Subject: OFF THE TRACKS

  Easter is over, the countdown to the end of school has begun, and
Festivals are popping up all over the state.  From May 2nd to 14th is Contraband Days in Lake Charles.  A really fun festival, there are lots of activities for all the family to enjoy and good food... their specialty is various alligator dishes.  I promise you, they're good.

The Crawfish Festival in Breaux Bridge is May 5 - 7.  And we all know

what fun and what good eating  you can find there.  Mansuras' Cochon du Lait goodies can be sampled on Mothers Day Wekend,  May 11 and 12th.  And the Mayhow Festival is May 6th in Marion   (where?).

+++++++++++++++++++++  Also, Jazzland in New Orleans is open and folks are making plans to take that in.  It sounds like such fun, they must have every ride known to man....and lots of music and jazz programs.                             

+++++++++++++++++++++  A great turn-out of friends and past and present employees of Bunkie General Hospital to honor Rose Brown on her retirement.  What a treasure she has been.  She started as a cook in the kitchen, went to schools and programs and upgraded her skills until she was head of  the Dietary Department. She was one of the original employees of BGH. Everyone will miss her deeply and we hope for everything good for her.

+++++++++++++++++++++  The corn is growing fine.  The pots-full at  the water tank look great.  It's fun to see them stashed and decorated all over town during Corn Fest weekend.  Don't forget to start wearing your corny tee shirts on Fridays.

+++++++++++++++++++++  Lovely pageants Friday and Saturday nights to choose the new Corn Fest royalty.  We are proud of the new Qeens and know they will represent us well.  Last years' Queens did such a wonderful job.  They  participated in all local activities, wnt to many events and parades and promoted Bunkie regally.  Thank you, ladies, from all of us to  Jenny O'Quinn, Laura Singletary and Kojis.                         

+++++++++++++++++++++  We're trying to think up a short name for the Avoyelles Strategic Planning group.     My suggestion was frowned  upon:  SPAT, (Strategic Planning for Avoyelles Tourism).   Anyone got an idea??? SPAM     SPUD (Get a grip, girl). 

+++++++++++++++++++++  Off the 'Net:  he's such a poor employee that light bends around him.