Good Turnout to Downtown Homecoming Event
Staff Report
Hundreds enjoyed a beautiful day at the annual Downtown Homecoming Celebration that took place in Olla last Saturday.
The event is scheduled each year in conjunction with LaSalle High School’s homecoming, welcoming all LHS Tigers, past, present and future.
This year, all 50 vendor spots were filled, from food booths to activities for kids and adults like face painting, a dunking booth and mechanical bull, as well as local and district politicians.
Mayor Rhonda Elliott was pleased with the turnout of vendors and attendees, and looks for an increase in involvement with each year.
“I have already had people ask about how to be a vendor next year,” Mayor Elliott said. “We had a good turnout this year, especially this morning. It was packed!”
Locals and visitors alike enjoyed entertainment throughout the day, starting with some of LaSalle High School’s own talented students.
Following opening ceremonies, the LaSalle High School band, cheer and dance groups each performed, as well as cheerleaders from Olla Elementary School.
As the day went on, local favorites were enjoyed by all, from the Glory Bound Cloggers, singer David Smith and the bands Triple Crown and Triple Threat Band, to the featured band of the evening, Deep Water Rehab.
Vendors were pleased with sales and though there were many options available, several booths ran completely out of food by the afternoon.
The Town of Olla sponsors the event and Mayor Elliott noted that it wouldn’t be possible to host each year without the help of many volunteers, including the LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office, Olla Police Department and the town’s employees, who work days in advance to get the town looking its best.
“It takes everybody pulling together to pull an event like this off,” Mayor Elliott stated. “I am so grateful to all who volunteered.”
