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RAYNE - The Rayne Farmers Market is announcing a major change for its Aug. 12 event.
Instead of being held under the pavilion on the Frog Festival Grounds, the market is moving to The Depot Square in the heart of downtown Rayne.
“We’ve decided to keep it just a market of home-grown or hand-made items,” said Fran Bihm, executive director of the Rayne Chamber of Commerce, sponsors of the Farmers Market.
The market will be open from 8 a.m. until noon.
In addition to the move, the market committee is also trying to get a band or jam session for entertainment.
Organizers promise a variety of vendors selling everything from food to pepper jelly to arts and craft items.
Also, for the Aug. 12 market, the Chamber, in conjunction with the American Legion Post 77 in Rayne and the VFW Post 6720 in Crowley, will hold an American Flag retirement ceremony.
A number of spots remain available and booth spots (10 feet by 10 feet) can be reserved for $15.
“We anticipate a great number of shoppers with the move to a more visible location,” Bihm said.
For more information please call the Rayne Chamber at 334-2332

New officers were sworn in Tuesday, July 11, as members of Arceneaux Post 77, American Legion, and ladies of Auxiliary Unit 77, hosted a joint installation ceremony, presentation of awards and dinner.
Commander David Simon welcomed everyone to the annual event, with Ray Olinger leading the opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
Lee John read the POW/MIA Creed, and Commander Simon led the Preamble.
Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux thanked everyone for attending and extended an invitation to all veterans to join the local American Legion Post, noting “a group of our mentors who we can be very proud of.” He also committed the City’s help and assistance when in need to help with any projects the local Post may have.
Robichaux also thanked Post 77 for their help and foresight by working closely with the city administration in the creation of the soon-to-be-completed Veterans Park.
“Things have been moving at a slow pace with weather delays,” he said, “but good things come to those who wait.”
He stated the engraved bricks are about to be placed. He also assured the American Legion the city administration will assist with the care and upkeep of the Veterans Park once it is completed. “It will be a respected part of our community.”
Guests and visitors were introduced and welcomed to the special event by Joyce Lyons and Ray Olinger, in addition to the installing officers, Area C Commander Jeff Schendel, introduced by David Simon, and Auxiliary President Joanie Schendel, introduced by Louise Thibodeaux, both of Crowley.
The new slate of American Legion Post 77 officers presented by Lee John include Commander David Simon, Junior Past Commander Gene Comeaux, First Vice Ray Olinger, Second Vice Bobby Alleman, Third Vice John Quebodeaux, Financial Officer Lorraine Shelton Gaines, Chaplain Robert Comeaux, Judge Advocate Shane Mouton, Sgt.-at-Arms Andrew Habetz, Color Bears Wilson LeDoux and Harold Arceneaux, Advisor to the Commander Andrus Fontenot, and Adjutant Lee John.
Scheduled to begin another year of service, Commander Simon extended a sincere thank you for everyone’s assistance throughout the past year for the many projects the American Legion has completed.
The new slate of Auxiliary Unit 77 officers presented by Lena Domingue include President Bonnie Simon, First Vice Louise Thibodeaux, Second Vice Lena Domingus, Secretary Johnnie Olinger, Chaplain Mary Menard, Treasurer Peggy Fontenot, Color Bearer Joyce Lyons, and Sgt.-at-Arms Mary Jane Comeaux.
Beginning another term, President Simon thanked everyone for their help and assistance during the past year of service.
A number of long-time Post 77 members were recognized for continuous years of service by the Department.
Acknowledged by Commander Simon were 50-year honorees Raymond N. Gossen, Clarence Arsement, Charles Sidney Stutes; 55-year honoree Harry Leon; 60-year honorees Claude Simon and Horace Thibodeaux Sr.; and 70-year honoree Leo Spaetgens, who was also honored on his 95th birthday with a singing of “Happy Birthday” by all.
Following the closing prayer and blessing of the meal, a delicious meal was enjoyed by all.

The city’s water treatment plant is once again fully operational.
Monday afternoon, Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux announced that the equipment that had failed two weeks earlier had been repaired and “is up and running.”
On Monday, July 3, one of the treatment process phases which involved the removal of iron from the potable water experienced a failure. Citizens were told then that, because of the age of the equipment, replacement parts had to be custom-fabricated and shipped to Rayne before they could be installed.
At last Monday’s city council meeting (July 10), Robichaux said the parts were expected by mid-week and “we’ll be working around the clock to get the equipment repaired.”
That work was completed on Monday.
“If you have experienced tinted water due to a higher iron content, you should notice a difference in the water in the next few days,” Robichaux said in a statement released Monday. “We will be doing additional flushing at fire hydrants next week to try to expedite the clearing process.”
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals is aware of the situation, and it has been determined that the health and safety of the public has not been and is not compromised by this condition.
Normal disinfection (chlorination) is still being applied in the treatment process.
“If you should experience tinted water, let the water run for a couple minutes or until it clears up. Our operators are all very much on top of the situation and working around the clock to bring the treatment process back to normal,” Robichaux said.
“Again, the City of Rayne Water Department apologizes for any inconvenience this may have caused.”

Women’s Department leaders of the Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church and Ambassador Ministries recently presented a ministerial pulpit robe and scarf to their pastor’s wife, Evangelist Annie L. Matthews.
Evg. Matthews was ordained as a minister of the Christian gospel in a special ecumenical service conducted by the church’s pastor, Rev. Keith N. Matthews III.
Evg. Matthews holds a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education with a concentration in business from Southern University and a certificate in accounting from Galveston College. She served as the head of the business department at Louisiana Technical College and retired after a 30-year career in higher education.