FREE OCTOBER 2026 | VOL. 20 • ISSUE 10 | POVHOUMA.COM
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October 2026 2 povhouma.com For more information, please visit our website at PAINSPECIALTY.NET
CONTENTS | OCTOBER 2026 • VOLUME 20 • ISSUE 10
CHIC 10 CHATEAU Waterfront Welcome
HER ROUGAROU REIGN 14 MAY BEGIN!
Josephine Cassou reigns as the 2026 Rougarou Queen!
FALL FESTIVALS 2026 18 Which festival is your favorite? AND THE BEAT GOES ON
22 Acadia Music Fest celebrates a decade of music
EXTRAS
ON THE
COVER
NOTE 06 PUBLISHER’S Let’s Fest!
WORD, YA
HEARD
DISQUIETING
08 INTERVUE Say What?
[dis-KWY-uh-ting] (Adj.)
26 WE SUPPORT A
causing anxiety or uneasiness; disturbing.
HEALTHIER FUTURE
Diet and Breast Cancer Links You Should Not Ignore
THE SCOPE 28 UNDER Our Man in Sleepy Hollow
WORD ON THE STREET
30 RENDEZVOUS
“A disquieting loneliness came into my life, but it induced no hunger for friends of longer acquaintance.” - Truman Capote
Where You Need to Be Around Town
31 LOOK TWICE
Find the 9 differences Photo by Dristy Foret Photography
VISIT US ONLINE: povhouma.com
October 2026 3 povhouma.com
What's your must-have festival accessory?
Cute but comfy shoes! PUBLISHER My festin’ buddy Jackson.
Brian Rushing
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Mary Downer Ditch EDITORIAL
A great hat!
Bonnie Rushing Editorial Director Isabelle Pinto
CREATIVE
Ashley Bourgeois CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
John Doucet Daniel Roy PHOTOGRAPHY
Anya Filatova Dristy Foret Photography
A portable phone charger!
CONTACT
Publisher: publisher@rushing-media.com Editorial: maryditch@rushing-media.com Creative: graphics@rushing-media.com Sales: sales@rushing-media.com
Copyright ©2026 Rushing Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of editorial and/or graphic content is strictly prohibited.
BUSINESS ADDRESS: Rushing Media, P.O. Box 5013, Houma, LA 70361 • 985.868.7515 Point of Vue magazine cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited material such as manuscripts or photographs, with or without the inclusion of a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Information in this publication is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. The opinions expressed in Point of Vue magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Rushing Media, our employees or any of our advertisers. No employee or family member(s) of employees of Rushing Media are permitted to partake in any contests, giveaways or sweepstakes.
October 2026 4 povhouma.com
PUBLISHER’S NOTE | MARY DOWNER DITCH • ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
LET’S FEST! There are four seasons in most places: spring, summer, fall and winter. But in South Louisiana, we know better. We have festival season. These days, it arrives before that first hint of cooler weather, bringing the smell of something delicious cooking in a giant pot, live music drifting across a fairground and the familiar sight of people you haven’t seen since last year’s festival. And somehow, no matter how much time has passed, it feels like no time at all. There is something uniquely Louisiana about the way we celebrate. We don’t simply attend our festivals, we become part of them. We volunteer, cook, set up, tear down, sell raffle tickets, serve plates, dance, listen to stories and, of course, eat our way through the weekend. Behind every festival is a collection of people who have given their time and talent to keep a tradition alive.
In this issue, we’re celebrating some of the festivals and people that make our corner of South Louisiana so special. From longstanding traditions to newer celebrations finding their place in our communities, each one tells a story about who we are and what we value. Our annual tribute to the Rougarou Queen presents to you Josephine Cassou as this year’s Queen! A long time volunteer and Rougagrou witch, Josephine often expresses herself through art; such as watercolor, acrylic and pen. Her art, similar to her, shows a deep, emotional connection to the natural world around. Pay special attention to her Queen’s dress and crown, both representing cypress trees! Learn more about Josephine starting on page 14. Thibodaux’s biggest music festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary! Acadia Music Fest has consistently brought some of the biggest names in entertainment right here to the bayou region. Each year, the money raised goes right back into the community to support a local nonprofit. Check out this year’s line-up and hear from the founder Tommy Meyer starting on page 22.
And those traditions matter. A festival can be a family affair passed down through generations. It can be the place where you see an old friend, meet someone new or introduce your children to something you remember from your own childhood. It can be an annual homecoming for someone who moved away years ago. It can be a church fair, a community fundraiser, a celebration of our food, our music, our history or simply an excuse to gather. I think that is what I love most about festival season. In a world where so much of life happens behind screens and schedules seem to fill faster than we can keep up with them, festivals ask us to slow down and show up. They remind us that community doesn't happen by accident. It happens when people come together and decide that something is worth celebrating and worth preserving.
Fairs and festivals are the lifeblood of our community, providing a space for us to reconnect, to celebrate the unique culture that makes our region special, and to pass down traditions to the next generation. Our festivals issue would be incomplete without a listing of all the fairs and festivals of our area. Plan your weekends now using our listings starting on page 18. So grab your festival chair, find your favorite food booth, say hello to someone you haven’t seen in a while and stay for the music. Because around here, festival season isn't just a season on the calendar. It’s a reminder of home. POV
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INTERVUE | SAY WHAT?
What local festival do you think everyone should experience at least once and why?
JULIE I love Houma’s Rougarou Fest. I’ve always been a huge fan of Halloween and costumes in general. The creativity and effort seen in the costumes is one of my favorite parts, but the parade is so cool. The lights, the atmosphere, and watching the enjoyment on everyone’s faces are all part of the experience!
LORA ANN I would say our United Houma Nation Pow Wow. It is not technically a festival, but it is a gathering everyone should experience at least once. It brings together dancing, fellowship, education, food, arts, crafts, and our Native brothers and sisters from near and far. What makes it so special is that many people in the Houma area still do not realize that the city of Houma is named after our people, the United Houma Nation, or that “Houma” means “red.” The Pow Wow gives people a chance to meet us, see our baskets, carvings, and other Native arts, enjoy an Indian Taco, experience our social dancing, and learn who we are as a people. At the appropriate time, visitors are invited to join in and dance with us, which makes the experience even more meaningful and welcoming. Most importantly, they see that we are still here. We are a living, thriving Nation, and we continue to preserve our culture and pass it down to the next generation.
BROOKE The Christmas parade is hands down one of the best events Houma has for the entire family. Seeing all the kids lining the streets, screaming, waving, and smiling is what makes it so special. It’s more than just a parade—it’s families coming together, kids making memories, and our community celebrating the magic of Christmas together.
MONIQUE My pick would be the Rougarou Fest. It is one of those events that really captures what makes Houma and South Louisiana unique. It combines Cajun folklore, local food, live music, costumes, family activities, and the bayou culture all in one weekend. The Folklife Village also showcases traditional crafts, storytelling, cooking, music, and other local traditions.
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HOME + LIVING | CHATEAU CHIC
WATERFRONT WELCOME BY BONNIE RUSHING | PHOTOS BY ANYA FILATOVA
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Fall in the Bayou Region means festival season, bringing weekends filled with music, food and plenty of visiting friends and family. When the guest list outgrows the spare bedroom, one local Airbnb pairs the comforts of home with thoughtful design and a waterfront setting that feels distinctly South Louisiana. Known as Love Shack, the Waterfront Loft, the property sits along the Intracoastal Canal in central Houma. Vaulted ceilings and an open layout make the compact home feel surprisingly spacious, with the kitchen, dining and living areas flowing easily together. The interior takes a relaxed approach to coastal style without leaning into the expected themes. Warm wood tones mix
with soft neutrals, natural textures and understated furnishings, creating rooms that feel collected and comfortable. Touches of black add contrast throughout, while plenty of natural light keeps the space bright and casual. Rather than competing for attention, the design provides a backdrop for the home's most distinctive feature: its waterfront setting. Windows bring the outdoors into the living spaces, with views of the canal and the passing boats and barges that are part of everyday life along the Intracoastal Waterway. Outside, the home's personality continues with a dock along the water and outdoor spaces that make the most of the setting. From morning coffee to an evening outdoors, October 2026 10 povhouma.com
the waterfront becomes as much a part of the home as the rooms inside. For owners Cristiano Raffignone and his wife, Anya, hospitality has long been a part of life, beginning locally with Cristiano Ristorante and shaped by years of traveling the world together. Those experiences inspired both the Love Shack and Art de Vivre Travel, their personalized travel service creating customized trips throughout Europe, Southeast Asia and South Africa. After a long festival day, guests can retreat from the crowds and settle into the slower pace of life along the water — a distinctly South Louisiana way to end a day spent enjoying the music, food and traditions of festival season. POV
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No. 1 Living Room
No. 9 Stairs
No. 2 Detail
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No. 11 Bathroom
No. 4 Detail
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No. 5 Kitchen
No. 13 Bedroom
No. 6 Living Room
No. 14 Deck
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No. 8 Bathtub Enjoy more photos on houmatimes.com/ publications/pointofvue.
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BY DANIEL ROY PHOTOS BY DRISTY FORET PHOTOGRAPHY Each year a Rougarou Queen is selected to represent the Rougarou Fest at various events throughout the region. The queen is selected from a large team of volunteers by a committee of festival organizers. As she begins her reign as the 2026 Rougarou Fest Queen, Josephine Cassou took a moment to reflect on her reaction to learning about the news. Josephine said the news came as a pleasant shock to her causing a wave of emotions. “I said ‘wait, what?’ and of course the tears started coming because this was something that I never dreamed was going to happen to me. I was just so happy and so proud and it still affects me that way,” Josephine said tearfully. Josephine is from the bayou, hailing from Houma and Chauvin. She said the culture and the people have shaped her into the woman that she is today. “The people are the friendliest, kindest and most helpful people,” Josephine said. “They never ask for anything in return.” A graduate of Andrew Jackson High School as well as an Honor Graduate of Nunez Community College, Josephine is dedicated to lifelong growth and learning. Josephine often expresses herself through art; such as watercolor, acrylic and pen. Her art, similar to her, shows a deep, emotional connection to the natural world around. Josephine’s life has taken her many places away from home; including South America, Europe and Asia but she said her heart stays firmly in the bayou. Through all the adventures over the years, the culture of South Louisiana still puts her at a loss for words, she said. “It’s our ways, our heritage, our whole culture and the way we live day by day,” Josephine said. “The things we’ve gone through, tough times and good times, it just all is an accumulation of our culture.” Josephine is a dedicated and proud mother to two children. Her son and daughter’s – Dr. Sammy Cassou and Helen Yturregui,
FNP-RN – dedication to medicine and service shows the values that their mother instilled in them from childhood. A two-time cancer survivor, Josephine is a passionate advocate for breast and colon cancer awareness, education, and early detection. Her journey through survival has given her both strength and purpose, inspiring her to support others walking similar paths. While the 2026 crown means so much to her, she said service is still the main thing she wants to be remembered for when her reign is over. “Beyond the crown, I enjoy being a volunteer able to help put on this great event every year,” Josephine said. The same dedication that Josephine puts into her children, she puts into protecting and preserving the Louisiana coastal wetlands. She has a very particular passion for cypress trees. “We’ve lost so many of our
October 2026 14 povhouma.com
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beautiful cypress. So that is what my whole theme is about the cypress trees,” she said. When tasked with picking an outfit for the event she said she wanted something that would have meaning not just make people say “oh that’s nice”. She said that each clothing article represents something about cypress trees.
The Rougarou has been in Josephine’s life since she was a child. Her mother used to warn her and her brother to come inside before dark or the Rougarou would get them. She said that those are some of her earliest and fondest memories. “The laughs and the good times we have shared over the years about the Rougarou
The crown represents the trees themselves, the crown is white to show the loss of cypress trees known as “ghost forest”. The green dress represents a healthy cypress tree and the long, loose sleeves represent the moss that flows in the wind. The final piece is the staff; it consists of a globe with white trees inside, green from the outside of the globe to the bottom of the staff and animals that thrive through the cypress on the staff. Her views on Louisiana wetlands align with the entire mission of the Rougarou Fest. When she first joined the festival and discovered the commitment to c o m m u n i t y, culture and wetland conservation, she knew she had found her place. She said after years of helping to organize the festival each year and being a Rougarou Witch, being chosen as queen was truly an honor. “I never imagined that out of all of us I would be that one special person that they would choose to represent the whole organization and a whole festival,” Josephine said. “I just want to do the best that I can to represent them well.”
The Rougarou Fest is a free family-friendly festival with a spooky flair that celebrates the rich folklore that exists along the bayous of Southeast Louisiana. It showcases live music, cultural activities, children’s activities, Cajun food, the Krewe Ga Rou parade, and so much more. All proceeds go to the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center, a nonprof it organization that is revolutionizing how we think, teach and learn about Louisiana’s disappearing coast. The Rougarou Fest was ranked as one of the Top 10 Costume Parties in the United States by USA Today in 2014, one of the Top 20 Events out of 11 states in the month of October by the Southeast Tourism Society in 2015 and 2019, awarded Festival of the Year by the Louisiana Travel Association in 2020 and 2023, voted Best Festival in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 by Point of Vue Magazine’s People’s Choice Competition, and awarded Best New Event in 2015 and Festival of the Year in 2024 by the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals.
is what makes this an even bigger honor, it is such a huge part of culture here,” she said. Josephine said that she is looking forward to every part of the Rougarou Fest this year; the parade, the culture and the people but above all else she is looking forward to “passing a good time.” October 2026 16 povhouma.com
This year, the festival will be held from Friday, October 23 through Sunday, October 25 on the grounds of the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center and the Barry Bonvillain Civic Center in Houma. The Rougarou Queen will reign over the parade on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 7 p.m. You can find the daily schedule of events, bands, and rides on their website at rougaroufest. org. POV
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Fairs and festivals are the lifeblood of our community. They provide a space for us to reconnect, to celebrate the unique culture that makes our region special, and to pass down traditions to the next generation. From the lively parades to the vibrant music, every festival reflects our unwavering spirit and our love for the bayou. They are celebrations of who we are, where we come from, and the deeprooted culture that binds us together as a community. We can't wait to see you out and about at your favorite festivals this season! October 2026 18 povhouma.com
LA FÊTE DES VIEUX TEMPS Oct. 2-4 | Lafourche Pavillion, Raceland Called the "Festival of Old Times" this event features a celebration of music, dancing, Cajun food, and arts & crafts show. This long standing event is a local favorite and showcases the true authentic Cajun culture of Lafourche Parish.
6TH ANNUAL MAWMAW WALKER Oct. 3 | Downtown Houma Hosted by the Hache Grant Association in the name of downtown revitalization, the Maw Maw Walker encourages participants to wear their favorite mumu for an afternoon of fun! Judges will be perusing the crowd for a Best Dressed Maw Maw and Paw Paw. The traditional 5k pub crawl style event begins around noon. The walk itself is free for participants. The Walk will visit businesses, pubs and restaurants in downtown, helping to increase pedestrian commerce for the area.
Rodrigue, Reese’s Pieces, Kerry Thibodaux Band; Saturday - Tet Dur, Heart & Soul, Good Feelin’, JP Bourgeois Band, After 8; Sunday - Tommy G & Stormy Weather, and Ryan Foret.
BAYOU DULARGE CAJUN FAIR Oct. 16-18 | Knights of Columbus Home, Dularge The Bayou Dularge Knights of Columbus Cajun Fair will feature music, rides, games and food (po'boys, jambalaya, gumbo and more) on the Knights of Columbus grounds. Music line-up includes: Friday Clifton Brown & the Rusty Bucket Band,
LOUISIANA GUMBO FESTIVAL Oct. 9-11 | Chackbay Fairgrounds The 58th annual Louisiana Gumbo Festival will take place on October 9-11, 2026 at the Chackbay Fairgrounds. Founded as a fundraiser for the Chackbay Volunteer Fire Department, the festival attracts over 15,000 visitors each year. Volunteers cook an estimated 500 gallons of gumbo to serve to festivalgoers. Festival admission is free and the grounds are fenced in to add to the safety of its patrons. This year’s festival music line-up includes: Friday - Freddie
ACADIA MUSIC FEST Oct. 17 | Acadia Plantation, Thibodaux Acadia Music Fest is a one-day outdoor music festival taking place in Thibodaux. It is open for all ages with music throughout the day from local, national and international musicians. This year’s line-up includes Whiskey Myers, Kashus Culpepper, Better Than Ezra, The Bends, Flow Tribe, Icarus Jones, and Little John and the Dirty Clarks. The Fest will also feature local artists, delicious food, and a Kid’s Korner.
ROUGAROU FEST
BAYOU ARTS FEST Oct. 10 | Downtown Houma The Bayou Arts Fest is a celebration that brings together artists, performers, and art lovers from all walks of life. This event is more than just a festival; it’s a testament to the creativity and cultures of our community. This year’s festival proudly welcomes legendary rock band Zebra as the headlining act, bringing an exciting night of live entertainment to cap off a full day of art and culture. The festival funds raised support the Bayou Regional Arts Council.
that supports a great cause. Every ticket, cooking team, vendor, and sponsor helps Gulf Coast Social Services empower people with mental, physical, and behavioral challenges to live more independently and improve their quality of life.
The Chase Tyler Band; Saturday - Bayou Beats Band, Teddy Baudoin, Bridgetown, Shorts in December; Sunday - Hwy. 315, Bad Behavior.
HOUMA MAC N’ CHEESE FESTIVAL Oct. 17 | Downtown Houma Get ready, Houma, Gulf Coast Social Services is back with the Mac & Cheese Festival on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at Terrebonne Parish Courthouse Square! This isn’t just a regular food festival; it's a $10 all-you-can-eat mac & cheese celebration with live music, local craft vendors, and a delicious cook-off
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Oct. 23-25 | South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center and Barry P. Bonvillain Civic Center grounds The Rougarou welcomes all to attend this popular family-friendly festival to celebrate our culture and heritage at this three-day festival. The Rougarou Fest is a free festival with a spooky flair that celebrates the rich folklore that exists along the bayous of Southeast Louisiana. It showcases live music, cultural activities, children’s activities, Cajun food, the Krewe Ga Rou parade, and so much more. All proceeds go to the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center, a nonprofit organization that is revolutionizing how we think, teach and learn about Louisiana’s disappearing coast. The Rougarou Queen will reign over the parade on Saturday.
FRENCH FOOD FESTIVAL Oct. 23-25 | Larose Civic Center The French Food Festival offers delicious Cajun food and music, carnival, auction, art show, Cajun market, a petting zoo, and a variety of contests. Plan to come hungry with over 40 booths of food. Bring your dancing shoes to dance the night away with live music.
BBQ AND BOURBON ON THE BAYOU FESTIVAL KREWE OF TERREANIANS FALL FESTIVAL & COOK-OFF Oct. 31 | Downtown Houma Join the Krewe of Terreanians at their annual Downtown Houma Fall Festival. This event includes an arts & crafts show and a cook-off where anything goes! Don’t forget to dress up in your best spooky costumes for trick or treating and a costume contest for kids. Live auction and music, great raffle prizes, and the best food and times to be had outside of Terreanians Sunday! Starting at 11 a.m., come enjoy the day with your favorite Mardi Gras krewe, eat all you can for only $10 a person, and help support local downtown businesses.
SOUTHDOWN MARKETPLACE Nov. 7 | Southdown Plantation, Houma With more than 300 local and national vendors, the Artisan Craft Show has something for everyone. The show will feature unique and hand-made items including, jewelry, clothing, wood crafts, original art, garden items, seasonal items, and more. In addition, delicious foods and beverages will be available for purchase. Admission is $5 per person, with proceeds benefiting the non-profit Terrebonne Historical & Cultural Society and Southdown Plantation & Museum.
Festival! The smell of smokey barbeque and smooth tasty bourbon will appeal to all the senses. The BBQ, Bourbon, and Blues Festival will feature live music by Core 4, Ryan Foret and the Foret Tradition, and Snapper and the Fishsticks. This year features a bourbon raffle; Each $25 raffle ticket gives you a chance to win a premium bottle of bourbon while supporting Lafourche Arc!
BIG BOY’S MAIN STREET COOK-OFF
BARK FOR LIFE TERREBONNE
Nov. 13 | Downtown Thibodaux Experience a culinary showcase of Cajun cuisine at Big Boy's Main Street Cook-Off! Sample Louisiana-inspired dishes from over 30 teams while enjoying live music. In addition, Goose burgers, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages will be sold by area bars and restaurants. All proceeds benefit Thibodaux Main Street.
Nov. 14 | Bayou Country Sports Park, Houma The American Cancer Society Bark For Life is a dog-friendly fundraising event that celebrates the companionship and unconditional love of canine caregivers. The event is from 12 - 3 p.m. and features food trucks and live music by Casie and Johnny. The funds raised at Bark For Life go directly to the American Cancer Society to support cancer research, patient services, and education.
THIBODEAUXVILLE FALL FESTIVAL Nov. 14 | Downtown Thibodaux Explore beautiful, historic, downtown Thibodaux at Thibodeauxville! The award winning festival will feature three stages of live music, arts and crafts booths, a Cajun food court, a car show, and the infamous rubber duck race in Bayou Lafourche. Admission to the festival is free.
BBQ AND BOURBON ON THE BAYOU CULTURA VITAE FEST Nov. 14 | Holy Trinity Campus, Schriever FESTIVAL Nov. 7 | Warren J Harang Auditorium, Thibodaux Lafourche Arc is proud to present the 4th Annual BBQ and Bourbon on the Bayou
Here is what the Fest has scheduled: Morning Mass – The festival kicks off with a Catholic Mass; Knights of Columbus Culinary Cook-Off and Small Tastings; Diverse Live Performances by Catholic musical artists; Catholic Shopping Village; and Sunset Adoration.Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Louisiana Catholic culture!
Cultura Vitae Fest, Latin for the “Culture of Life” is a blending of faith, music, art, and cuisine into one unforgettable experience celebrating Louisiana Catholic culture! October 2026 20 povhouma.com
TCU TAILGATE COOK-OFF Nov. 21 | Downtown Houma “Tailgate Eats That Tackle Hunger.” Gather your team, fire up the grill, and join us for a day of delicious food, friendly competition, and community impact! Every plate served helps support the mission of TCU Foodbank as we continue serving families throughout the Bayou Region. Cook-off teams will compete for: Best Tailgate Appetizer; Best Tailgate Main Dish; Best Tailgate Setup. Each team consists of four people. Bring your creativity, team spirit, and favorite tailgate recipes! POV
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BY ISABELLE PINTO | PHOTOS SUBMITTED Acadia Music Fest is celebrating 10 years of changing our community for the better this October.
It is in Ben Meyer's memory that the festival lives on, explained festival founder Tommy Meyer.
Launched in 2016 and known as Thibodaux's largest outdoor music festival, Acadia Music Fest returns to Lafourche Parish for one day each October with an impressive lineup of local, national, and international musicians. With performances beginning around noon, folks also come to enjoy an array of local food trucks, a kid's corner, and more at the family-friendly festival.
"We lost my younger brother Ben in a car accident when he was 23 years old and a student at Nicholls," explained Tommy. "Ben loved music, he loved life, and he loved helping the underdog. We use this festival to honor him, not only through good music, but by helping local charities and organizations that we know would've touched Ben's heart."
Although the annual festival just means a day of live music and fun for most, for others, it is life changing– proceeds provide invaluable contributions to local nonprofits through the Ben Meyer Foundation.
In the 10 years since the festival's creation, proceeds from the Acadia Music Fest have exceeded well over $100,000, which have been poured right back into our community– benefiting local organizations such as Upside Downs, MacDonell October 2026 22 povhouma.com
Children's Services, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Lafourche, the Bayou Country Children's Museum, and many more. "We are really blessed with how much we’ve been able to raise, and the community has been a huge part in supporting that," said Tommy. "We wouldn't have gotten here without people coming out and attending the festival." The Acadia Music Fest has boomed in popularity with each passing year, drawing well-known artists to the stages of Thibodaux. Headliners and performers have included American rappers Nelly, Flo Rida, and Ludacris, as well as beloved musicians Icarus Jones, Better Than Ezra, The Bends, Dumpstaphunk, The MJ
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Dardar Band, DJ Spin, Nico Moon, and more. The scale of the festival continues to skyrocket with an impressive collection of bands, singers, rappers, and DJs, drawing thousands of music lovers to Thibodaux each year. The 10th anniversary promises to be bigger and better than ever, with hotels in Thibodaux already booked full on the day of the event, and ticket purchasers representing 15 different states.
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"We just continue to grow exponentially. The support has been incredible, and we’ve sold lots of tickets well outside of Louisiana," said Tommy. "I always say our goal is to bring A-list headliners to Lafourche Parish, but it's more than that– this is a regional event that neighboring
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October 2026 23 povhouma.com
parishes support, enjoy, and benefit from, too." The 2026 Acadia Music Fest is scheduled for Saturday, October 17 from 1:00 p.m.– 9:00 p.m. The headliner will be Whiskey Myers, an American rock band from Texas. Composed of band members Cody Cannon, John Jeffers, Cody Tate, Jeff Hogg, Tony Kent, and Jamey Gleaves, they have released seven albums, the latest being "Whomp Whack Thunder" released in September 2025. Whiskey Myers is renowned for their gritty authenticity and sharp attack when it comes to performances. The lineup also includes Icarus Jones (1:00 p.m.), Little John and the Dirty Clarks (2:00 p.m.), Flow Tribe (3:15 p.m.), The Bends (4:30 p.m.), Better Than Ezra (6:00 p.m.), Kashus Culpepper (7:30 p.m.), and f inally, Whiskey Meyers (9:00 p.m). Taking place at the Acadia Plantation Town Center in Thibodaux, the Acadia Music Fest has something for everyone. No matter how big the festival grows, for Tommy, the goal remains the same as it was in 2016:
that despite this unimaginable tragedy, the festival will bring some joy and good to everyone involved. "My mom comes to every festival and stays from start to finish. She's one of our biggest supporters," explained Tommy. "I remember Flo Rida and Nico Moon pulled my mom up on stage when they performed, and so many other performers reference her and her strength. Seeing someone who lost so much when she lost her son have that moment of happiness means the world to me. It’s just wonderful." Tommy and all the Acadia Music Fest organizers wish to thank local businesses, nonprofits, and the community at large for their support in bringing this festival to life. Even with their growing popularity, the festival remains anchored in its roots, organized and put on by a small group of 10-15 volunteers from Meyer Financial Group. "Thank you to everyone who has believed in us, stuck with us, and supported us as we turned this vision into reality," said Tommy. "It's a small group of us who volunteer our time to put on the festival, and we all really believe in what it is and what it has become. I'm pretty proud of what we've done– and Ben would be too." Tickets for the 10th annual Acadia Music Fest are on sale now on their website, acadiamusicfest.com. POV
BRAT EATING • STEINHOLDING • YODELING • BEST DRESSED
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24
11 AM — 9:30 PM | 120 LAURA DR., THIBODAUX
HARLEY TALBOT | 11:30 AM–2 PM SAM FORSHEY BLUES BAND | 2:30–5 PM NO POSERS | 7–9:30 PM GERMAN EATS • LIVE MUSIC • GAMES & CONTESTS
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WE SUPPORT A HEALTHIER FUTURE | BY KATIE RICHARD, MA, BSN, RN, DIRECTOR OF SPORTS & WELLNESS
DIET AND BREAST CANCER LINKS YOU SHOULD NOT IGNORE According to a study from the American Cancer Society (ACS), about 40% of new cancer diagnoses in U.S. adults age 30 and over can be prevented with lifestyle changes. Specifically, the study found that diet impacts breast cancer development.
sweet potatoes and cantaloupe contain carotenoids.
What you eat and drink affects your weight. Excess weight leads to increased breast cancer risk. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans should make up two-thirds of your plate, with the other third reserved for lean protein such as poultry or fish.
Pump up grains and fiber.
Eat your fruits and vegetables.
Additionally, starting the day with whole grains and fiber boosts your energy and supports regular bowel movements to flush waste from your body.
Women following a diet high in fruits and vegetables have 27% lower risk of certain breast cancer types. One study shows that eating high amounts of cruciferous vegetables in particular—broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale— reduces risk for at least six types of cancer. Phytochemicals known as flavonoids and carotenoids are also linked to lower breast cancer risks. Flavonoids found in onions, broccoli, parsley and celery can be beneficial to lowering risks for postmenopausal women. Orange, yellow and dark green vegetables and fruits such as carrots, pumpkins, squash, spinach,
Antioxidant-rich, superfoods such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries also contain disease-fighting nutrients. Unprocessed wheat, oats, rice, rye and other whole grains can lower chances of breast cancer. Whole grains and fiber-rich beans and legumes also benefit blood sugar levels, heart health and digestion.
Limit sweet treats. While sugar "feeds cancer" may be overly dramatic, regularly consuming sugary foods and drinks can lead to obesity and other conditions that increase risks. Your body needs sugar to properly function. It processes carbohydrates from food and turns it into glucose (sugar). But, allow sweet treats sparingly, including sodas and sweet tea. A spoonful of sugar in your morning coffee may not be risky, but a daily sweet whipped coffee probably is.
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Avoid processed foods. Ultra-processed foods such as chips, cereals, frozen meals and most snack foods contain little nutritional value and can lead to higher breast cancer mortality. Read food labels and avoid ingredients not commonly found in your kitchen. The World Health Organization lists processed meats—hot dogs, bacon, sausage, deli meats—as a Group 1 carcinogen, the same risk category as tobacco. Substitute chicken, fish and seafood for red and processed meats to reduce your risks. Reduce alcohol consumption. Wine, beer and liquor boost estrogen in the body, and certain tumors are sensitive to the hormone. According to ACS, alcohol contributes to about 6% of cancer diagnoses in women, most of those being breast cancer. While ACS recommends complete abstinence for cancer prevention, it suggests women limit consumption to one drink a day. For questions regarding breast cancer or breast cancer risk, contact Thibodaux Regional Cancer Institute at 985.493.4008.
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UNDER THE SCOPE | BY JOHN DOUCET
OUR MAN IN
SLEEPY HOLLOW species now extinct. Sounds like whales hold up better than pants. So, I ditched the mall and bought a length of whaler cordage in the gift shop. Fed that through the belt loops and tied the ends in a double anchor hitch knot that I learned from the sailing exhibit. Made me feel maritime.
It’s October now, and, as I do every year, I've seated a big orange pumpkin on the front porch rocking chair at home. This is an important reminder of home because each October actually reminds me of being away from home. Over several years now, for one reason or another, I’ve spent October time roving on Long Island, New York, visiting the coves and inlets and villages along its northern coast. Long Island is pretty big as far as islands go, and on maps it seems like it floated from the east during the heyday of the dinosaurs and crashed into the mainland, coming close to Manhattan but without wanting to touch it. And when you're roving though these historical maritime villages, gazing at colorchanging trees along the tall bluffs of southern Connecticut across Long Island Sound, you'll not need to touch Manhattan either.
Schedule a tour of our community to help your loved ones discover their new home with our expert care.
220 Valhi Blvd. in Houma (985) 868-8400 www.SugarMillPoint.net
On Long Island, I've been to the town of Oyster Bay, where Teddy Roosevelt and Billy Joel once built homes. The whole time I was there, however, I suffered from an earworm of the mildly suggestive Cole Porter tune from 1928: “Even oysters down in Oyster Bay do it / Let’s do it, let’s fall in love.” There's a Southdown in town, but it's not ya momma's Southdown in PoV Country. Instead, it’s the name of one of Food and Wine's top coffeeshops in America. And there they once served a chocolatecayenne espresso that'll put hair on the shell of an oyster. I visited nearby Huntington, mainly to shop in the local mall for a pants belt because I forgot to pack one for the trip to Oyster Bay. On the way to the mall, I visited the Whaling Museum, where I learned that whales are excellent archivists: Old bowhead whales alive today have carried broken bits of harpoon blades for over 100 years and even shells from barnacle
Then there's the city of Yonkers just to the northwest of Long Island in Westchester County. Yonkers is the place where playwright Neil Simon got lost and then won the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award in 1991 for writing about it. I visited Yonkers to study at the famous Sarah Lawrence College for a few weeks. At Sarah Lawrence, there are no lecture halls, exams are optional, and written evaluations are awarded instead of letter grades. Oh, and the student body is 80% female. What a place to get your mind tied in a double anchor hitch knot. And then there’s Cold Spring Harbor. In 1971, Billy Joel named his first album after this place, but surely not for the same reason I visited. The little village is home to worldrenowned Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, a large campus with historical laboratories of famous American Nobel Prize winners. Students from around the world go there to learn the latest in biosciences. James Watson, who with Francis Crick won the 1962 Nobel for deciphering the structure of the DNA molecule, was director of the Lab during my multiple visits there. I got to meet him there. I took a photo with him there. I bought a toy bobble-head of him from the bookstore there. And during weekends while studying at Sarah Lawrence and Cold Spring Harbor, my fellow classmates would routinely train out to Manhattan to see the tall sites. But, like prehistoric Long Island, I avoided touching Manhattan. On one trip, I took a boat up the Hudson River to a town that 18th century Dutch founders called Slaperhaven. After realizing the mildly suggestive interpretations of that name (which Cole Porter would have appreciated), it was renamed Tarry Town because the town's wives claimed their husbands tarried at the tavern for too long. In 1991, it was renamed yet again, and it was for this third naming that I visited. Here is the Burying Ground of the Old Dutch Church, a cemetery made legendary by American
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writer and satirist Washington Irving in his famous 1820 short story, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." In case you were absent that day in middle school, or if you missed the 1999 Tim Burton movie, here's a synopsis of the story. School teacher Ichabod Crane vies for the affection of his student Katrina Van Tassel. But so does troublemaker Brom Bones, who renders Ichabod the target of practical jokes. At a town harvest party (where there are pumpkins), Ichabod spends much time eating (including pumpkin pie) and dancing with Katrina, the latter much to Brom's dismay. At the end of the party, Ichabod's admission of affection is apparently rejected by Katrina, and the embarrassed and heartbroken schoolteacher rides away on horseback. During his retreat, he's chased by the ghost of a German conscript from the Revolutionary War whose head was shot off by a cannonball and who now roams the area every night in search of his fallen head. This Headless Horseman chases Ichabod across town and through the Old Dutch Church cemetery to a bridge that according to legend the Horseman cannot cross. After Ichabod crosses the bridge, the Horseman hurls its head (or a pumpkin) at the terrified schoolteacher, knocking him off his saddle and to the ground. At morning, townsfolk find the abandoned saddle, hoofprints, and a smashed pumpkin, but Ichabod is never seen again. And so, on this most recent October rove to Long Island, my weekend escape was across the old gristmills and factory grounds to the red-bricked and chapel-rich village now named Sleepy Hollow. Here's where the fictional Ichabod and the ghostly Horseman trod and where the real Washington Irving is buried. For a man whose collected work spans 30 volumes, Irving's headstone bears an ironic brevity of words: Name, birth date, death date. It stands in a scene that reminds me of the complimentary snack on the plane ride to New York: The collection of gravestones looks like hundreds of big Biscoff cookies turned to stone, lichen-coated, and dipped into the chocolate milk of the ancient Hudson River sediment. As he was a satirist, I imagine that Irving would have appreciated the idea of being buried beneath an airline cookie snack.
802 HWY 182 Houma, LA 70364 (985) 851-1242 www.spehouma.com
From Sleepy Hollow, I returned home to Sleepy Bayou. On the front porch, my annual pumpkin had fallen off its rocker. It lay smashed. On the back porch, my kind neighbor left me an ice chest of shrimp. They were headless. Suddenly, I needed a horse. A fast one. POV October 2026 29 povhouma.com
RENDEZVOUS | WHERE YOU NEED TO BE AROUND TOWN
RRC Fall Fest 2026 October 4, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Robinson Ranch Co., Houma Celebrate the season at RRC Fall Fest, a family-friendly autumn festival filled with local shopping, live entertainment, and festive activities. Spend the day exploring craft vendors, visiting the pumpkin patch, enjoying horseback rides, and making lasting fall memories with family and friends. Fall Fest is open to all ages and is perfect for families, children, local shoppers, and anyone looking to enjoy a fun-filled day of fall activities. Admission is adults: $5 per person and children: $10 per child (includes a pumpkin to take home, jump house play, bouncing cows, roping activities, and more). Barktoberfest October 4, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Laurel Valley Plantation, Thibodaux Join Hope for Animals for a day of dogs, drinks, food, games and good times, while raising money to help rescue more pups in need. The event includes craft vendors, a pet blessing, kids zone, pet costume and tricks contest and more! Bring your family and your furry friend. Tickets are $5.
Greenwood Gator Farms Fall Festival October 17 Greenwood Gator Farms, Gibson Celebrate the season at the Annual Fall Festival with a fun-filled day of family activities, fall attractions, and up-close animal encounters. Enjoy a festive atmosphere featuring a pumpkin patch, live gators, crafts, games, delicious food, and more—all set against the beautiful backdrop of a South Louisiana farm. This free event is open to the public and is perfect for families, children, animal lovers, and anyone looking to enjoy a day of fall fun in South Louisiana. Laurel Valley Fall Festival October 18 Laurel Valley Plantation, Thibodaux The Laurel Valley Fall Festival features an arts & crafts show, live music and of course, food! Bring the whole family to pass a good time! Mentally in Munich October 24, 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Big Mike’s, Thibodaux We are all Mentally in Munich, celebrating a traditional Oktoberfest! This unique event includes brat eating, steinholding contests, yodeling contests, German eats, and live music! The line-up includes Harley Talbot, Sam Forshey Blues Band and No Posers. Don’t miss out on the fun! POV
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LOOK TWICE
Find the 9 differences in this photo from our feature story on page 10!
ANSWERS TO LAST MONTH:
1. Removed exit sign
4. Removed flower pot
7. Added flowers
2.Removed box
5. Changed flower pot color
8. Changed drip tray color
3. Added plant
6. Added fertilizer sack
9. Removed labels
YOUR SUCCESS STORY
STARTS HERE. LOGOS & BRANDING | DIGITAL MARKETING | PRINT | WEBSITES
9 8 5 - 8 68 -75 15 | reima gin emarket in g .com
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