Kaplan Police Association taking over reins of Louisiana Cajun Food Fest

When the Kaplan Chamber of Commerce was looking for someone to take over the highly successful Louisiana Cajun Food Fest, the Kaplan Police Association (KPA) stepped in.
Needing equipment for the police officers and not afraid of hard work, KPA Vice President Virgie Lemaire saw this a fund raising opportunity she could not pass up.
“Knowing the city budget cannot afford to purchase or replace basic equipment for my officers,” said Lemaire, “the association decided they would step up to the plate and take on the responsibility of hosting this large festival.
Lemaire said the association has been around for several years, but had not been very active lately.
“Our first money ever spent was buying bullet proof vests for the officers and revamping the dispatcher’s office, at absolutely no cost to the taxpayers.
“So when the department needed more money for equipment, we decided to give the KPA a booster shot and get things rolling again.”
The new board of officers are:
•Melissa Istre, president.
•Virgie Lemaire, vice president.
•Laurie Hebert, treasurer.
•Miranda Langlinais, secretary.
•Brandon Meaux, Public relations/historian.
•Irvin Cates, Sgt. at Arms.
•Sean Boneski, chaplain.
Helping in the transition from Chamber to KPA will be sub-committee members. They include Fran Fullerton, Toby Gaspard, William Seaux, Betty Girouard, Wesley Lemaire, Linda Hardee, Alice Stelly, Garrett Roussell, Brandon Meaux, and Virgie Lemaire.
“The majority of these people have already assisted in previous food fests,” said Lemaire, “so this is a tremendous help in pointing us in the right direction.”
Aside from the usual attractions of food, music and vendors, the KPA hopes to add public safety exhibits to the line-up .
“We are looking to have a food fest with a purpose,” Lemaire said. “ Some of the exhibits will include a State Police child restraint demonstration, fire arm safety, child ID kits, and SWAT demonstrations.”
The festival will be held on Oct. 4, so association and sub-committee members are currently meeting every two weeks.
“The ball is rolling and everything is running according to plan.”
Anyone wishing to be a vendor, volunteer or make a donation can contact William Seaux at william.seaux@gmail or Lemaire at virgie@kaplanpolice.com.
The Kaplan Police Association is a separate entity from the Kaplan Police Department or the City of Kaplan.
“I have no doubt in my mind the public will come out. By attending this event, you not only will experience great food, great music, and learn a little about public safety, but you will be supporting our city’s police department. The money stays right here in Kaplan.”