Louise-Hillje community comes together for weekend event
By APRIL HAMMAN Louise Correspondent
Barbecue pits and RVs lining Loop 523 through the heart of Louise Friday evening were positive signs the 2nd Annual Louise-Hillje Chamber of Commerce Fall Festival would draw a good crowd for the weekend. The aroma of brisket and ribs smoking on the grill along with squeals of children's laughter filled the air.

Tasty sweet treats like cotton candy were a hit with kids like Timmy Hamman at the Louise- Hillje Chamber Fall Festival Saturday.

Drawing hundreds of people, the two-day event kicked off with a street dance with music by Tin Star. A fireworks display highlighted the entertainment during the music and dancing.

"Friday night's events were great," said Liz Lovejoy.

After an early morning cooks' meeting Saturday, teams were off to their pits and the 27 vendors began selling their wares. The Chamber's pumpkin patch offered an opportunity for taking fall photographs, while several school organizations sold refreshments, and the Louise Boy Scout Troop 226 sold cotton candy and funnel cakes.

Other organizations, such as the Louise band, sold sausage on a stick, Frito pies and nachos. There were booths selling hamburgers, popcorn, snowcones, and many other food and drink items.

Michael Resendez, (front) a member of the "Rather B Fishing" barbecue cook-off team, shows off slab of juicy and tasty brisket prepared during the Louise-Hillje Chamber's Fall Festival last weekend. The second annual event was well very attended and included plenty of food and entertainment. L-N Photos by April Hamman

Fun for the little ones included horse rides and various contests of skill. The dunking booth proved to be a very popular attraction among the younger group. School faculty members gave students the opportunity to be in control of their destiny. Louise High School Principal Diana Blumrick and Elementary Principal Donna Kutac were among a few of the victims. After many failed attempts by daughter Hannah Blumrick, pitcher for the El Campo select travel team called the Dragons, Reid Hubenak was the first to send Blumrick plumeting into the cold water.

Returning this year to entertain the crowd throughout the day were Rudy & Alys. "They provided a variety of music selections for everyone to enjoy," said Debbie Townsend. "As usual, they were a hit with the crowd."

The festival consisted of many contests throughout the day to give everyone an opportunity to display their skills.

A pet costume contest was definitely a crowd pleaser with ferrets, dogs and goats dressed up in many different costumes.

"A large crowd gathered to enjoy the unique costumes that were paraded before them," said Townsend.

Dressed up in matching poodle skirts, Kinsley Henderson and her goat won first place in the contest. Henderson is a fifth grader at Louise Elementary.

Second place went to Caydi Blaha with her dog; and third place winner was Tyler Chumchal with his dog.

Other events consisted of a washer pitching tournament and a motorcycle fun run. All proceeds from the fun run will benefit breast cancer awareness and research.

A live auction was held with items being donated by many businesses and individuals.

Following the auction, the festival concluded with the announcement of the cook-off winners.

It was a "great success," said Townsend.

Results of the cook-off and other contests are as follows:

Brisket

1st- Keystone Cops; 2nd- Hot Ash Cookers; 3rd- Texas Fire Cookers

Ribs

1st- Patriot Oilfield; 2nd- Lone Rangers; 3rd- Boo B Que Cookers

Chicken

1st- Boo B Que Cookers; 2nd- Back Street Cookers; 3rd- Grills Gone Wild

Beans

1st- Back Street Cookers; 2nd- Pot Ash Cookers; 3rd- Last Minute

Jackpot Winner- It's O.K. Cookers

Showmanship Winner- Boo B Que Cookers

Dessert Winner- Lone Rangers

Washer Pitching Contest- Winners were 1st- Gabriel and Jerry Jasso; 2nd- Ronnie Gooden and Ben Plummer; 3rd- George Krasucky and John Weston Roades.