4G ■ Wednesday, July 29, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate
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Petey the Pelican, mascot for Pelican State Credit Union, and Teen Miss Gonzales Jambalaya Elizabeth Delaney, attended Saturday’s East Bank YouthFest at the LamarDixon Expo Center.
Children receive free snow cones by Kona Ice on Saturday during the Gonzales YouthFest 2026. The popular event is a family-friendly kickoff to the new school year.
Marcy Phillips, RN, bottom right, and Adrian Brumfield, Healthy Ascension’s health educator, talk to students.
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Continued from page 1G Delaney, Teen Miss Gonzales Jambalaya. “Because they can receive some of their school supplies today, families can focus on more important things and get ready for the school year and help their children. Delaney, a senior at East Ascension High School, said she was excited to see so many children enjoying themselves at YouthFest. “Being able to receive backpacks and other supplies while having fun will help students get ready for a new school year,” Delaney said. Healthy Ascension, who provides public health services, as well as community outreach, played games with children and passed out information during the event. “I love seeing the community come together,” said Marcy Phillips, a Healthy Ascension registered nurse. “There were people waiting outside 30 minutes early. This is a great opportunity for those who may not have enough support to buy school supplies.” For more information about the upcoming school year in Ascension Parish, visit www.ascensionschools.org.
PHOTOS BY WENDY LOUP
Children dance on Saturday during YouthFest 2026 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center. Games, food and free school supplies were provided to hundreds of families during the event. THE ASCENSION
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