The threat of rain is ever-present during Louisiana outdoor festivals, where sudden storms can put an unexpected damper on events that took months to plan.
That was the case last October for the Blackpot Festival & Cook-off at the Vermilionville Historic Village in Lafayette — two days of camping, cooking and competition on the banks of the Bayou Vermilion. Heavy rain held off the accustomed crowds, and as a result, the festival was short of money to pay vendors and musicians.
On Monday, Blackpot Festival organizers started an online fundraiser to raise $6,000 to make the outstanding payments.
The post on the Blackpot Festival & Cook-off Facebook page read, “We need your help! Last year’s festival saw an unforeseen short fall in revenue and attendance due to a rain event. Normally that wouldn’t even slow down the Blackpot Family but unfortunately we are forced to ask for your help.”…