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MUSEUM DISPLAY
The Louisiana State Museum — Patterson unveils “From Berwick Bay to Étouffée: Shrimping in Louisiana,” a new exhibit exploring the history of the shrimping industry in St. Mary Parish at the Wedell-Williams Aviation and Cypress Sawmill Museum, off U.S. 90. A free reception, including hors d’oeuvres and libations, is 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a farewell statement from Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival Queen Caylee Deshotel who will crown her successor during the festival coronation at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium.
When reflecting on the past year as the 83rd Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival Queen, one word comes to mind: enriched — enriched by the tradition, history and culture within this beautiful state. Because like Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says, “Louisiana isn’t for spectators. It’s for participants — for those that want to feed their soul and not only live in the moment, but to become the moment.” (From louisianatravel.com)
One year ago, I was given the great honor to represent and promote the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival across Louisiana. In doing this, I, myself, fed my soul and became the moment as I tasted sugar cane in New Iberia, picked cotton in Ville Platte, threshed rice in Crowley, fed alligators in Bridge City, slid down the levee in Lutcher, picked oranges in Plaquemines Parish, celebrated Mardi Gras in Washington, D.C., watched an animal skinning in Cameron Parish, held a frog in Rayne, picked strawberries in Ponchatoula, painted corn in Bunkie, went crawfishing in Breaux Bridge, rode through the Floral Trail on carriages in New Orleans, toured a shrimp boat in Delcambre, and shot skeet in Gueydan.
These experiences not only informed and entertained me — they enriched me. But more importantly, they taught me just how unique the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival really is. The state’s oldest chartered-harvest festival is a tradition that was established in 1936 that began with a friendly celebration when the port of Morgan City and Berwick received the first boatload of jumbo shrimp (shrimpandpetroleum.org). No other festival does it quite like Shrimp and Petroleum. The Blessing of the Fleet, Mass in the Park, coronation and ball, Artists Guild Unlimited Art Show, and several others are all one-of-a-kind experiences only showcased here in Morgan City.
I have attended the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival since I was born in 1998. I always adored the beautiful girl that wore this crown every year, and I never imagined I’d have the privilege to be that girl one day. However, I’ve learned that this crown is so much more than the girl wearing it. It’s a representation of the shrimp and petroleum industries, and those who have worked tirelessly to provide these commodities.
What was once a dream is now a reality, and soon, it’ll be a legacy. As my year comes to an end, I can’t help but feel thankful. Thankful for the memories, opportunities, and friendships that I’ve made along the way. My life will forever be enriched by this experience.
Love,
Queen 83

LSU baseball players that participated in summer collegiate leagues have returned to Baton Rouge, ready to begin fall semester classes Monday.

Several Tigers thrived in summer league competition.

LSU begins its six-week fall practice session Sept. 29, and the Tigers open the 2020 season Feb. 14, when they host Indiana in Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field.

“I’m very proud of the way our players performed this summer, as well as the way they conducted themselves,” LSU coach Paul Mainieri , beginning his 14th season at the helm of the program, said in a news release. “I talked to several of the summer coaches, and they were extremely complimentary of the way our players competed. I told our veteran players before they left for the summer that everywhere you go, you carry the LSU Baseball flag. How you play, hustle, follow team rules and act on the field, as well as how you treat people and act away from the field, is all a reflection of our LSU program. Our players represented LSU in a first-class manner.”

Mainieri will enter the 2020 season No. 2 on the career wins list for active NCAA coaches, as he has recorded 1,455 victories in 37 collegiate seasons.

LSU junior outfielder Daniel Cabrera was named to the Cape Cod League All-Star Team this summer as a member of the Harwich, Massachusetts, Mariners . Cabrera posted five doubles, one triple, two homers and 14 RBIs.

Freshman infielder Cade Doughty was an All-Star in the Cal Ripken League, as he batted .346 for the Gaithersburg, Maryland, Giants with seven doubles, two triples, five homers, 23 RBIs, five stolen bases and 26 runs scored.

Sophomore first baseman/outfielder CJ Willis hit .362 in 24 games for the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters in the Northwoods League. Willis collected six doubles, one triple, two homers, 13 RBIs, seven steals and 17 runs scored.

Freshman outfielder Wes Toups recorded four doubles, one triple, three homers, 15 RBIs, 12 steals and 24 runs in 24 games for the Danville, Illinois, Dans in the Prospect League.

Sophomore right-hander Rye Gunter worked 16.1 innings for the Amsterdam, New York, Mohawks in the Perfect Game League, recording 23 strikeouts while limiting opponents to a .206 batting average.

Freshman outfielder Mitchell Sanford, a Berwick High alum, collected five doubles, one triple, one homer, 21 RBIs, five stolen bases and 14 runs for the Saugerties, New York, Stallions in the Perfect Game League. Freshman catcher Hayden Travinski belted four homers for Saugerties while driving in 14 runs.