DONALDSONVILLE • DUTCHTOWN • GEISMAR • GONZALES • PRAIRIEVILLE • ST. AMANT
THE ASCENSION
ADVOCATE
Darlene Denstorff AROUND ASCENSION
Live @ Crescent Park concert set
T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M
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W e d n e s d ay, J u n e 4, 2025
National recording artist and Louisiana native Justin Garner is set to perform from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday in Donaldsonville for Live at the Crescent concert in Crescent Park. Adding to the day is Wing Fest, hosted by the Donaldsonville Area Chamber of Commerce. Beginning at 1 p.m., the showdown will feature a wing cook-off competition and tastings. “This is what community looks like. Great music, great food, and people coming together,” said Justin Garner. “I’m proud to bring the show to Donaldsonville and be part of a day that highlights the best of Louisiana culture.” Call the Donaldsonville Area Chamber of Commerce at (225) 473-4814 for more information.
ASCENSION PARISH PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Nearly 100 years of experience lost with retirement of 2 administrators
Community news report
Etiquette class Saturday Delta Sigma Theta is holding a Youth Etiquette Workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Towne Plaza Suites, 2823 W. Outfitters Drive, Gonzales. The program is for ages 11-18 and Karryl Durr with Swann School of Protocol is teaching the class. For information, call (225) 252-6181.
Juneteenth celebration set Donaldsonville is hosting its Juneteenth celebration June 12-14. City of Donaldsonville, Ascension Parish government and CF Industries and local partners have joined forces to celebrate 30 years of the Donaldsonville Juneteenth Festival. Things kick off at 6:30 p.m. June 12 with an author, “The Accident of Color: A Story of Race in Reconstruction,” by Daniel Brook at the Wag Center. To register, visit https:// tinyurl.com/mr3c8ex6. A food distribution starts at 10 a.m. Friday, June 12 at the Lemann Memorial Center. On June 14, a band will perform starting at 11 a.m. in Louisiana Square.
Pride Festival planned Ascension Parish Pride Fest’s inaugural event set for June 21 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center. Organizers are seeking volunteers and vendors for the event. For sponsorships, email ascensionparishpride@gmail.com or visit the event page. Proceeds from the event will be used to host the festival, which will provide “entertainment and programming that reflect and celebrate our diverse community,” organizers said.
Cocktail Trail open The Louisiana Sweet Spot Cocktail Trail is open through July 31 at participating bars and restaurants. Order a Sweet Spot Cocktail, receive a stamp on your trail passport, collect eight stamps and turn in your passport in for a chance to win prizes. Passports are available at the Ascension Tourism office in Sorrento, at participating businesses or visit visitlasweetspot. com/cocktailtrail.
Sisterhood STEM camp set Community Sisterhood’s Summer 2025 STEM Camp registration is underway. The camp, for students in kindergarten through eighth grade, is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
ä See AROUND, page 3G
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PHOTOS BY WENDY LOUP
VFW Post 3693’s Honor Guard provided the Fallen Solider Battle Cross representing the honor, service and sacrifice of soldiers killed in battle.
Ascension residents remember those who sacrificed for country BY WENDY LOUP
ä See RETIREMENT, page 3G
Contributing writer
Ascension’s VFW Post 3693, parish and state government officials attended the Memorial Day ceremony to honor and remember those who died while serving in the U.S. military. Around 100 people attended the ceremony held at the Ascension Parish Veterans Memorial Park in Gonzales. “Each person who died was loved by many,” Veterans Memorial Park committee member and VFW Post 3693 Post-Adjunct Jared Nolan said. “They were a loss to their community and our nation.” The outdoor ceremony included parish and state government officials, including Gonzales Mayor Tim Riley, State Sen. Edward J. “Ed” Price, Ascension Parish Councilwoman Pam Alonso and Sheriff Bobby Webre. The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Honor Guard participated in the presentation and posting of colors, the firing of the volley, the playing of taps, and the retirement of colors. Austyn Gray, of Center Stage Performing Arts, sung the national anthem. The event included several military traditions including bell tolling and a Battlefield Cross ceremony. “To those who have served and
In recent weeks, two Ascension Parish Public Schools administrators with nearly 100 years of experience have announced their retirements. Director of Primary Schools Elizabeth “Libby” Stafford leaves her post after 45 years of service and Assistant Superintendent A. Denise Graves is retiring after 44 years. Both retire June 30. Both were praised by Superintendent Edith M. Walker for their dedication to the school system and the children they oversaw. “Libby Stafford’s legacy is defined by unwavering dedication, heartfelt compassion, and a relentless commitment to serving the needs of every child,” Walker said. “Her visionary leadership has influenced generations of students and educators alike, and the imprint she leaves on our schools and community will resonate for many years to come.”
The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Honor Guard fires of a volley and plays taps during the Memorial Day ceremony in Gonzales. sacrificed their lives, we are forever grateful for the precious gift they have given to us,” Retired Naval Chief Petty Officer Michele Unitas said. Retired Master Sgt. Tanya Whitney rang the bell to honor those who have died while serving in the military. “Millions of Americans fought and died for us,” Unitas said. “Troops make the ultimate sacrifice. Even as we lose troops, people step up to say, ‘I am ready to serve.’ “This bell tolls as a tribute to those who fell around the world. We offer tribute of respect to our comrades.” The St. Amant Volunteer Fire Department’s bell was used in the
ceremony. VFW Post 3693’s Honor Guard provided the Fallen Solider Battle Cross. The tradition represents the honor, service and sacrifice of soldiers killed in battle. Near the stage at the park a table of remembrance, also known as the missing man table, was set to honor those missing, fallen or imprisoned United States military members. Other Memorial Day events were held throughout Ascension Parish. Donaldsonville hosted a parade and a ceremony at Louisiana Square on Railroad Avenue. For more information about services offered to military veterans in Ascension Parish, visit https:// www.vfw3693.org/.
PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP
Dallin Winegar, 17, a 5th Ward volunteer firefighter, completes the 1-mile fun run in full firefighter gear during the May 17 race at Pelican Point.
Runners help raise money for volunteer fire department BY WENDY LOUP Contributing writer
TO THE DOGS
Angela Ashe, left, and Lisa Fleming, of Royal Tee Poms, groom their Pomeranians before competition at the Jambalaya Cluster Dog Show on May 31 at the LamarDixon Expo Center in Gonzales. ä More on the dog show. PAGE 2G
Pelican Point’s tranquil neighborhood and expansive golf course provided the backdrop for 70 runners and walkers May 17 during 5th Ward Volunteer Fire Department’s 2025 5K/1 Mile Run. The event is one of several annual fundraisers for the Darrow Volunteer Fire Department.
PHOTO BY MOLLY BAHLINGER
ä See FIRE, page 2G
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