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W e d n e s d ay, A p r i l 15, 2026
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Tomato Festival celebrates 75 years of gathering community
FILE PHOTO BY DANIEL ERATH
Brian Reaney, left, and John Green stack boxes of tomatoes to sell at a past Tomato Festival at Our Lady of Prompt Succor in Chalmette.
Chalmette readies for Creole tomato season
Sister Mary Pat McCooter marches in the Gay Easter Parade in the French Quarter. Crowds gathered in the French Quarter Sunday afternoon for the annual Gay Easter Parade, the morning’s rain letting up for favorable weather during the festivities.
BY CHELSEA SHANNON
Staff writer
Our Lady of Prompt Succor in Chalmette is preparing to put on its 75th Tomato Festival from April 1719, continuing the tradition of bringing the community together to celebrate the beginning of the Creole tomato season. “These Creole “I’ll say it a thousand times, and I’ll say it again. tomatoes This is the last festival of its specifically down kind in St. Bernard Parish,” here just thrive and Tomato Festival co-chair do very, very well. Herbie Fisher said. “If you So it brought forth come out, you’re guaranteed to see someone or meet our heritage.” someone, and maybe, maybe HERBIE FISHER, find a new friend and enjoy co-chair of the some wonderful food and Tomato Festival listen to some great local music and just have an allaround great time.” The festival started in 1951 and proceeds benefit Our Lady of Prompt Succor’s school and church renovations and upgrades. The church is located at 2320 Paris Road in Chalmette. Largely run by volunteers, the festival features the Tomato Queen and other pageants, games and foods featuring tomatoes. “Many, many moons ago, tomatoes and farming used to be a big part of St. Bernard’s culture,” Fisher said. “These Creole tomatoes specifically down here just thrive and do very, very well. So it brought forth our heritage.” What makes a Creole tomato is the soil, according to LSU AgCenter extension agent Anna Timmerman. South and east of New Orleans, the ground has alluvial soil, a nutrient-dense, loose soil with clay and other sediments deposited by the river. “There’s a huge demand for Creole tomatoes be-
INSIDE ä More photos from the Gay Easter Parade. Page 2G ä Historic Easter Parade. Page 4G ä French Quarter parade. Page 6G STAFF PHOTO BY ENAN CHEDIAK
ä See TOMATO, page 2G
Tiny paws, big problem: Kitten season has arrived Traci Howerton ANIMAL RESCUE
When feeding outdoor cats, fixing them isn’t optional; it’s crucial. Spring isn’t just about sunshine and blooming flowers. It also quietly signals the start of kitten season — a time when animal shelters and rescue groups prepare for a surge of newborn kittens. While most people may not notice it, those in rescue understand this season all too well. As temperatures go up, unspayed cats begin having litters at a rapid
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hunting or searching for food and will return. Removing kittens too soon often does more harm than good, especially for newborns who depend entirely on their mom. Instead, take a step back and observe. Keep some distance and give the situation time. If the kittens appear healthy and are in a safe spot, the best choice is to leave them where they are and let mom do her job.
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Start by supporting the mom. Rather than intervening too quickly, focus on making life easier for the mother cat by putting out fresh food and water or offering a simple shelter, even a covered box can help. Then keep the area quiet and undisturbed. If the kittens are clearly in danger or
ä See KITTEN, page 2G
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