Le Pont
e-mail: olcajun@ij.net
Hot Line: (813) 986-7978
The Night before the Illumination Parade, and other musings from the President's Corner
Wow!!! What a wonderful turnout we had for decorating the float. It was like a Friday Night Live Party in Lafayette. The enthusiasm was so real you could feel it with all your senses. We were so caught up in the spirit and the great Cajun music that we gave dance lessons in the street. To see a plain trailer turn into a great Louisiana scene was outstanding. The out house, moss, and all kinds of bugs, crawfish and alligators. It was Louisiana on wheels.
We want to say a special thanks to our sponsor, Truly Nolan. A huge thanks also goes out to the members of the Cajun Connection who helped, and the Georgia Bulldog Alumni who pitched in and joined us. Most of all, a great big THANKS to Eliska and Richard Clodfelter who have been organizing the parade activities for years now and have made it a better experience each year.
The Parade was fun. Just imagine 180,000 people hollering for beads. The noise was unbelievable. About 70 Members participated, all decked out in their finest Mardi Gras regalia. We had a horde of gators and crawfish, with a few Gris Gris thrown in for good measure. Thanks to Patty Anne at Cafè Creole and her staff for the great meal after the parade. And also the Channel 28 Interview was a big plus for the Cajun Connection.
While we're thanking people, I don't want to forget Joe Thibodeaux, his wife Teresa, and Joe's sister Flossie. Thanks for a great Mardi Gras Party at the Cajun Cafè on the Bayou. We got to test run our costumes and danced ourselves silly. We need to mention Stefan, Joe's Chef, for all the great food he served up that night. It was delicious.
We also experienced more great times at the Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys' concert sponsored by WMNF at Skippers. Thanks to Randy Wynne, and his gang, as well as Tom White, Vince McGilvra, Vicki Szempruch, Bonnie, Mike, Don, Jimmy and everyone else at Skippers for bringing that wonderful band to town. And, just one week later, we had another fabulous time at the great party and show with Geno Delafose and the French Rockin' Boogie, Dirty Dozen, and Beausoleil at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Thank you Lorrin Shepherd, Rosemarie Dalba, and Pamela Yado for the cooperation and hospitality you sent our way. We all hope we can work together again in the future.
The magnificent year continues in a few weeks with the Cajun Crawfish Festival on the Bayou at Joe's Cajun Cafe on April 9, 10, and 11. [Click here for band info.] If you don't hear enough excellent Cajun and Zydeco music there, you can catch Jo-el Sonnier at Coachman Park in Clearwater on Sunday, April 18 at 3:00 PM. And all this fun will be followed by our superb annual trip to the Cajun Zydeco Crawfish Festival in Fort Lauderdale on May 7, 8, and 9. [Click here for festival info.] It just doesn't let up, does it?
We hope you are enjoying the festivities as much as we are. With so much going on, it is difficult to think about the distant future, but we need to be sure the Cajun Connection continues to be the great organization it has become. Five Board member slots are up for re-election at the end of this year and a at least two of the existing Board members whose terms are expiring will not be running for another term. If you love our club, and I know that many of you do, you should consider serving on the Board. Take it from me, it will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
Membership fees are:You can make your check payable to The Cajun Connection and mail to:
$13.00 - Individual
$25.00 - Family
The Cajun Connection
PO Box 447
Tampa, FL 33592
If you'd like to join The Cajun Connection, please email us today!
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