Rayne Chamber hears positive reports during board meeting

RAYNE - The November meeting of the Rayne Chamber of Commerce held Wednesday, Nov. 7, at the Chamber office heard a number of positive reports of events hosted by the Chamber and its committees.
The positive reports that told of successful events included the OST Day Celebration, Creative Placemaking update and Rayne Farmers Market.
A report was given by Chairman Marietta Leonards-Sikat of the successful October Farmers Market. She stated the pumpkin contest was, as always, a big hit with the children. Super 1 Foods again provided the pumpkins and supplies for the annual event held during the Farmers Market.
Sikat also announced the November Farmers Market would again include a flag disposal ceremony by local veterans. All were invited to attend and bring old and tattered flags to be properly disposed of.
Sikat also discussed as the annual First Responders Breakfast held Nov. 7 and 8 at Frog City Restaurant. Sikat and Cynthia Oliver volunteered to chair the event and anticipated a good attendance, as always.
Also brought up by Sikat was the upcoming December Farmers Market which is the annual Christmas event held at the Rayne Civic Center.
“We are expecting a number of vendors, in addition to a good crowd,” Sikat stated. “Santa will be on site between 1-5 p.m. for pictures and wish lists. I’m sure it will be fun for everyone.”
Dr. Eddie Palmer gave a brief report on the recently completed OST Day Celebration held Nov. 3 in the downtown area of the city.
“I think overall, the day was a great success,” stated Palmer of the third annual event of its kind. “With the addition of additional events and speakers, along with the large number of unique vendors and displays we had on hand, everyone enjoyed the day.”
Palmer noted the day included 39 vendors, 25 antique/classic vehicles and approximately 225 in attendance at The Bank for the ‘museum’ portion of the celebration. He also estimated an additional 100 in attendance for the grounds.
“We, the committee, will take a couple months off and get back to work after the first to begin new year’s event,” Palmer continued. “I would like to thank everyone who assisted with a most successful celebration. It was a great day!”
Palmer also spoke of the ongoing Creative Placemaking with a meeting held Thursday, Oct. 4 among community leaders and committee members.
“We are making some progress,” Palmer noted, “but, we still have some challenges. I’m anxious to see what action plan we will see during Alex Holland’s return visit in a couple weeks.”
In the absence of Chairman Jeremy Lavergne, Chamber President Nikki Link gave an update on the 2019 Frog Festival, noting that all bands have been booked for entertainment, including T. Graham Brown as a main attraction.
Among the largest of the changes mentioned was change of the Grand Parade to Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. followed by the opening ceremonies at the Frog Festival Pavilion.
A complete schedule of events for the 2019 Annual Frog Festival will be given soon.
Under old business, Link spoke of the Business of the Quarter nominations that are needed for the upcoming Business After Hours. All Chamber members are eligible.
The financial report was presented by treasurer Tiffany Thibodeaux and the director’s report submitted by Executive Director Frances Bihm.
Bihm also mentioned that 113 Chamber members have paid dues for the coming year. She expects that number to increase next month when renewals are mailed out.
The meal for the noon chamber meeting was provided by Kelly and Lynn Hundley, owners of Kelly’s Landing, LLC, agricultural museum and farm tours.