Our mission is to reduce pain, increase function and quality of life, and to minimize the need for treatment with opioids and/or surgery, through various interventional techniques.
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July 2026 2 povhouma.com
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CHATEAU CHIC
French Château Charm
LOSING HIS SIGHT, NOT HIS VISION
DaMyri Septer refuses to let vision loss define his outlook.
HONORING OUR HEROES 2026 Special Advertising Section
A LEGACY OF SERVICE
Louisiana National Guard Hall of Fame honors Major General (Ret.) Huntington B. “Hunt” Downer Jr.
75 YEARS OF CHANGING LIVES Fletcher marks milestone anniversary of education and workforce training.
PUBLISHER’S NOTE Hometown Heroes
INTERVUE Say What?
WE SUPPORT A HEALTHIER FUTURE
Mid-year Check-in: Checkups, Tests and Screenings Not to Miss
UNDER THE SCOPE
Our Man Back in Kalamazoo
RENDEZVOUS
Where You Need to Be Around Town
LOOK TWICE
Find the 9 differences
[e-ste-val] (Adj.)
Occurring or appearing in the summer; characteristic of the summer season.
WORD ON THE STREET
“We took a peaceful stroll through the park to enjoy the estival flora.”
“The estival heat forced us inside for the afternoon.”
What color tastes best: red, white or blue?
PUBLISHER
Brian Rushing
CREATIVE
Ashley Bourgeois
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Mary Downer Ditch
EDITORIAL
Bonnie Rushing Editorial Director
Isabelle Pinto Blue! Red!
Blue all the way!
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
John Doucet
Misty Leigh McElroy
Shamarr Moses
PHOTOGRAPHY
Maddy Abshire Photography
Misty Leigh McElroy
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Skittles and starburst: red Margaritas: blue
Everything else: white
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Red!
FRENCH CHÂTEAU CHARM
BY MARY DITCH | PHOTOS BY MISTY LEIGH MCELROY AND MADDY ABSHIRE PHOTOGRAPHY
Nestled within the charming neighborhood of Acadia Plantation in Thibodaux, this stunning residence is a masterclass in timeless design. What began as an existing home has been thoughtfully transformed into an elegant retreat that seamlessly blends classic European influences with the warmth and comfort of Southern living.
The renovation was guided by interior designer Lauren Sonier of LS Interiors (@laurensonier), whose vision centered on creating a home that reflected the homeowners' personal style while maintaining a sense of enduring sophistication. Every decision, from the finishes and furnishings to the lighting and textiles, was made with the goal of crafting a residence that feels both curated and livable.
The result is best described as "French Château meets Southern Living." Crystal chandeliers sparkle throughout the home, while tailored window treatments, custom details, and soft painted finishes create an atmosphere that is refined without feeling
formal. It's a space where elegance and everyday life coexist beautifully.
Rather than following fleeting trends, Lauren layered the home's interiors with timeless elements designed to age gracefully. Soft neutrals mingle with muted blues and blush tones, while natural textures, antique accents, and custom furnishings bring warmth and personality to each room. Statement lighting, beautiful textiles, and treasured collections tell the story of the homeowners, creating spaces that feel deeply personal and inviting.
Among the home's most captivating spaces is the primary bedroom, a serene sanctuary that evokes the romance of a European countryside château. Wrapped in delicate botanical wallpaper, the room feels like a private garden retreat. Custom motorized draperies and a dramatic canopy frame the bed, lending both softness and grandeur to the space.
A stunning cane bed finished in aged ivory with subtle gilded accents serves as the room's centerpiece, introducing classic French influence while maintaining warmth and comfort. Above, a crystal chandelier casts a gentle glow, enhancing the room's graceful character and creating an ambiance that feels luxurious yet approachable.
The palette of blush pinks, muted greens, creamy whites, and soft neutrals keeps the space light and airy. Layered textiles, decorative trim, gathered draperies, and thoughtfully curated furnishings contribute to an heirloom quality that feels collected over time rather than carefully staged.
With three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths, the home is proof that luxury is not simply about beautiful finishes. It's about creating an environment that reflects the people who call it home. Through the thoughtful design and the homeowners' vision, this Acadia Plantation residence has become a timeless expression of style, comfort, and everyday elegance. POV
BY SHAMARR MOSES | PHOTOS SUBMITTED
Despite a rare degenerative eye disease, Nicholls State University student DaMyri Stepter continues to excel academically while helping others facing vision loss. For DaMyri, every step forward requires faith.
Each day, the Nicholls student walks across campus with a white cane in hand, navigating a world that grows dimmer with time.
Diagnosed with the rare genetic eye disease
Retinitis
DaMyri was just six years old during a family vacation in Destin when his mother Monique noticed something that stopped her in her tracks.
Pigmentosa, DaMyri has watched his peripheral vision slowly disappear over the years.
But the darkness surrounding his eyesight has never defined his outlook on life.
Instead, DaMyri has built a reputation on resilience, excelling academically, earning scholarships, making the Dean ' s List and becoming a mentor for other young people struggling with vision impairment.
“I realized last summer that I'm kind of a symbol now,” DaMyri said. “So I have to show strength every day. Even when I ' m going through something, I keep a smile on my face because somebody might be watching and needing that hope.”
Long before his diagnosis, the family saw signs that something wasn't right.
“Ma, hold my hand,” DaMyri told her. The request seemed small, but it immediately raised concern.
“In my mind, I knew something wasn't right,” Monique said. “He never asked that before.”
When they returned home, she began searching for answers.
Doctor appointments followed one after another. Specialists examined his eyes. Tests were run. Brain scans were ordered. Still, no one could explain why her son kept bumping into objects. Eventually, after several visits to specialists across Louisiana, Dr. David Mitchell diagnosed DaMyri with Retinitis Pigmentosa in June 2015.
But even that moment wasn ' t enough for his mother to fully accept it. Determined to be certain, she packed her children into the car and drove to Houston for a second opinion at Baylor College of Medicine. Doctors there confirmed the diagnosis.
The sun was beginning to set as they walked from their hotel toward the beach. The evening light hadn't fully disappeared yet, but her son suddenly reached out.
Looking back now, DaMyri realizes the signs had been there for years.
He remembers playing outside with cousins as a child, trying to retrieve a basketball in the grass after sunset.
“They'd say, ‘The ball right there,' and I'd be looking everywhere trying to
“I realized last summer that I’m kind of a symbol now, so I have to show strength every day. Even when I’m going through something, I keep a smile on my face because somebody might be watching and needing that hope.”
find it,” DaMyri said. “I didn't know why I couldn't see it.”
Other moments followed. He remembers bumping into objects at airports and struggling to notice obstacles that others easily avoided. At one point, a doctor even suggested he might simply be clumsy.
But during a series of visual field tests, the truth began to emerge. DaMyri stared at a green dot on a screen while small lights appeared around it. He had to press a button each time he saw one. The lights often appeared outside his shrinking field of vision.
“I didn't really understand what they were testing back then,” DaMyri said. “But now I realize they were seeing how much of my peripheral vision was gone.”
For several years after his diagnosis, life continued mostly as normal. He still played sports and spent time with friends. But around age 12, his vision began declining faster. When doctors told him he would need to step away from sports, the news hit hard.
“That was a crusher,” DaMyri said. “Sports was everything to me.”
Through the uncertainty, DaMyri leaned on the support of his family. His mother, who describes him as her greatest assignment in life, says she constantly balances pride with worry.
“I cry sometimes,” Monique admitted. “I worry because that's my baby. But I know God gave him to me for a reason.”
Even with the fears that come with raising a child losing his eyesight, Monique has always pushed him to chase success.
“I tell him God made him this way to help others,” she said. “Even though he
has an impairment, he's going to excel in whatever he does.”
Today, DaMyri is proving that belief. At Nicholls, he has embraced college life while adapting to the challenges his condition presents. He meets with professors before each semester to discuss accommodations and works closely with the university's accessibility services to ensure he can succeed in the classroom.The results have been remarkable.
DaMyri has earned scholarships and recognition on the Dean ' s List while pursuing a degree in finance.
“When I was younger, I used to look at college students and think they were grown adults doing something impossible,” DaMyri said. “Now I'm here doing it myself.”
He says the smaller campus environment has helped him build relationships with professors who support his journey.
“I get to ask questions and really learn what I need,” DaMyri said. “That's something I'm grateful for.”
that often accompany it. “Being visually impaired is not just physical, it's mental,” DaMyri said. “Your mind can go a thousand places when you're dealing with it.”
The foundation will host its biggest event this fall. On September 26, the organization will hold Soirée: An All White Experience. Every dollar raised will go toward helping children with vision impairments and expanding the foundation's services.The long-term dream is even bigger: creating a local center where blind and visually impaired children can learn Braille, practice mobility skills and find mentorship.
DaMyri ' s journey has inspired something even bigger than academic success.
In 2021, his family launched the DaMyri Stepter Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting children with visual impairments. The foundation provides grants, helps families pay for eyeglasses and medical expenses, and assists with travel costs for specialized care.
DaMyri also mentors young people dealing with vision loss and the emotional struggles
With two years left before graduating from Nicholls, DaMyri knows the road ahead will continue to bring challenges. His vision will continue to decline. That reality never leaves his mind.
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But what defines him isn ' t the diagnosis. It ' s the determination to keep moving forward.
“I'm still in those shoes every day,” DaMyri said of living with vision loss. “But I just keep pushing.”
And even as the world around him becomes harder to see, DaMyri continues to prove that true vision isn't measured by eyesight. It's measured by strength, resilience and the courage to inspire others, even in the darkest moments. POV
As we present our 9th annual Honoring Our Heroes issue, we extend our sincere gratitude to the businesses and organizations who made this issue possible. This issue celebrates the many ways people make a difference in our communities—through service, leadership, education, perseverance, innovation, compassion and a commitment to helping others. From those who answer the call in times of need to those who inspire, uplift and create opportunities for future generations, these stories remind us that heroes come in many forms. Thank you for helping us recognize the individuals who make our Bayou Region stronger every day.
Few individuals have dedicated their lives to public service with the breadth, longevity, and impact of Major General (Ret.) Huntington B. Downer, Jr. For more than five decades, “Hunt” has served Louisiana through military leadership, public office, legal advocacy, and disaster response, leaving an enduring mark on the state, its citizens, and generations of service members. For these reasons and many others, Hunt was inducted into the Louisiana National Guard Hall of Fame on June 13, 2026, a tremendous honor highlighting an exceptional record of accomplishments spanning multiple careers.
not come– it's about being a small part of a team dedicated to making the world a better place.
His career is one defined not by a single accomplishment, but by a lifetime of leadership. For Hunt, it's not about awards and recognitions that may or may
Born in New Orleans and raised in Terrebonne Parish, Hunt earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from
Nicholls State University in 1968 before receiving his Juris Doctorate from Loyola University in 1972. He later graduated from the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1999.
Hunt has been practicing law for over 50 years and is a senior partner with Waitz & Downer in Houma. Described as "first and foremost a soldier," Hunt's own family history with the service and a drive to find his path in the world launched his military career as an enlisted soldier in the United States Army Reserve after his college graduation.
"My father, my grandfather, my greatgrandfathers all the way back were all veterans. I even have relatives who served in the Revolutionary War," said Hunt. "I originally planned to join the Air Force ROTC to become a pilot, but was told
BY ISABELLE PINTO | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY LOUISIANA NATIONAL GUARD AND MG (RET.) DOWNER
I wouldn't be able to due to my eyesight. I was disappointed and wondering what I was going to do next when one of my mother's coworkers said: ‘Hunt, join the Army Reserve now.'"
His military service began in 1968 when he enlisted in the United States Army Reserve as a Private (E-1). After more than three years of enlisted service, Hunt received a direct commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. That early experience as an enlisted soldier would shape his leadership philosophy throughout his career.
From 1984 until his retirement in 2010, Hunt served more than 26 years in the Louisiana National Guard, completing a combined 35 years and eight months of military service between the Army Reserve and Louisiana Army National Guard. During that time, he served in every level of the Judge Advocate General Corps, rising from Brigade Staff Judge Advocate to State Staff Judge Advocate and eventually attaining the rank of Major General. He concluded his military career as Assistant Adjutant General for the State of Louisiana.
Among his most notable contributions was his work following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.
When Katrina made landfall and catastrophic flooding engulfed New Orleans, Hunt was forward deployed at Jackson Barracks. In the immediate aftermath, he participated in search and rescue operations before assuming command responsibilities at Naval Air
recovery efforts, helping establish the Louisiana Recovery Authority, supporting interoperability initiatives among agencies, overseeing military police support operations in New Orleans, and guiding the rebuilding of Jackson Barracks.
Perhaps no accomplishment better illustrates his persistence and commitment than the reconstruction of the historic Jackson Barracks complex. Unsatisfied with initial damage assessments, Hunt advocated for historical accuracy and quality restoration. Through extensive negotiations with FEMA, state agencies, and Louisiana's congressional delegation, he helped secure approximately $165 million in reimbursements and appropriations for military construction and restoration projects. His efforts also resulted in housing solutions for displaced Louisiana National Guard families, including funding for 100 "Katrina Cottages" and the acquisition of temporary housing units for reconstruction personnel.
As Assistant Adjutant General, Hunt served as the principal advisor to the Adjutant General on military affairs, civilmilitary relations, military construction, and emergency operations. He played a significant role in transforming the Louisiana National Guard into a Joint Force Headquarters and helped develop a statewide master plan for National Guard facilities and installations.
Station Joint Reserve Base Belle Chasse. There, he oversaw the Reception, Staging, and Onward Integration of thousands of military personnel, equipment, and logistical supplies supporting relief efforts across the region.
His leadership extended well beyond the initial response. Hunt became deeply involved in Louisiana's long-term
Today, Jackson Barracks stands as a testament to that vision and determination.
While his military achievements are substantial, Hunt ' s influence extends equally into public service.
In 1975, Hunt was elected to represent District 52 in the Louisiana House of Representatives, serving seven terms over 28 years from 1976 to 2004. During his legislative career, he served as Speaker Pro Tempore from 1988 to 1992 and Speaker of the House from 1996 to 2000.
His legislative influence was particularly significant in matters affecting military personnel, veterans, law enforcement, first responders, and the judiciary.
"I was encouraged to pursue a career in politics by my former partner in the law firm, Joseph L. Waitz. I owe everything to him," explained Hunt. "He supported me all the way."
One of his most enduring legislative contributions on the military front was his leadership regarding higher education opportunities for National Guard members. Hunt played a key role in legislation involving Louisiana's Tuition Exemption Program (STEP) and served as lead co-author in drafting legislation that created the TOPS scholarship program. He successfully opposed efforts to eliminate STEP and ultimately helped secure provisions allowing eligible Guard members to receive both TOPS and STEP benefits. Thousands of Louisiana National Guard members have benefited from these programs, earning college degrees while strengthening recruitment and retention efforts across the force.
to projects including Camp Minden, Camp Villere, Camp Beauregard, Jackson Barracks, the Youth Challenge Program, and numerous other military and veterans programs throughout Louisiana.
Following his legislative service, Hunt continued serving Louisiana in executive leadership roles. From 2004 to 2008,
most challenging periods in Louisiana's history.
Yet those who know Hunt often point not to the awards, but to the lives impacted by his work.
Whether advocating for soldiers and airmen, rebuilding communities after disaster, improving educational opportunities, supporting veterans, or strengthening Louisiana's institutions, Hunt consistently approached every role with the same mission: service above self.
These accomplishments led Hunt to where he is today, as the newest inductee to the Louisiana National Guard Hall of Fame. However, Hunt sees this honor not as his– but rather, as said in his lifelong philosophy, one that came about from teamwork and trust.
800 employees, five veterans homes, parish service offices, claims operations, and the state's veterans cemetery system.
Throughout his legislative tenure, Hunt also worked to secure funding for National Guard facilities, youth programs, and military initiatives. His efforts contributed
At the request of Governor Kathleen Blanco, he also served as Legislative Affairs Liaison following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, helping coordinate recovery efforts and legislative priorities during one of the
"I didn't accept this for myself, I accepted this honor for my team of all those who got us here," explained Hunt. "I believe everything we do is as a team, my family, my coworkers, my fellow service members.
I never expected to be in this position, and felt emotional that we couldn't formally recognize all the folks who have helped me throughout the years for their work and contribution. It was all a team effort."
As Hunt looks towards the future, his legacy of service is not over yet, as he hopes
his philosophies and work will inspire a new generation of leaders in the state.
"I always tell people to view themselves sitting in a car on the road of life, and to remember their front windshield is larger than the rear glass," explained Hunt. "When you come to a decision point, look in their rearview to see where you've already been, and you'll know where you're going. Keep moving forward, and don't move back. I find myself working in a law firm with the son, grandson, and daughter of my former partner who helped me land where I am today, and I know we are all a team working towards a better future.”
Major General Hunt Downer has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on Louisiana, but the journey is not over yet– as in his own words, “the best accomplishment is always the next one.”
BY MISTY LEIGH MCELROY | PHOTOS PROVIDED
For 75 years, Fletcher Technical Community College has been creating opportunities for students, strengthening South Louisiana's workforce, and changing lives through education.
Founded in 1951 as the South Louisiana Trade School, Fletcher was established to meet the workforce needs of a growing region. Over the decades, the institution evolved from a small trade school into a comprehensive community college serving students across South Louisiana through
academic programs, workforce training, industry partnerships, and lifelong learning opportunities.
While much has changed since its founding, Fletcher's mission has remained the same: preparing students for success.
Throughout its history, the college has helped generations of students pursue meaningful careers, earn credentials, and build brighter futures for themselves and their families. Many were the first in their families to attend college. Others returned
July 2026 24 povhouma.com
to the classroom to gain new skills or begin a new career path. Each student's success story reflects Fletcher's commitment to expanding access to education and opportunity.
Today, Fletcher offers programs in healthcare, nursing, advanced manufacturing, maritime, aviation, information technology, business, and the skilled trades. Through strong partnerships with local employers and industry leaders, the college continues to align education
with workforce needs while supporting economic growth throughout the region.
As South Louisiana has grown, Fletcher has grown alongside it. Recent years have brought record enrollment, expanded academic and workforce offerings, and new opportunities for students seeking affordable, high-quality education close to home. In response to continued growth, the college will hold its first-ever Fall Commencement Ceremony in December 2026, providing an additional opportunity
to celebrate student achievement during Fletcher's 75th anniversary year.
The college officially marks its 75th anniversary on July 2, 2026, and will celebrate throughout the year with special events and activities recognizing its history, impact, and future. Among those celebrations is the Fletcher Foundation's Diamond Jubilee Gala on July 9, a signature anniversary event that will bring together alumni, employees, students, industry partners, and community supporters to celebrate 75 years of changing lives.
July 2026 25 povhouma.com
As Fletcher looks to the future, the college remains committed to empowering students, strengthening communities, and meeting the workforce needs of South Louisiana for generations to come.
For anniversary information, event details, sponsorship opportunities, and tickets, visit fletcher.edu/75th.
For 75 years, Fletcher has opened doors, strengthened communities, and transformed lives. Its next chapter is just beginning. POV
OUR MAN BACK IN KALAMAZOO
Back? Why? Of all places to visit again! Maybe it's the Spring rains and chilly lake weather. Maybe it's the soapy hard water and the hard coffee made from it. Maybe it's the glutinous breadsticks and acidic dipping sauce at Bimbo's Pizza. Or maybe it's because there's some sort of unfinished business there.
This is not so unusual, right? People return to places all the time and then write about it. The Beatles went back to the U.S.S.R. John Fogerty was stuck in Lodi again. Ace Frehley was back in the New York groove. And Gladys Knight went back to Georgia on that midnight train. Why shouldn't I return?
But it wasn't until shortly after I boarded the plane in New Orleans that I realized why I really needed to go back. It was that clever American Airlines stewardess who gave me the answer. Preparing us to depart from that most Creole of U.S. cities, she worked impressively to address the gumbo of heritages seated before her. "Please fasten your seatbelt at all times," she said in English. And then: "Por favor, abróchese el cinturón de seguridad en todo momento," followed by "Veuillez attacher votre ceinture de sécurité en tout temps." And that's when I realized the very important thing that Kalamazoo and Terrebonne-Lafourche had in common.
About 100 years before Bienville founded the city beneath my departing flight's tarmac, explorers who also spoke with his outrageous accent were scurrying about the land between La Mer Douce and Grand Lac, better known to us today as Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. They were in search of beaver. Apparently, long before berets became popular in France, their countrymen liked to wear fur hats. They preferred to wear fur of New World beaver
because fur of Old World rat was suspected of carrying plague.
Then came Jesuits missionaries from Paris who built the first permanent European settlement at the rapids of the St. Mary River, which in their language is Sault Ste. Marie. Then came the British, who, perpetually envious of French haute couture, also wanted fashionable fur hats. Then, to defend the French fur trade monopoly, a general named Cadillac established a fort named Pontchartrain at the straits between two lakes, which in his language is du Détroit and which in the other language is "Detroit." Then came the French and Indian War, after which France surrendered to Great Britain the Michigan Territory and all of its other North American holdings east of the Mississippi River, including ancestral Acadian lands. Had they only known that nutria would one day run wild and free and multiply over our lands they may have avoided a war over beaver furs. And then we would have been born Canadian and enjoy lower drug prices.
In between furs and war, a number of frenchtowns sprung up across the lower peninsula of future Michigan. A particular western-leading stream, La Rivière Kikanamasoo, was frequently travelled by French-speaking trappers and traders and missionaries between du Détroit in the east and fortresses in the west. Eventually, Kalamazoo was built at a great tourner in that river.
So, there's lots of French history around Kalamazoo, just like there is in PoV country. However, ever since the British took over 400 years ago, much of that culture has vanished. Sound familiar? And so, just as we do on the bayous, maybe we could start an effort to rekindle some of Kalamazoo's waning French culture--sorta like what CODOFIL does back home in Louisiana.
So, how could I begin to rekindle a bit of French culture in these Kalamazoo keepers? Make a big roux in the middle of downtown? What about greeting pedestrians on the street by speaking French? Yes! I could tap my extensive vocabulary of 25 French words (excluding the 10 colloquial curse words, of
colors get wiped away by the great cosmic lignette démaquillante. But I was contented, nonetheless. There was unfinished business in Kalamazoo after all, and I completed it: I had founded CODOFIK. And by now, hopefully, folks there are rekindling their historical culture, just like we do here. They may not yet be speaking clean French, but at least they can now speak it with clean faces. POV
Golden Meadow-Fourchon Tarpon Rodeo
July 2-4
Fourchon Pavilion, Port Fourchon
Fish, eat, dance and win at the annual Tarpon Rodeo! Proceeds provide college scholarships and school equipment for South Lafourche students. Rodeo tickets are $35. Each ticket earns you entry into the fishing tournament, a free ditty bag, a shrimp dinner and chances to win door prizes. The rodeo is filled with events for the entire family: live music, a cook-off, food, fishing craft vendors, an auction, raffle and door prizes. Congratulations to this year 's Rodeo Admiral Neil Angelette.
Fletcher's Diamond Jubilee Gala
July 9, 6 p.m.
Fletcher Schriever Campus
Put on your poodle skirts, dust off your leather jackets, or slip into your favorite cocktail attire and join us as we celebrate 75 years of changing lives at Fletcher's Diamond Jubilee Gala.
Step back into the 1950s for an unforgettable evening filled with music, memories, great food, community, and a few nostalgic surprises along the way. Whether you're a Fletcher alum, student, employee, partner, or friend, this milestone celebration is your chance to be part of our story. For more information, visit fletcher.edu.
5th Annual Juice Fest - 90s Edition
July 12, 4:30 p.m.
Courthouse Square, Downtown Houma
DeeJay Juice is giving back to his community through music and education. Along with being an educator in Terrebonne Parish, he fosters unity among students through teaching
and a unique “Character Tour,” and also serves as DJ for elementary and secondary schools across our area. The festival promises a diverse lineup, featuring music from all genres, dynamic dance/school organizations, and captivating live bands and artists, raffles, scholarship, and giveaways. With your support, we can further cultivate unity in our community while boosting the economic status of local businesses. The free festival is family-friendly, with no alcohol.
Lady’s Coco Classic
July 16-18
Coco Marina, Cocodrie
The Lady's Coco Classic Fishing Rodeo will start check-in on July 16 at 4 p.m., with two full days of fishing and fun on Friday and Saturday, all to raise money for the Autism Society. Join “Reel” Women fishing for a cause! Enjoy door prizes, anglers boutique, raffle tables, silent auction, and half and half tickets. On Friday, the shrimp boil begins at 5 p.m. and live music starts at 7 p.m. On Saturday, there will be a cook-off from 4-8 p.m. ($10 all-you-can-eat bracelet) with live music starting at 9 p.m.
Island Strong Music Fest
July 16-18
Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion
The fifth annual Island Strong Music Fest celebrates Grand Isle's recovery with a live music festival on July 16-18, 2026! This three-day festival features amazing live music, food, craft booths and various other vendors! All proceeds go to rebuilding Grand Isle's recreational facilities and other projects vital to the town's recovery. For a music line-up, please visit islandstrongmusicfest.com.
POV
