Chamber directors review plans for first responder meal, festival

Plans for upcoming events were reviewed and updated by directors of the Rayne Chamber of Commerce during their meeting Wednesday, Nov. 4.
Jeremy Lavergne, who chairs the Frog Festival planning committee, announces there will be no admission charged during the festival opening on Thursday, May 11. A Cajun dance contest will also be held on Thursday. He added local nonprofit groups will be given first choice as food vendors.
Lavergne also announced a poster competition will be conducted for the 2016 festival. The deadline for entries will be Jan. 15, 2016.
Plans to host a free appreciation breakfast for parish first responders at the Frog City Travel Plaza restaurant on Nov. 17 were reviewed. It was announced several area businesses have made donations to cover expenses for the free meal. Emergency service personnel must show proper credentials and sign in for the meal.
Executive Director Fran Bihm reported membership currently stands at 118.
She reported 42 vendors have registered for the Nov. 14 farmer’s market. They will be polled to determine if there is enough support for a market in December.
Bihm added the Chamber will participate in a book signing on Nov. 23 in the Civic Center Ballroom by author Tony Olinger for his “Lost Rayne” pictorial history book.
Bihm encouraged local businesses to participate in the community Mardi Gras parade on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016.
A Shop Small Business promotion on Saturday, Nov. 28, was announced. Businesses were invited by Bihm to visit the Chamber office to receive free sales promotion items provided by American Express.