The 112th Annual Jackson Day Race sponsored by the New Orleans Track Club (NOTC) was held January 6th at the Aycock Barn with over 300 participants. The 5.6-mile race had to be re-routed due to the partial government shutdown and closure of the Chalmette Battlefield. The NOTC is a membership organization composed of and administered by walkers and runners. Membership is open to all, fast, slow and in between. The NOTC is a non-profit organization. The overall male winner was Kevin Carollo, and the overall female winner was Stefanie Slekis, the head coach of the Nicholls State University Women’s Track Team. The race had great weather along with wonderful participants of all ages.
The First Annual Battle of New Orleans Commemoration Breakfast sponsored by the St. Bernard Tourist Commission, the St. Bernard Office of Tourism, the Jackson Barracks and the Meraux Foundation was held January 8th at the Jackson Barracks to Commemorate the Battle of New Orleans. The St. Bernard Tourist Commission gave the Friend of Tourism Award to Chalmette Refining. Chalmette Refining donated 95,000 to repoint and light up the bricks at the Historic De la Ronde site. The refinery also maintains the historic oaks and contributes to several tourism and community events.
The breakfast highlighted tourism 2017 facts that included 2.8 million dollars was contributed to the local St. Bernard economy because of tourism. Dr. Curtis Manning from Nunez Community College was the keynote speaker who spoke about the facts and myths about the Battle of New Orleans. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, Senator Sharon Hewitt, President McInnis, and other officials were present at the breakfast. A wreath was laid at the St. Bernard Veterans Monument because of the Battlefield closure.
Local Government, The St. Bernard Parish Office of Tourism, Tourist Commission and re-enactors have stepped up to ensure that events will still take place. Over 500 school age students will experience living history in Sidney Torres Park January 11th and 12th, along with the Nunez Lecture Series taking place.
PBF Chalmette Refining receives the Friend of Tourism Award. Photo Credit: Lenor Duplessis.
You must be logged in to post a comment.