By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

VACHERIE – The two rows of trees leading up to the house at Oak Alley Plantation form one of the most iconic images in the region. And this weekend, citizens of the River Parishes will have the unique opportunity to bask in the glory of these trees while perusing some of the finest crafts and food the region has to offer.

This weekend, Oak Alley is hosting the 19th annual Spring Arts and Crafts Festival.

The festival will feature over 170 booths from artists and crafters from throughout the country. Vendors have been divided into categories so the crafts are varied, and the staff at the plantation makes sure they are unique.

“If the vendors have something you can go buy at Wal-Mart, we make them take it out,” said Debra Mayhew, director of marketing and sales.

From furniture to art to clothes and more, the festival’s vendors will offer a wide range of unique items. Mayhew promised an abundance of LSU and Saints memorabilia. “We’ll have lots of yard art for Easter and Mother’s Day,” she added.

As with any festival in the region, an array of local delicacies will also be on tap. Seafood in a variety of forms along with more familiar festival fare and an assortment of desserts will satisfy just about any appetite. According to Mayhew, all of the food is prepared by local vendors. “A lot of our food vendors have come year after year,” said Mayhew.

And while the adults walk around admiring the crafts, children will be kept busy with activities such as a petting zoo, EuroBungee and youth performances.

Mayhew said the plantation usually gets about 12,000 to 14,000 visitors during festival weekends, and with pleasant temperatures lingering, she hopes to surpass that mark. “It looks like it’s going to be a gorgeous weekend,” she said.

Admission to the festival is $5 for adults and $2 for children 6 to 12. Children 5 and under get in free. Tours of the house will be available all weekend long, and the cost of admission will be subtracted from the usual tour fee.

Oak Alley Plantation is located at 3645 Highway 18 in Vacherie. For more information, visit www.oakalleyplantation.com or call 1-800-44ALLEY.