Mayor Scott Fontenot said the only complaint he heard about the city’s birthday celebration Saturday was a wish the city had been founded in October or November.
Saturday’s sunshine and 90-degree plus temperature were uncomfortable at times.
But it turned out to be a day filled with events that the mayor described as fun.
Events included a parade, car show, food, vendors, music and unveiling the Clovis Crawfish statue in front of the Eunice Depot Museum.
Connie Thibodeaux, alderwoman and event organizer, called the statue “whimsical.”
The sculpture by Matt Lee of Southern Sculptors is inspired by the original illustration by Reginald Keller for the Clovis Crawfish book series written by Mary Alice Fontenot.
The author’s daughter, Julie Landry, said, “I think mama would be beside herself,” after the statue was unveiled Saturday afternoon.
The Clovis Crawfish series was born out of Fontenot’s kindergarten class at St. Edmund Elementary and the characters were from Eunice, she said.
Clovis is named for a former police chief, Clovis Durio. Leo and Laurice Lightning Bulb were named after Leo and Laurice Ardoin, owners of an electrical supply business. The Red Birds are the Soileaus of Eunice.
“Really, Clovis Crawfish was born in Eunice right there at St. Edmund kindergarten,” Landry said.
Emile Keller, son of Reginald Keller, said his father intended to attend the ceremony,but fell Friday.
“I can’t wait to go show him the pictures,” he said of the statue.
Emile was there with his sisters, Ginger and Gayle.
Emile said his father was a sign painter and later sold insurance in Eunice.
Thibodeaux said the day was a success, but the heat was factor in people enjoying the events.
“I think we had a good turnout especially for the parade,” she said.
Gabe Ortego, who organized a rice and gravy cook-off, said the winners were First Baptist Church of Chataignier, first place; Don Menard, second place; Bobby Guidroz, third place; and Sherri Zeringue McGovern, people’s choice.
There were 50 vehicles registered for the car show on Park Avenue organized by Mark Denette, she said.
“The car show was awesome,” the mayor said.
Opening the time capsule turned out to be an interesting event and one reason is how well-preserved the items were, he said.
The mayor estimated the crowd peaked at about 500 people and up to 1,000 people attended throughout the day.
Thibodeaux said the day ended when a fuse blew out to close down the Pine Leaf Boys performance.
