Legal Notice

EVANGELINE PARISH

TOURIST COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING

FEBRUARY 15, 2024

Members Present: Opal Andrus, Wanda Verrette, Hattie Johnston, Paula Darbonne, Tony Marks, and Melissa Clavier. Members Absent: Derrell Thomas. Others Present: Elizabeth West (marketing manager), Autumn Jolly, Sheila Saunders, Madeline James-Battles, Cindy Smith, Roxanne Lemons, Roxane West, Quint West, Lacey Lemmons, Regina Pate, T.J. Campbell, Loretta Crawford, Danny Crawford, Kimberley McDaniel, Patricia Gaspard, Anthony Gaspard, Misty Parker, Josie Laird, Shallie Carson, Andy Carson, Matt Marcantel, Kelli Buller, Faith Billiot, Cheryl Billiot, Justin Darbonne, Colleen Mickal, Tim Mickal, Amelia Mickal, Sadie Morgan, Sarah Mayeux, Derrick Thrasher, and Lelia Thrasher.

Meeting called to order by Opal Andrus at 6:24 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance and prayer were recited.

Public Comments: Andy Carson, president of the Boggy Bayou Festival Board, thanked the Evangeline Parish Tourist Commission and everyone responsible for putting together the inaugural Mardi Gras celebration in Bastrop, Texas.

Minutes from January 18, 2024, meeting

• Approve January 18, 2024, regular meeting minutes: Motion by Wanda Verrette/seconded by Paula Darbonne to approve the minutes of the January 18, 2024, regular meeting; motion carried unanimously.

Financial Report from January 2024

Motion by Paula Darbonne/seconded by Melissa Clavier to table the Financial Report from January 2024; motion carried unanimously.

President’s Report

Opal Andrus gave a recap of the trip to Bastrop, Texas, for the city’s inaugural Mardi Gras event and gave an update on Balfa Week hosted by Louisiana Folk Roots at Lakeview Park and Beach.

Tourism Marketing Manager Report

New and Current Business:

A. Establish an Ad Hoc Committee and name committee members for the purpose of hiring a new marketing manager: Motion by Wanda Verrette/seconded by Paula Darbonne to table the matter; motion passed unanimously.

• Queens’ Event: Opal Andrus recognized Louisiana Cotton Festival Queen Amelia Mickal, Louisiana Swine Festival Queen Lacey Lemmons, and Boggy Bayou Festival Queen Faith Billiot before they attended the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals in Baton Rouge. The queens addressed the meeting and received a toast.

Old Business:

A. There was no old business.

Next Meeting: Thursday, March 21, at 6 p.m. at the Evangeline Parish Welcome Center – 306 W. Main Street, Ville Platte.

Motion to adjourn by Wanda Verrette/seconded by Hattie Johnston; motion carried unanimously.   

 

______________________ 

Opal Andrus, President

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