Ascension Advocate 06-03-2026

2G ■ Wednesday, June 3, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Veterans stand Monday during the Memorial Day observance ceremony in Gonzales. The event honored those who died while serving in the U.S. military.

PHOTOS BY WENDY LOUP

HONOR

Continued from page 1G St. Amant, across this parish, all across this state, we have stepped forward because freedom was worth defending.

“We know that some of those heroes now rest beneath white crosses, beneath marble stones, and cemeteries across this nation and across the world. We must speak of them today not as a statistic, but as fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, classmates, neighbors and friends. Their sacrifice purchased every freedom that we enjoy today.”

The ceremony included various elements to honor those who have died while serving in the military.

Veterans from each branch of the United States military were recognized.

The Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard presented and retired the colors. Maylin Babin and Claire Taranto sang patriotic ballads.

VFW Post 3693 presented a casket ceremony. The solemn tribute featured an American flag-draped casket with members of the post folding the flag to honor those who died in the line of duty.

Local government officials who attended included Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment, Ascension Parish Assessor M.J. “Mert” Smiley, Gonzales Mayor Tim Riley and Constable James LeBlanc.

Others who helped with the ceremony included the Daughters of the American Revolution, the American Legion and the Blue Star Mothers.

The ceremony also included a moment to honor Wally Paul Taillon, who passed away on May 25. Taillon was instrumental in the Gonzales Jambalaya Festival, serving as president of the Jambalaya Festival Association for 20 years.

Retired Major Shelby Ballard announced he was retiring as Ascension Veterans Memorial Park committee chairman.

For more information about the VFW Post 3693 and services provided, visit www. vfw3693.org.

To learn more about the park and Ascension Parish government, visit www.ascensionparish.net.

The Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard present and retire the Colors on May 25 during Memorial Day observance ceremony in Gonzales. The event, typically held outside at the Ascension Memorial Veterans Memorial Park, was moved indoors at the Gonzales Ascension Council on Aging because of inclement weather.

Ascension Parish Sheriff Bobby Webre speaks May 25 during a Memorial Day observance ceremony in Gonzales. Also pictured are Ascension Veterans Memorial Park Committee chair retired Maj. Shelby Ballard, left, and retired Naval Chief Petty Officer Michele Unitas, right.

Former Donaldsonville Tiger, LSU Tiger and Carolina Panther Stephen Sullivan said “our camp is growing; the kids love it. We plan to continue this as long as we can. I remember being these kids age and the PHOTOS BY TROY LEBOEUF excitement of coming to learn, have fun and compete. I want to thanks Former Donaldsonville Tiger, LSU Tiger and Carolina Panther Stephen Sullivan held its annual camp in our sponsors, the coaches that give their time and everyone involved in Donaldsonville on Saturday. putting this together”

LEBOEUF

Continued from page 1G said he continues to communicate with NFL teams.

Ascension Catholic player commits to Baton Rouge academy Senior basketball player Kamryn Schexnayder along with his parents, Dodi and Ryan Schexnayder, at As-

Senior basketball player Kamryn Schexnayder along with his parents, Dodi and Ryan Schexnayder at Ascension Catholic for his recent signing.

Schexnayder signed with Innovation Academy in Baton Rouge as a post graduate student athlete. Schexnayder was a 3-yr starter for ACHS and was recently named all-district, all-metro and honorable mention all-state.

cension Catholic signing ceremony signed with Innovation Academy in Baton Rouge as a post graduate student athlete.

Schexnayder was a three-year starter for ACHS and was recently named all district, all metro and honorable mention all state.

Troy LeBoeuf covers sports for the Ascension Advocate. He can be reached at troyleboeuf@hotmail. com or ascension@theadvocate. com.

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The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Wednesday, June 3, 2026 ■ 3G

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Pembroke Welsh corgis stand awaiting judging during Sunday’s Jambalaya Cluster Dog Show in Gonzales. More than 100 breeds competed in the annual dog show.

Canines take over Lamar-Dixon for show

BY WENDY LOUP Contributing writer

Wags, whiskers and winners were on tap over the weekend at the Jambalaya Cluster Dog Show at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

The annual event attracted around 550 canines from around the country.

Hosted by the Baton Rouge Kennel Club and the Riverside West Kennel Club of Greater New Orleans, the show Friday through Monday, May 29 to June 1, featured daily competitions in multiple rings inside the Rev Center.

Spectators could meet the dogs and speak with the trainers and breeders with free entry.

Lamar-Dixon has hosted the show since 2018, according to show chair Ebony Holmes.

“The facilities here are ideal for dog shows with the space and lighting,” Holmes said. “They have RV parking on site. The location is also close to numerous hotels and restaurants and roughly halfway between the Baton Rouge and New Orleans airports.”

More than 100 breeds, including beagles, bulldogs, greyhounds and Labradors, preened for the judges.

Sizes of the dogs ranged from the short, feisty Pembroke Welsh corgis to the tall and majestic Great Danes.

The show is a family-friendly event giving children the chance to learn more about the domesticated canines.

“It’s safe, fun, and appropriate for all ages,” Holmes said. “Children are given the opportunity to see cool dogs, while parents have the chance to learn about new breeds if they’re considering adding a furry member to the family.”

tionally.’ They are helpful to everyone, even people who have problems with human relationships.”

The show collected donated books for the American Kennel Club’s Bailey’s Book Club Drive.

The club aims to provide dog-themed books and related resources to local Title 1 K-12 schools.

“AKC sent an email promoting the program, and after discussing it with the club, we were all onboard with the program,” Holmes said. “It’s a great way to introduce or reinforce the human-canine bond with children.”

The area kennel clubs hope dog shows and programs like Bailey’s Book Club Drive show how important and beneficial fourlegged friends are to families.

“Dogs enrich our lives in so many ways,” Holmes said. “They teach us to be empathetic, cheer us up and have so many positive impacts on our mental wellbeing.

“Purebred and purposefully bred dogs add depth to the conversation, as their predictability in size, temperament, appearance and other breed-specific traits allows families to select breeds that are compatible with their lifestyle.”

The Jambalaya Cluster Dog Show continues to grow each year, Holmes added.

PHOTOS BY WENDY LOUP “We have an excellent show site,” she said. “We have great Jambalaya Cluster Dog Show Judge Cindy Meyer, right, looks at Bruce, a Great Dane, along with his owner, volunteers from both clubs to Brittney Newman, of Robertsdale, Ala., on Sunday. help the show run smoothly.

“Add a little Southern charm, hospitality and jambalaya to that, shows for 40 years.

For trainers and owners, the Chow, for judging. and you’ve got a show that cap“The best part of having a dog dog show is a serious competition The 16-month-old Five “is reis the companionship,” Phil Dewith judges awarding places in tures the spirit of Louisiana.” ally a cat in dog’s clothing,” Devarious groups: sporting, hound, For information about Bailey’s Gruy said.

Gruy said. “You have to always working, terrier, toy, nonsportBook Club Drive, email ba“Dogs are so accepting of take care of them like taking care of a child, but they make the everybody, and they love you tonrougekennelclub@gmail.com. ing, herding and best in show. unconditionally,” Vicki DeGruy For information about the For wife and husband duo Vicki best companions.” said. “They say, ‘feed me,’ ‘pet The DeGruys, who live in LaBaton Rouge Kennel Club, visit and Phil DeGruy, their love of batonrougekennelclub.com. dogs has led to competing in dog fayette, entered Five, their Chow me’ and ‘I’ll love you uncondi-

Five, a Chow Chow, and his owner, Phil DeGruy, relax before competing.

Australian Shepherds await judging during Sunday’s Jambalaya Cluster Dog Show at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center. Other breeds who competed in the annual dog show included beagles, Dobermans, whippets, and French bulldogs.

THE UCB DIFFERENCE IS ANDREA STEIB

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Assistant Vice President, Retail Manager HERITAGE CROSSING | NMLS 2285708 225.644.2265 625 West Highway 30 Suite F, Gonzales

Jambalaya Cluster Dog Show Judge James A. Moses studies a Pembroke Welsh corgi.