Multitude of activities keeping Rayne Chamber busy

It’s a busy time of year for the Rayne Chamber of Commerce.
There’s Mardi Gras Ball in January; the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals Convention in February; Business Appreciation Banquet in March; Frog Festival in May — and those are the long-term projects that are still in the planning stages.
Of more immediate concern are the inaugural “Noel on the Trail” Christmas promotion in December and, even more urgent, the second annual First Responders Breakfast this week.
Because of the large response, and the fact that not all First Responders can “take off” at the same time, this year’s event has been divided into two.
First Responders from Rayne, including firefighters, police and reserve, ambulance personnel, sheriff’s personnel, etc., were invited to Frog City Travel Plaza for breakfast Wednesday, Nov. 9, and today (Nov. 10), from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
“It was a very big success last year and all the First Responders that attended said how much they appreciated it,” Fran Bihm, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, told members of the board of directors during the monthly meeting on Nov. 2.
Also during that meeting, Bihm reported on a new initiative under taken by the chamber this year aimed at promoting local businesses and the concept of “shop at home” for Christmas.
“Noel on the Trail,” a take-off on the recent designation of Rayne as an official Old Spanish Trail City, will be held Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 1-3.
“Each business will be promoting their own specials as they see fit,” Bihm said. “We’re encouraging and supporting them with marketing and promotion.”
In addition, Bihm noted that the chamber will sponsor a decorating contest for participating businesses and will establish a “Noel on the Trail” promotional page on social media.
Other reports given during the November meetingh included:
• Mardi Gras Ball: Suzette Leonards, this year’s queen, reminded that the sixth annual Rayne Grand Court Mardi Gras Ball will be held on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, at the Civic Center.
Tickets are now on sale for the event, “which promises to be even bigger than last year’s,” she said.
Leonards also noted that, while dress code for the ball is “formal,” dark suits and cocktail dresses are permissible.
On a related note, Brian Mouton, who is heading up plans for the 2017 Rayne Mardi Gras Parade, said his committee is discussing a route change that would have units ending at the Frog Festival Pavilion for family-friendly games and activities.
• Board members planning to attend the LAFF convention at the Crowne Plaza Baton Rouge on Feb. 1-5, 2017, were reminded of the Nov. 30 deadline to turn in registration and fees.
• The 2017 Business Appreciation Banquet has been set for Thursday, March 16, at the Rayne Civic Center. More details on this event will be announced as the date nears.
• Jeremy Lavergne, Frog Festival co-chairman, reported that the committee continues to meet monthly as plans are being finalized for the May 10-12 event.
Lavergne said the musical line-up has been complete and that the committee continues to seek sponsors for the festival. Also, rules and regulations concerning vendors are being tweaked, he added.
James Montgomery added that area schools have been contacted regarding a poster contest for the 45th festival. Deadline to enter in Jan. 6. (See related story this edition.)
Fezzo’s Seafood, Steakhouse and Oyster Bar provided lunch for the noontime meeting with dessert provided by Bihm.

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