Natives and tourists alike gather in ‘Catfish Capital of the World’
Belly-up – like a catfish who’s seen better days – is how many St. Charles Parish residents reeled in their weekend. After all, what else is there to expect after three days of soaking up the sun, surrounded by the aroma of fresh, Des Allemands catfish frying in the horizon?
With a Cajun-style booth buffet at the helm of the Louisiana Catfish Festival, patrons indulged in fried catfish, catfish po’ boys and boulettes, catfish sauce piquant and other delectable delights.
The three-day event kicked off with rides for the kids and music for their parents performed by swamp-pop stage icon Don Rich.
Other performers who brought festival-goers to their feet included Seabrook, Hip Boot Joe, Warren Storm, and Willie T and the Cypress Band.
Festival favorites Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters rounded up this year’s musical line-up along with Rodney Thibodaux and Tout Les Soir, and Gary T.
Reigning over the 35th anniversary of the celebration were this year’s festival queens.
The annual Louisiana Catfish Queen Pageant was held on June 13 at St. Gertrude’s Catholic Church in Des Allemands.
Brianna Triche, the daughter of Christina and Brian Triche of Des Allemands, was crowned Louisiana Catfish Queen. Triche also won people’s choice, most photogenic, top interview, sportswear and evening gown competitions.
Triche, a 2009 graduate of Hahnville High School, will attend Louisiana Tech in Ruston to major in biomedical engineering.
Melissa Berthelot of LaPlace was first runner-up. She also was selected Miss Congeniality.
Victoria Schouest, the 15-year-old daughter of Rachel and Todd Schouest of Paradis, was named Teen Queen.
Schouest, a junior at Hahnville High School, plans to attend Louisiana State University after graduation. Schouest also won the people’s choice, sportswear and Miss Congeniality.
Jenna Mire was first runner-up. Victoria Hill-Fonseca was second runner-up; and Alexis Lachney, third. Mire was chosen most photogenic and the evening gown winner. Hill-Fonseca won top interview.
Lauren Bass, the 13-year-old daughter of Robert and Myra Bass of Des Allemands, was named Junior Queen. She attends Raceland Middle School. Bass raised more than $3,000 in raffle-ticket sales to place second last year, so this year, she was proclaimed the title winner.
Lupe Sweeney of Des Allemands was named Granny Catfish IV. She was selected because of her dedication to the Louisiana Catfish Festival and the community.
Sweeney, a native of Brownsville, Texas, has lived in Des Allemands for 33 years. She is a member of RSVP, St. Gertrude Social Concerns, TRIAD and St. Charles Council on Aging Advisory Council and treasurer of the Hahnville High School Touchdown Club.
Serving as little sisters during the pageant were: Sadee Fonseca, Taylor Kruppel, Keali Brown, Emily Witt and Mya Sanchez.
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