter duo of freelancers with Archie Comics, were guest illustrators at Louisiana Retro Con Winter Feb. 1-2 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.
Bulls, Bands & Barrels Tickets are on sale for the March 15 Bulls, Bands & Barrels at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. The event will include bull riding, barrel racing and live music featuring Sammy Kershaw with Vincent Mason. For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/yu83kp3e.
Second chance job fair set The Ascension Parish Reentry Coalition and Ascension Parish Library are hosting a second chance job fair from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 25 at the library’s Gonzales branch. Second chance candidates include anyone facing hiring barriers, including a criminal record. Attendees will have opportunities to interact and network directly with employers to discuss available positions and application processes. Participating businesses include FedEx, Express Employment Professionals, River Parishes Community College, The Lifehouse University and Louisiana Workforce Commission.
Donaldsonville Mardi Gras Donaldsonville’s Mardi Gras parade is set for 2 p.m. Sunday. The route is from Marchand Drive and Church Street to Railroad Avenue and will end at Mississippi Street.
Krewe of Ascension Mambo Krewe of Ascension Mambo has set its 2025 parade for 2 p.m. Feb. 22. The krewe’s ball is Saturday at Price LeBlanc PACE Center in Gonzales.
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PROVIDED PHOTOS BY TIM BABIN
Elks Freedom Ball King retired Lt. Col. Roman Kemp Carson and Queen Lucy Burton Cason.
Elks Freedom Ball raises money for veterans programs
BY WENDY LOUP Contributing writer
Community news report More than 400 people gathered Feb. 1 at the Price LeBlanc PACE Center for the Donaldsonville Benevolent and Protective Order’s Freedom Ball. The ball, which supports veteran service programs, includes all the traditions and fanfare of a traditional carnival ball. The event celebrates and supports the health and well-being of veterans; those who serve, have served and have given their lives to protect the democratic way of life, all principles for which Elks believe in and take an oath to protect, a news release said. “The tremendous success of the Freedom Ball is a testament to our community’s unwavering support for our veterans,” said ball organizer Lee Melancon. “This event not only brings people together in celebration but also plays a vital role in funding essential veteran service programs. We are honored to give back to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.” The Elks honor selected veterans with the Military Marshal Awards.
Retro Con draws video game, comic book enthusiasts
Jay and Chabry Marks are joined by their children Jayden Marks and Madisyn Marks. Jason and Amy Cheek
ä See BALL, page 2G
Video game and comic book enthusiasts enjoyed an interactive experience Feb. 1-2 at the Louisiana Retro Con Winter 2025 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. The convention, which originated in Houma in 2022, is a video gamefocused event featuring local artists, comic book authors and toy vendors. Originally scheduled for Morgan City in fall 2024, the event was postponed to the winter due to Hurricane Francine. The convention’s theme, “Sonic the Hedgehog,” brought out fans of the video game and movie franchise for cosplay contests throughout the weekend. More than 80 booths were on hand showcasing games, toy and movie memorabilia, as well as voice actors and illustrators. Guests included Ryan Drummond, former voice from “Sonic the Hedgehog” video game franchise; Barry Evans, Guinness World Record holder for owning the largest collection of Sonic memorabilia; and Jeremy Pourcy, founder of the indie video game company Jrago Studios.
ä See RETRO CON, page 2G
Krewe of Diversion Boat parade The 30th annual Krewe of Diversion Mardi Gras boat parade floats starting at noon Feb. 22. All proceeds benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Registration will be at 6 p.m. Feb. 21 at Manny’s, and the cost will be $35 a boat.
LSU livestock show The LSU AgCenter livestock show is ongoing through Tuesday at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center. Exhibitors will show cattle, hogs, goats, poultry and sheep. For a schedule, visit tinyurl. com/3nvacx3j.
VFW chili cook-off Veterans of Foreign Wars 3693 Auxiliary is hosting a chili cook-off
ä See AROUND, page 2G
Reigning Gonzales Jambalaya Festival Queen Gracie Guillot makes history as she’s crowned the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen on Saturday in Baton Rouge. PROVIDED PHOTO
‘The biggest honor of my life’
Jambalaya Festival queen makes history with second crown balaya Festival queen has won this tile, and Jambalaya The Jambalaya Festival Festival Association organizAssociation is celebrating a ers say this achievement sohistoric achievement as its lidifies the festival’s status as reigning queen, Gracie Guil- one of the premier events in lot, on Saturday was crowned the state. The win came during the the Louisiana Association of Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals queen. This is the first time a Jam- Fairs and Festival ConferCommunity news report
ence in Baton Rouge. “This prestigious honor not only recognizes Gracie’s dedication and excellence but also serves as a testament to the hard work of the Jambalaya Festival Committee and the countless volunteers who
ä See QUEEN, page 2G