Southeastern helps celebrate Tangipahoa's 150th anniversary
Monday, September 16, 2019
by: Tonya Lowentritt
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies,
Tangipahoa Parish Government, and the Tangipahoa Convention and Visitors Bureau are
sponsoring a weekend of activities to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Tangipahoa
Parish.
“For folks interested in an immersion into the history and culture of Tangipahoa
Parish, you do not want to miss the celebration that will be occurring across the
parish Sept. 19-21,” said Professor of History and Director of the Center for Southeast
Louisiana Studies Samuel C. Hyde, Jr. “Founded amid the turmoil of Reconstruction
in 1869, Tangipahoa is celebrating its sesquicentennial this year with a Broadway
caliber play, parades, marker dedications, and a power packed day full of fun and
education.”
The excitement begins, Hyde said, with a hilarious new play by Southeastern Theater
Professor Jim Winter titled “Strawberries, Guns, and Milk” that spoofs the history
of Tangipahoa Parish. The premiere of the play is Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. in Vonnie Borden
Theater on Southeastern’s campus. Additional run dates are Sept. 20 and 21 and Sept.
24 and 25. Tickets are $20 general admission, with Southeastern students admitted
free with university I.D.
“Strawberries, Guns and Milk celebrates the wild and wonderful first 150 years
of Tangipahoa Parish,” Winter said. “The play centers around a traveling theatre troupe
passing through this area just as it is becoming its own parish. Challenged by the
rowdy and lawless locals, the troupe does what has never been done before: they show
their audience the future that awaits them. What ensues is a comedic romp showcasing
the sensational, bizarre and triumphant rise of this unique and amazing place.”
On Saturday, Sept. 21, activities will begin in Amite with a marker and time
capsule dedication at the parish government building at 8:30 a.m. A parade through
the center of Amite will follow at 10 a.m. The celebration will then move to the Florida
Parishes Arena in Amite beginning at noon.
“The arena will come alive with booths, photographic exhibits, and historical
presentations on the history of the parish and its people,” Hyde said. “Family fun
and children’s activities will include train rides, truck pulls, dunking booth, K-9
demonstrations, and numerous games for the kids.”
Historical tours of Amite are scheduled to depart from the arena throughout the
afternoon, and multiple bands and DJs will perform on the entertainment stage through
the course of the event as well. Hyde will kick off a series of historical presentations
from 1 to 3 p.m., that also includes Eddie Ponds, Redell Hearn, and Robin Abrams.
At 3 p.m. a new documentary film on Tangipahoa, produced by Paul Catalanotto will
premiere.
All events are free and open to the public, including food and soft drinks, courtesy
of the Tangipahoa Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau, Tangipahoa Parish Government,
and the Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office.
For more information about the celebration, contact the Tangipahoa Convention
and Visitors Bureau at 985-542-7520 or the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies
at 985-549-2151, or visit www.tangitourism.com.
