Cattle Festival canceled for second straight year
For the second time in 72 years, the Cattle Festival in Abbeville will not happen.
Louisiana Cattle Festival President Francis Plaisance announced Thursday morning that the 72nd Annual Louisiana Cattle Festival would not be held at its regularly scheduled time in October.
Plaisance said he contacted all of the board members, and they all came to the same conclusion, that it is too dangerous to hold the Cattle Festival in October due to the virus.
“The risk is greater than the reward,” Plaisance said.
This is the second year in a row the Cattle Festival gets canceled. Last year was the first time in 72 years the festival was ever canceled.
“The Festival had been rescheduled but never canceled in its 72-year history,” Plaisance said, “but for the health and safety of the community, it is necessary to do so this year.”
As of now, there is no stay-at-home order from Gov. John Bel Edwards or large group mandate like there was last year when the festival was first canceled.
The Cattle Festival Board members have begun calling the bands, sponsors, and vendors to let them know about the cancelation.
The Cattle Festival joined other festivals around the state that have had to cancel due to COVID.
The Shrimp Festival in Delcambre was canceled earlier in the month. However, the Duck Festival in Gueydan is still a go in Gueydan at the end of August.
Plaisance thanked everyone for their patience and understanding.
He said if anyone had questions about the canceling of the festival, they could call him at (337) 652-0646 or by e-mail at ragin70510@yahoo.com(link sends e-mail).