FESTIVAL DEDICATION - July 4, 1996 - A special ceremony was held at noon Saturday to officially open the 1996 Smoked Meat Festival. An honor guard stood at attention while Korean War Veterans were honored (inset). A flag and wreath were laid out by members of the Vietnam Veterans of America in memory of all POW/MIAs. Miss USA Ali Landry, above right, welcomed all visitors and was presented a key to the city by Ville Platte Mayor Bennett Baquet, above left. (Gazette photos by Roland Manuel)
By: HEATHER BOGARD
Associate Editor
TONY MARKS
Editor
Today, we take a look back at the events happening in Ville Platte in July 1996.
•Miss USA Ali Landry (Miss Louisiana from Breaux Bridge) helped to kick off the Smoked Meat Festival by welcoming everyone to the event. She was presented with a key to the city by Ville Platte Mayor Bennett Baquet.
•Just before the Fourth of July holiday, …
