Organizers of the Good Ole Days in Marthaville announce the festival this year has been cancelled because of COVID-19 and state laws related to the pandemic.
Gospel in the Park, the “world famous-parade” and the Nashville country Music Show, has been “cancelled/postponed,” according to the festival committee.
Current Miss Good Ole Days Queen Jordan Rodriguez has agreed to continue representing Marthaville as the queen until there can be another pageant.
Also cancelled is the festival T-shirt sale. Last September, Pat Hillard Hall, Donna Dyson Horn, Amy Birdwell Vercher, Fuzzy Hennigan and others held a political rally fundraiser and cleared $2,243 to be used for a new roof on the Heritage Building.
The committee received four bids with the lowest at $6,700, Marthaville is $4,500 short. “During these trying days, we have not come up with a plan to raise that additional money,” said Hennigan. “We have contacted our elected representatives and asked them to search for ways within the current federal and state stimulus funds for $5,000, but so far have received nothing.”
“Even during these trying times, we still have an electric bill and the grass keeps growing. Therefore any donations above your $5 dues will go to the above expenses,” Hennigan said.
The committee is conducting the 2020 MHS Membership Drive. Remit the $5 membership fee and donation with name, address, phone number and email address to:
“Marthaville Heritage Society
POB 182,
Marthaville, LA 71450”
“It is important to note that as a non-profit organization, the MHS does not generate significant income from the festival for the operation of the organization, but it does have operating expenses,” Hennigan said. There are costs associated with carrying on the business of the MHS and in maintaining the Heritage Building and Heritage Park. These expenses are paid from the annual membership dues and donations.
The 2020 annual membership officer election meeting will be Saturday, Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. in the Heritage Building depending on COVID-19 regulations. Those attending must pay dues to vote.