Congratulations to our newly crowned 2019 Miss Andouille Queen Heather Roussel and Teen Miss Andouille Queen Mallory Waguespack. These ladies were crowned at the October 5th Andouille Pageant held at St. John Theatre in Reserve. They reigned over the 46^th Annual Andouille Festival last weekend – which was packed with a full fun agenda. The weather held off creating a wonderful festival. This year’s festival, which was held at the Thomas F. Daley Memorial Park, featured several amenities such as a Gospel Tent, Kid’s Art Tent, Andouille 5k Run, and a Second Line Parade. The festival kicked off Friday evening with an opening ceremony led by the American Legion. Well-known bands headlined the festival, including The Bucktown Allstars, Harold Warren & Innervision, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, and The Topcats. The Changing Times Band played at the Andouille Run wrap up. The Sunday Gospel Stage had a full agenda with Gospel groups playing from 1:30 to closing out with national recording artist Lemmie Battles at 5:30 p.m. A special thank you to our festival sponsors this year as well as all of our festival goers who came out and had a smokin’ good time!

Most of our local elections have wrapped up, except for Council-at-Large Division B and Council District 4. Both seats are headed to a run off on Nov. 16 to share a ballot with Louisiana Governor and Louisiana Secretary of State. Early voting begins Nov. 2 and ends Nov. 9. Congratulations to all candidates who won on the Oct. 12 election. All residents are encouraged to get out and let their voice be heard – regardless of your candidate of choice. The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 16 election in person or by mail was Oct. 16. The deadline to register to vote or change your voter registration through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is Saturday Oct. 26. Several voter drives have been held with several more soon – let’s get out and vote St. John!

As we get hints of fall weather – it reminds us that we are entering Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. Let’s reflect on where we were and where we want to be. As a community we still have so much to be thankful for. It’s time to come together and unite St. John Parish again.