New DCRT officials named

• By CYNTHIA V. CAMPBELL
• Travel editor
• Published: Jul 13, 2008 - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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New appointments in the Louisiana Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism bring experienced leaders to the forefront. Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu, who oversees the department, has appointed Pam Breaux as acting secretary of the department. Scott Hutcheson will replace Breaux as assistant secretary for cultural development.

Breaux, a native of Lafayette, has served as assistant secretary for the Office of Cultural Development since 2004. Landrieu said that in that role she has been instrumental in numerous efforts including the Main Street Initiative, the World Cultural Economic Forum and the Cultural Economic Initiative.

Breaux replaces Dawn Romero Watson who recently resigned as secretary of DCRT because of a conflict with the state’s new financial disclosure laws. A native of Lafayette, Breaux is respected for her work in helping to promote Louisiana’s diverse and rich culture, which is a major tourism draw. She is a member of the Advisory Board for the Louisiana Creole Heritage Center and vice president of programs for the Southern Arts Federation. She also is secretary of the board for the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies.

Hutcheson most recently served as executive director of the Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation, an initiative of Landrieu. The foundation has raised $2 million to date and distributed grants to 450 artists, cultural organizations and businesses. As assistant secretary of Cultural Development, Hutcheson will oversee Louisiana’s divisions of Archaeology, the Arts, Historic Preservation — which includes the Main Street program — and CODOFIL (Council for the Development of French in Louisiana.)

Marksville tournament
Unlike lyrics about the “dangers” of pool sung by Harold Hill in The Music Man, pool can be fun and played by just about everyone.
Find out what it’s all about at the first Eight Ball Bash scheduled Friday-Saturday, July 18-19 at Paragon Casino and Resort in Marksville. Sponsored by TRIPAC Tunica-Biloxi Indians Political Action Committee,) the event promises two days of fun and action.

Events will include an awards ceremony and a VIP reception where participants will mingle with professional football players.
Participants will play in teams of four. “All teams will have an opportunity to play with an NFL player,” said David Rivas, a Tunica-Biloxi Tribal member and director of TRIPAC.

Jarvis Green of Baton Rouge, a New England Patriots star, said he’s “not the best” pool player, but will be there for the fun.

Other NFL gridiron celebrities scheduled to appear include: Corey Webster, New York Giants; Kevin Faulk, New England Patriots; Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants; Randall Gay, New Orleans Saints; and Howard Green, Seattle Seahawks.

An individual sponsorship for the tournament costs $250. Additional sponsorships are available at various levels. For complete tournament details and to sign up, call (318) 240-6414.

Also during the weekend, the Paragon Casino Resort Hotel will offer discounts. Contact reservations at (800) 642-7777.

Natchitoches Folk Fest
One of Louisiana’s most authentic folk festivals, the annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival is set Friday-Saturday, July 18-19. The event is held in Prather Coliseum on the Northwestern State University campus.

This year’s theme is “Ties to the Isles: British and Irish Traditions in Louisiana.” It will highlight the contributions made to Louisiana by people from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

Narrative sessions will focus on Scottish culture, Irish culture, genealogy, highland cattle, sheep, bees, weaving wool, Scots-Irish settlers, storytelling, north Louisiana food and music and more.