Ascension Advocate 10-22-2025

Darlene Denstorff AROUND ASCENSION

Gonzales plans Fall Festival

The Price LeBlanc PACE

Center will be the site of the Gonzales Fall Festival on Oct 26. The festival includes an indoor truck-or-treat, pumpkin painting, music, carnival games, magic show and vendor market For more information, email livewellgonzales.com

‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ hits the stage

Ascension Community Theater is staging “A Streetcar Named Desire” on Oct. 23-26 at its Gonzales theater

Described as one of the most admired plays of its time, it concerns the mental and moral disintegration and ultimate ruin of Blanche DuBois, a former Southern belle. The play reveals to the very depths the character whose life has been undermined by her romantic illusions, which lead her to reject — so far as possible — the realities of life with which she is faced and which she consistently ignores. The pressure brought to bear upon her by her sister, with whom she goes to live in New Orleans, intensified by the earthy and extremely “normal” young husband, Stanley Kowalski, leads to a revelation of Blanche’s tragic self-delusion and, in the end, to madness. For tickets and showtimes, visit https://ci.ovationtix. com/35620/production/1212135.

Give cancer the boot at Cattle Baron’s Ball

The American Cancer Society’s Ascension Parish Cattle Baron’s Ball promises to be “a toe-tapping, knee-slapping good time as you give back to our community and the American Cancer Society.”

Held at the Lamar-Dixon REV Center on Thursday, the event features food and drink, dancing, mechanical bull riding, an auction and much more.

The American Cancer Society is working to end cancer as we know it, for everyone, a news release said. It’s the largest private, nonprofit funder of cancer research in the United States, investing more than $4 billion since 1946.

For tickets, visit https://ascension.acscbb.org/tickets-tables/.

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BY WENDY LOUP

Contributing writer

Stories from both the young and old were passed around Oct 11 during the Oubre family reunion at Donaldsonville’s Lemann Memorial Center Around 1,000 members of the Vacherie-originated family enjoyed a day of entertainment, food, and most importantly, family fellowship. Attendees traveled from within the state of Louisiana and across the country

The large reunion, organized by Myla Oubre, was to honor, celebrate, and remember the descendants of Louis Alphonse and Miranthe Steib Oubre.

Held both inside and outside of the Lemann Center, attendees enjoyed food cooked by Drc Sweet Treats & Catering. DJ Boobie,

HOT AIR, FOOD, FUN

Sorrento Boucherie and Balloon Festival crowns top cracklin and jambalaya cooks

Community news report

The Boucherie and Balloon Festival saw a record turnout this past weekend, as thousands came out to enjoy the food, cooking competitions and hot air balloons. Even a little rain couldn’t slow things down, organizers said Monday The Sorrento festival raises money for the Sorrento Lions Club “Festivalgoers showed up in full force, keeping the grounds packed well into Saturday night,” a news release said. Friday evening’s balloon glow was a crowd favorite, with pilots lighting up the night’s skies with their towering structures. Guests also had the chance to ride in the tethered balloons While weather conditions prevented the balloons from inflating on Saturday, the pilots still put on a special “candle-

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DJ Telly, and Roi Anthony were among the musical entertainers.

Seeing the yearlong planning materialize into a day of fun and relaxation for the Oubre was exciting for Myla Oubre.

“I’m exhausted, but seeing everyone smile and have fun has been worth it all,” Oubre said.

“Our family members have all come to tell different Oubre stories and that’s what it’s about.”

The Oubres hope to have a large-scale family reunion every ten years. The last was held in October 2015 with 2,500 people in attendance.

Myla Oubre, an accountant who also owns Little Piece of Heaven, a catering business, said the large event boils down to detailed organization and communication.

Troy LeBoeuf

SpartanGator rivalry continues

St Amant and East Ascension started their rivalry in 1979. Going into their game at The Pit on Friday, the series was 2322 in favor of St. Amant.

The Spartans stopped a 2-point conversion with no time remaining to beat their rival 4948 and bring the trophy back to Worthey Road in Gonzales.

I had the privilege of being a part of the broadcast team for REV and spoke with an emotional coach Brock Matherne after the game.

“Our team deserves this win; they work so hard in preparation. We wanted to be physical, and we were. St Amant is a good team, and we respect those guys very much. Excited for our team, coaches, staff and all of the EA faithful,” Matherne said.

Quarterback Zaylen Smith sat out the game nursing an injury, but QB JJ Lebouef played outstanding in his absence. Lebouef finished with over 200 yards passing, two touchdown passes and clutch completions on several third down plays.

The offense was led by wide receiver Jeremyah Merriweather with 161 yards receiving and four total touchdowns. LSU commit Brysten Martinez played tight end, wildcat quarterback and even threw a touchdown to Merriweather Running back Jason Blackburn added two touchdowns.

The Spartan offense was balanced with 200 plus yards rushing and passing. St Amant trailed most of the game but behind quarterback Cooper Babin rallied to get to within one point with no time remaining. The Gator staff decided to go for the win, which I agree with, and were stopped when Riley Rizzuto took a handoff from Jourdan Hickerson and threw to Babin in the right corner, the pass was incomplete, and mayhem ensued.

Babin and Hickerson led a Gators offense that put up 540 yards of offense. The rivalry now goes into next season tied at 23 and who knows a possibility of playing in the Division 1 nonselect playoffs, we couldn’t be so lucky

See LEBOEUF, page 3G

OUBRE

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She formed committees, subcommittees, held monthly meetings and provided updates via social media.

The entire point of the family reunion, Oubre said, is to strengthen old bonds while meeting new family members.

Ordean Joseph, 93, was one of the oldest attendees.

“This has been a chance for all of us to get to know each other and remind each other of stories we may have forgotten about,” Joseph said.

“Some people here I know, and others I don’t know

“Coming up, my momma made sure we knew everyone in case we needed them, but also they may need us.” Joseph’s daughter, Tiffany also was in attendance.

“This has been lovely,” Tiffany Joseph said. “I’ve been able to reunite with cousins I haven’t seen since I was a teenager.’

The day gave younger members of the Oubre family a chance to learn about their history

Raianna Brown, a 30-year-old choreographer, dancer and engineer, flew from South Johannesburg to attend.

“It’s been nice to see everyone and see my cousins from everywhere,” Brown said. “It has been a great way to have wonderful fellowship. We have been sharing stories. It’s

like a living archive.” Brown’s grandmother 89-year-old Marion Oubre Brown, from the Florestan branch of the Oubre family, lives in the Port Allen/Plaquemine area which she says is “down da bayou.”

“This has been fantastic and wonderful,” Brown, a retired schoolteacher said.

Marion’s son and Raianna’s father Cedric Brown, traveled from Atlanta to attend.

The reunion has given the Oubre family a day of past stories to cherish, Brown said.

“It is so important to know where you came from to help figure out where you are going,” he added.

Lenell Young, a Baton Rouge resident, found out at the reunion her childhood nickname, “Nonc Young,” was named after her uncle, Florian Oubre.

“I never knew until today why that was my nickname,” Young said. “Everybody told me it was because I am so laid back like my uncle was. It was really special hearing that.”

Family members are appreciative and thankful to those who planned the reunion, particularly Myla’s organization, Young said.

“Myla has worked so hard,” Young said. “We have had family members helping her with so many things for the reunion like picking up T-shirts, donating time and resources. I just know our ancestors are smiling on us all.”

Webre to address October Ascension GOP Roundtable

Community news report

Ascension Parish Sheriff Bobby Webre will be the featured speaker at the October Ascension GOP Roundtable, sponsored by Ascension Republican Women.

The Roundtable is set for 11:30 a.m.

Oct. 23 at the Clarion Inn, 1500 W La 30 in Gonzales. Webre has spent the last four decades in public service in Ascension Parish During high school, he enrolled in the United States Army Delayed Entry Program and served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. He served in Operation Urgent Fury in 1983, landing reinforcements on the shores of Gre-

nada and rescuing captured American medical students. Following his military service, Webre began his career in law enforcement with the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office. Nearly 40 years later and after having served as a patrolman, jail warden chief of criminal operations and chief deputy, he was elected sheriff.

Republican candidates are welcome to engage with members and guests. Cost of the lunch is $30. Guests can RSVP by prepaying with Pay Pal by visiting paypal.me/ARW225 or with Venmo. Reservations are requested. A $5 room fee will be collected for those not dining. RSVP: (225)921-5187 or email, ARWrUS@aol.com.

Webre

LEBOEUF

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Ascension Christian 41, East Iberville 20

The Lions rushed for over 400 yards against the Tigers to get their fourth win of the season QB Leron McDowell had 134 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Kason Tanner had 129 yards, while Luke Denton added a touchdown and Preston LeBlanc contributed with two more scores.

Coach Conrad Gayle was excited for his team and their effort

“Our skill guys performed, but the play of our offensive line was key Ian Alexander, Micah Bergeron, Matthew Lasseigne, Elijah Williams and Baird Hurst set the tone early We controlled the line of scrimmage,” Gayle said. Gayle was complimentary of the Tigers but his defense held

up.

“Give credit to East Iberville, they hit us with some big plays.

Our guys answered the call, guys like Cade Buratt, Leroy McDowell, Noah Braud and Gage Mixon,” Gayle said.

Gayle continues to be amazed by the Lion faithful. “The support we have received is incredible, we got our first district win since 2021. It was great night for our program ” Prairieville 32, Live Oak 28

The Hurricanes got their fourth win of the season and are now tied with East Ascension at the top of District 5-5A. The Hurricanes put up 432 yards and were led by QB Skylar Kelly Kelly totaled 327 yards and four touchdowns. Running back Tahj Wallace had 92 yards in support of Kelly Wide out Kale Daigle had 44 yards receiving and a touchdown. Prairieville trailed 15-0 early but responded with 25 unanswered points.

Other games

n Donaldsonville 20, East Feliciana 6

n Ascension Catholic 57, St. John 35

n Denham Springs 42, Dutchtown 24

Record breaker

Ascension Catholic senior running back Trevin Simon had a night in their victory over St John. Simon finished with 519 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. The rushing total breaks a school record held by all state running back Chad Elzy, who had 461 yards rushing and nine touchdowns in a playoff game against Opelousas Catholic in 2023.

Simon now has 1,879 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns. The single season rushing record is held by Elzy (2,911) in 2023. The Bulldogs (5-2, 2-0) will travel to North Iberville on Friday for a big matchup with the winner taking control of District 8-1A. The

Bears are 7-0 on the season.

Big game of the week

Donaldsonville (6-1) will travel to their rival, St. James, on Friday The winner will take control of District 7-3A. The Wildcats are 5-2 overall.

Week 8

n Ascension Catholic (5-2) at North Iberville

n Ascension Christian (4-3) hosts White Castle

n Donaldsonville (6-1) at St. James

n Dutchtown (4-2) hosts Walker

n Prairieville (4-3) at Denham

Springs

n East Ascension (5-2) at Teurlings Catholic

n St. Amant (5-2) at Live Oak

Middle school scores, standings

n Gonzales 28, Galvez 6

n Prairieville 20, Bluff 12

n Lake 8, Lowery 6

n Dutchtown 7, Central 6

n Gonzales 6-0

n Central 5-1

n Dutchtown 5-2

n Galvez 4-2

n Prairieville 3-3

n Lake 3-3

n Bluff 1-5

n St. Amant 1-5

n Lowery 0-7

Ascension Parish volleyball records and power rankings

Division 1

n Dutchtown: 19-10, ninth

n St. Amant: 20-10, 12th

n Prairieville: 11-12, 31st

n East Ascension: 10-16, 32nd

Division 4 n Donaldsonville: 1-8, 42nd

Division 5

Ascension Catholic: 21-10, sixth Ascension Christian: 18-9, 13th.

Troy LeBoeuf covers sports for the Ascension Advocate. He can be reached at troyleboeuf@ hotmail.com or ascension@ theadvocate.com or on Twitter @ Troyleboeuf.

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the Champ of Champs contests for both jambalaya and cracklin, with Zip Mayer earning the Cracklin Champ title and Justin “Big Cat” Courville the Jambalaya Champ title. On Saturday more than 60 cooks competed for this year’s titles. The top 12 in each category advanced to Sunday’s finals, where the Champ of Champs winners joined in for one last round.

The 2025 champions were crowned Sunday afternoon, with the Cracklin Champion win going to Joey Cornett and Eric Babin; and the runner-up was the team of Koby Thacker and Matt Gautreau Jambalaya Champ winning team was Kade Lanoux and Doug Lanoux and Jared and Brittany White were the runners up. Cracklin finalists were Camile Trabeau Dale Guidry, Hoss Reine, Jacob Mayer, Jerry Madere, Joel Mayer, Joey Cornett, Koby Thacker, Nicky Veazey, Rick Clouatre, Steven Baye and Wayne Singley Jambalaya finalists were Chance Bourgeois, Cody Braud, Curt Parent, Daren Braud, Gregory Stone, Hoss Reine, Jared White, Jay Lambert, Kade Lanoux, Lane Blue, Micah Courville and Shane Martinez.

“This year’s festival also saw growth beyond the crowds,” the release said. The festival increased the number of hot air balloons from 9 in 2024 to 12 this year The number of vendors also doubled from last year, offering more food, crafts, and activities

From the cook-offs to the glowing balloons to the live music keeping everyone on the dance floor all weekend, the 2025 Boucherie and Balloon Festival was one to remember, proof once again that rain or shine, this community knows how to celebrate

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Leadership Ascension seeking applications

The Ascension Chamber of Commerce has announced that applications are open for the 2026 Leadership Ascension Program, a community-centered experience that has shaped the parish’s most influential leaders for 30 years organizers said. “This milestone class marks three decades of empowering leaders with the tools, relationships, and insight needed to create lasting community impact,” a news release said.

Running from January through November 2026, Leadership Ascension offers a curriculum rooted in real-world learning and guided by professionals, community leaders and subject matter experts. Through immersive experiences, site vis-

its, and facilitated discussions, participants will engage with local issues, connect with leaders across sectors, and develop the confidence and insight to lead effectively in both professional and civic arenas, the release said.

Application deadline is Oct. 31 and acceptance letters will be sent in November

“Leadership Ascension has been the cornerstone of leadership development in our parish for three decades,” said Donnie Miller, chamber president and CEO “This program continues to shape individuals who not only advance their careers but also strengthen the very fabric of our community.”

Applications are available online at https://ascensionchamber.com/leadershipascension.

Family Fit Fest

Grab your dancing shoes, bring the whole family to celebrate health, wellness, and community together

The Family Fit Fest starts at 10 a.m. Sat-

urday in Crescent Park, 314 Mississippi St., Donaldsonville.

Trunk or Treat

Faith to Flee is holding a trunk-or-treat event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 25 at 12444

La. 44, Gonzales. Bring the whole family out for a night of safe, spooky fun.

Costume Contest! Dress to impress for a

chance to win a $40 Visa gift card.

Faith to Flee is a nonprofit dedicated to helping women escape domestic violence.

Blood drive Oct. 29

Ascension Parish Government is holding a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Ascension Parish Governmental Complex parking lot. For more information, call (225) 765-8843.

Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast set

The 35th annual City of Gonzales Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast is Nov 4 at the PACE Center in Gonzales.

This annual event brings together community leaders, faith-based organizations, and residents for a morning of reflection, unity and inspiration. Mayor Timothy “Tim” Riley has selected the guiding verse: “Finally all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another,