Fastest-growing parish in state boasts 'Jambalaya Capital of the World'

• By JOHN MCMILLAN
• River parishes bureau
• Published: Dec 30, 2005

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Ascension Parish, like the jambalaya for which it is famous, is a curious mix.

Within its 300 square miles, the parish contains thriving petrochemical plants, antebellum plantations, vast swamps, woodlands, farms, long established neighborhoods and upscale suburban subdivisions.

The parish has two cities, Gonzales and Donaldsonville, and one town, Sorrento, but the majority of residents live in the unincorporated areas of the parish.

Soon a huge Cabela's store, known for its hunting and fishing equipment and outdoor gear, will be under construction in Gonzales. A Wal-Mart Supercenter is scheduled to open in mid-June in Donaldsonville. Shortly thereafter, another Wal-Mart Supercenter is scheduled to open in Prairieville.

Sorrento is the home of the River Parishes Community College.

The 2000 census listed the Ascension population as 76,627, but parish registrar of voters Robert Poche said the population in 2005 is more than 85,000 residents.

Ascension is currently listed as the fastest growing parish in Louisiana. The parish's population has more than doubled in the past 20 years.

The parish has 22 public schools, including four high schools, East Ascension, St. Amant, Donaldsonville and Dutchtown.

A parochial high school, Ascension Catholic, is on the West Bank of the parish.

The parish boasts three hospitals, a regional general aviation airport, an African American Museum, a number of antebellum plantations, a Civil War battle site, numerous festivals, four golf courses, a huge equestrian center that hosts a variety of events, a community theater and a large outlet mall.

Donaldsonville is the seat of parish government and once served briefly as the state capital.

The city is located on the less populous West Bank of the Mississippi River, which divides the parish. The Sunshine Bridge, although actually located in adjacent St. James Parish, connects both banks of the parish.

Ascension Parish is home to the world-famous Jambalaya Festival, held in Gonzales.