Planning for the 75th annual Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival, the state's oldest chartered harvest festival, has not been dampened by the ongoing oil spill in the Gulf - a spill that has threatened the livelihood of many state shrimpers.
Planning for the 75th annual Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival, the state's oldest chartered harvest festival, has not been dampened by the ongoing oil spill in the Gulf - a spill that has threatened the livelihood of many state shrimpers. The festival's Web site still proudly proclaims, "this is an event that will prove that oil and water really do mix," and "the festival also emphasizes the unique way in which these two seemingly different industries work hand-in-hand culturally and environmentally in this area of the 'Cajun Coast.'"
Interviewed for a story in yesterday's New York Times, festival organizer Lee Delaune says the event will take place as scheduled, Sept. 2 - 6, replete with the American Petroleum Institute golf tournament, the parish priest's blessing of the boats and, of course, the coronation of the Shrimp and Petroleum king and queen.
"All systems are go," Delaune said. "We will honor the two industries as we always do. More so probably in grand style, because it's our diamond jubilee." In fact, Mr. Delaune said, curious outsiders have been calling to ask about this odd mix of oilmen and shrimpers. He thinks attendance this year could set a record.