Family & Friends: Cruisin’ Cajuns Celebrate 41st Birthday

 
By J. Glenn Dupree, F362282
April 2012
 
The Cruisin’ Cajuns chapter celebrated its 41st birthday November 17 through 20, 2011, at Rayne Civic Center in Rayne, Louisiana. There were 200 coaches at the birthday rally. Forty-one years ago in Lake Ramsey, near Covington, Louisiana, the first Cruisin’ Cajuns rally was held on November 7, 1970, with a whopping 42 coaches in attendance. This FMCA chapter has come a long way since that first rally.
 
Rally masters Ed and Susan Broussard, Bob and Viv Ours, and Bob and Janet St. Romain put together a tremendous gathering, beginning on Thursday afternoon when attendees enjoyed a huge pot of homemade red beans, sausage, and rice cooked by Richard Hebert, Myron Gauthier, and the rest of the “Cruisin’ Cajun Cooks.” After dinner we enjoyed karaoke and dancing in the main building.
 
The theme for the rally was “Cruising The Seas,” and the hall was decorated to look like a luxury cruise liner. Viv Ours painted the chapter name on life rings that hung on the walls all around the hall, and a photo area near the stage was set up with a scene of a luxury liner and the ocean in the background. Attendees could have their photos taken in front of the image and it looked as though they actually were on a cruise liner. All the tables in the main hall were decorated as they would be for dinner on a cruise ship.
 
Friday morning started with a great breakfast prepared by the Cajun Cooks. Right after breakfast, the chapter’s customary French Table presentation was held and moderated by Wade and Kathy Richoux. Calvin and Mary Langlinais talked about crawfish and rice farming in south Louisiana. They spoke in French, which was translated to English for those of us not fluent in the language. The French Table has become a regular event at Cruisin’ Cajuns rallies and provides a unique insight into the culture and traditions of the Cajun people of south Louisiana. It is always a lot of fun to listen to the different dialects of Cajun French and to hear their perspective on various topics.
 
Following the French Table, the main hall dance floor was occupied by Te and Sharon Erris, who provided complimentary “El Paso” dance lessons. Those attending got to show off a little of what they learned later that night and on Saturday night.
 
After dance lessons everyone was on their own for lunch. There are a number of great local eateries around Rayne, and the Cruisin’ Cajuns always support local businesses when we have a rally. The local restaurants were busy for lunch. Of course, The Best Stop Supermarket in nearby Scott is where you will find the tastiest freshly made Boudin sausage and cracklins. I always like to bring some back to the motorhome for a late-night snack — if I can hold out that long.
 
That afternoon the ladies held a fashion and style show with clothing provided by one of the vendors attending the rally. The models were Laura Dupree, Brenda Aucoin, Anne Graffeo, Juliette Dressel, and Sheila Pittman. Of course, all of the clothes the ladies modeled were available for purchase after the style show. As you might have guessed, the models purchased much of what they modeled. To get ready for the Friday night dance, the Cajun Cooks prepared another hit dinner of pork loin and dirty rice. It was wonderful.
 
Dance music on Friday and Saturday nights was provided by Vince Anthony and the Blue Notes Band. Vince and his band play at several Cruisin’ Cajuns rallies each year, and he even wrote a new song titled “I’m a Cruisin’ Cajun Man,” which was a big hit at this rally. Vince donated 10 of his CDs for door prizes. A big Cruisin’ Cajuns thanks to Vince Anthony and the Blue Notes.
 
Saturday morning, after another great breakfast, was the monthly business meeting. All of the surviving past presidents and their spouses who were in attendance were recognized. We even had the sole surviving charter member of the chapter present at this meeting, Mr. Eddie Austin, F4496. The cooks hit another home run serving up homemade brisket for lunch. After lunch many stuck around for bingo, followed by a church service led by the chaplain of the Cruisin’ Cajuns.
 
In keeping with the “Cruising” theme, the rally masters arranged for the Cruisin’ Cajuns “Island Girls” to make their debut, singing “Happy Birthday” and serving frozen drinks to members. They were a big hit. The “Island Girls” were Ken Graffeo, Thomas Guidry, Larry Artman, and Daryl Falgout.
 
In summary, it was another successful Cruisin’ Cajuns rally, and the rally masters should be commended for all their efforts coordinating and executing the plans for this event. Although the Cruisin’ Cajuns is one of many successful FMCA chapters, I think just about everyone has heard of the chapter and how we enjoy getting together. If anyone is interested in finding out firsthand how much fun we have, contact chapter president Jeanette Romero (337-896-3421; rcajunrome@cox.net) for more information about our upcoming rally schedule.