The 2021 Zwolle Tamale Fiesta poster will be unveiled on Thursday, September 16 at 7 p.m. at the Festival Grounds activity building.
In addition to the unveiling of Kathryn Woodruff’s poster, there will be the infamous 52-card raffle of a George Rodrigue “Blue Dog” print at $50 per card and door prizes. There will also be an auction of the framed, original poster artwork, the framed No. 1 poster, and Framed 35th anniversary poster. Light refreshments will also be served.
The Artist
Kathryn Woodruff is a Louisiana native artist who got her start drawing at a young age. She was inspired by stained glass windows and replicated what she saw in church on Sundays. Soon, she started featuring people in her works of art. She always had an interest and the ability to capture accurate likenesses.
She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in sculpture from LSU in 2010. Through college she focused more on conceptual three-dimensional works including metal fabrication, bronze casting, woodworking, and glass blowing.
After graduation, Woodruff got back to her painting roots, and more specifically portrait painting. She has worked as a freelance artist creating memorial portraits for 10 years.
In 2020, she partnered with the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission on the Lunker Project. The fish sculpture, commissioned by the town of Many, can be viewed downtown. Titled “The Heart of Sabine,” the sculpture vibrantly shows the iconic landmarks of Many.
She enjoys life on Toledo Bend with her husband and three children, and recently began teaching in Sabine Parish Schools in the talented arts program.
Her goal for the 2021 Tamale Poster was to capture the exuberance of the fiesta itself while showcasing some of the traditions and festivities that bring so many together and remain treasured events that the community looks forward to year after year.
Tamale Fiesta: A Cultural
Celebration of Life
Zwolle becomes a center of celebration of customs, culture, and community during the second week of October each year.
Preliminary festivities begin in August with the Queen’s Tea, followed by the Queen’s pageant to name the individuals who will serve as the fiesta’s royal court. The Queen’s Ball serves as the gala formal event to commemorate the festival in splendor, music, and food. Unveiling the annual commissioned Fiesta Poster allows for participants to bid on two framed and numbered prints and the original artwork.
Thursday night, a mass gathering under the festival grounds’ pavilion is held with local dignitaries and a kick-off supper. The evening allows the community to experience the multiple venues that the festival offers including music, food, arts, crafts, and plenty of tamales.
Fiesta Friday is the traditional education day, which is provided for all third graders from Sabine Parish schools.
Saturday bursts upon the scene with a one-mile and 5K run through the streets of Zwolle, where local high athletes run alongside competitive runners. An elaborate parade follows the race, where guest queens, dignitaries, and community groups such as car enthusiasts engage and entertain the crowd. Carnival rides, food vendors, and arts and crafts vendors confetti the landscape of the festival grounds as crowds move from activity to events absorbing the fun. Soon, the mighty roar of mud trucks fills the air during the annual mud bog. The night brings a second night of street dancing to keep the town energized.
The celebration culminates on Sunday Morning with the observance of the Fiesta Mass, where royalty meets to celebrate the Tamale Fiesta’s last annual event in solemn dignity.