A strong crowd enjoyed the music, mascots, games and plentiful activities at Hahnville High School as Super Bowl weekend ramped up on Saturday.
HHS was host to the NFL’s Play Football Family Festival, an annual interactive experience for youth and high school football communities, fans and coaches. The event allowed attendees to meet current and former NFL players, learn skills and drills and have some fun through a wide variety of activities – testing your throwing accuracy at one station while having an artist draw a caricature of you at the next, perhaps saying hello to KC Wolf, the Kansas City Chiefs mascot, in-between.
The event was completely free of charge.
“Everyone involved in putting this on, for no cost – it’s great for the community,” said Logan Maronge, who attended the event with his son Colton. “It’s great for them to do this for the kids. I know (Colton) had fun just getting the chance to play with some of the Hahnville athletes, do the drills … I think it’s a really nice deal.”
Maronge noted having the chance to meet an NFL player with strong Hahnville ties – Jha’Quan Jackson of the Tennessee Titans, who starred for the Tigers at quarterback and wide receiver before a standout career at Tulane.
Larry and Peggy Poumes of Hahnville concurred with Maronge.
“It’s always a family atmosphere here in St. Charles Parish, and you can see all of the kids out here and the fun they’re having,” Larry said. “The big thing is it doesn’t cost anyone anything – anybody can come out today. We’re really enjoying it.”
School system personnel representing athletics and public information met with representatives from the NFL, the New Orleans Saints, and e2k Events on Sept. 19 to discuss hosting the event as both Destrehan and Hahnville high schools were recommended by the Saints organization to the NFL as possible sites for the event. On Oct. 4, Hahnville Head Football Coach Greg Boyne received confirmation that the school was selected for the event.
There were autograph stations, obstacle courses, photo stations and food trucks spread out for a festive atmosphere in Tiger Stadium.
The National Football League has hosted the event since 2017.
Roman Oben, NFL Vice President of Football Development, said HHS was selected for the event for several reasons. The NFL works with the New Orleans Saints organization to compile potential host sites, with space, parking and a community known for strong support as factors to consider. The tradition of NFL players with roots in St. Charles Parish was another attractive point, Oben said.
More than 5,000 people attended the festival over its three-hour span, Boyne said.
“Good weather, good turnout,” Boyne said. “We’ve got a lot of people here from the community and also some out of staters … everyone from little kids to adults having fun.”
Hahnville coaches and athletes volunteered at the event to help make everything a success,
Boyne said the school was proud to play host.
“Definitely, (the NFL) brand is worldwide. When they pick you, as a parish you feel like you’re doing something right. It’s a tip of the hat when an organization like that picks you,” Boyne said. “The NFL’s been here all week, getting everything ready. Their staff’s been phenomenal … it’s just a real good community deal.”
