JFA hosts annual Christmas Party; Names Nora Lee Ricca Award recipient
The Jambalaya Festival Association hosted its annual Christmas Party at the St. Amant Recreational Center on Saturday, Dec. 6. The celebration saw its largest attendance in years including several dignitaries present. Parish President Tommy Martinez, State Representative Johnny Berthelot, and JFA Founder Steve Juneau were on hand along with many volunteers and Association Members to kick off the holiday season.
After partygoers mingled and served plates of fried fish and shrimp, potato salad, gumbo, brisket and much more, the awards ceremony began.
Two awards were given to outstanding Association members and friends of the Festival for their volunteerism and dedication to the Jambalaya Festival and its causes. JFA Vice President, Tammy Guillory, welcomed the attendees, noting the great turnout, and thanking everyone for being apart of the JFA before handing over the microphone to JFA Secretary, Meredith Conger, who presented the awards.
Conger also welcomed attendees and thanked Parish President Martinez for attending and remaining a huge supporter the JFA.
The first award of the night was given to Mr. Jimmy Berthelot for his support of the JFA throughout the years. As the Association continues with plans to build its new home, monthly meetings have been held at Berthelot’s Hall in St. Amant since the demolition of the JFA’s previous festival building. The Association is grateful for the use of Mr. Berthelot’s facilities and recognized him for his continued support of the Festival.
The second award of the night is one given each year at the Christmas Party, the Nora Lee Ricca Award. Nora Lee Ricca served as the Treasurer of the JFA for many years before serving as President 1980. While serving in office as President, Mrs. Ricca suddenly passed away. Each year since her passing an award has been given in her honor to the Association member who has most exemplified the call of volunteerism and service to the Jambalaya Festival and who has shown a great dedication to it’s mission. The 2014 Nora Lee Ricca Award was presented to Mrs. Brenda Taillon.
Taillon has been involved with festival for over 15 years serving on numerous committees and working nearly every booth at the festival. She serves on the Christmas Parade Committee, works alongside husband, Gilbert Taillon, in the Daiquiri booth at the Swamp Pop Festival each year and is always willing to do any task needed to help the Festival. Taillon is a dedicated Association member and displays a deep commitment for service not only to the Jambalaya Festival but also to the Ascension Parish community. The Association Board of Directors would like to congratulate Mrs. Brenda on her award and thank her for her many years of dedication.
Following the presentation of awards, Mike Broussard, Steve Broussard and the All Star Band had the dance floor packed with their classic Swamp Pop tunes.
The JFA would like to especially thank the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office for providing security for the event, the All Star Band, Tammy Guillory, Vanessa Blair, Todd Blair, Mike Berthelot, Rodney Savoy, Blue Forstythe and all volunteers who made the event a great success.
Below is a list of the Nora Lee Ricca Award Recipients since it’s first year:
- 1981 Pie Lanoux
- 1982 Dalton Marchand
- 1983 Mary Ann Keller
- 1984 Elsie Walker
- 1985 Mac Daigle
- 1986 Cobby Walker
- 1987 Darlene Reulet
- 1988 Ernest “Beaver” Cubbage
- 1989 Frank Frederic
- 1990 Anita Young
- 1991 Pat Austin
- 1992 Carol Frederic
- 1993 Ed “Mike” Daigle
- 1994 Eladee Chauvin
- 1995 Robert A. Pitre, Jr.
- 1996 Pearl Reed
- 1997 Wally Taillon
- 1998 Estelle Carpenter
- 1999 Ruby Corrent
- 2000 Frank Corrent
- 2001 Solly Boudreaux
- 2002 Lucia Smithey
- 2003 Freddie Hurst
- 2004 Mike Daigle
- 2005 Carlos Braud
- 2006 Gilbert Taillon
- 2007 Carbett Bercegeay
- 2008 Valmon & Rita Bercegeay
- 2009 Tammy Guillory
- 2010 Robert Jackson
- 2011 Mike Gonzales, Sr.
- 2012 Mike Berthelot
- 2013 Shane Martinez
- 2014 Brenda Taillon
