The Tamale Fiesta Poster Committee unveiled their 2022 Commemorative Poster on Thursday September 15, 2022 at the festival grounds. On hand were Festival King Ronald Brandon, First Lady Gwen Garcie, Baby Miss-Rylee Brandy, Tiny Miss- Tynslee Ezernack, Toddler Miss-Raelee Stockton, Petite Miss-Alara Cook, Little Miss Sammy Woods, Deb Miss-Charlee Rodriques, . Junior Miss-Remi Rivers, Teen Miss-J’Leigh Tousant , and Royal Pages- Lawson Ezernack, Brock Faust They were also joined by Visiting Queens, local dignitaries, and friends of the Fiesta. Serving as Mistress of Ceremonies was Brandy Rivers Cathy, who was introduced by Chris Loupe, President of the Fiesta Association.
Poster artist, Richelle Doris, was not in attendance, but a summary of her work and her appreciation of the fiesta was shared by the Mistress of Ceremonies including creating the poster and her interest in being an artist for the Fiesta. She expressed the desire to capture the spirit of the festivities and the traditions of family and culture that are so important to the community in her artwork for the 2022 Tamale Fiesta.
The Fiesta Committee was honored to have Susan Meadows Giblin and Amy Giblin sponsor the poster in memory of Floyd Giblin. The announcement of their sponsorship for him was immediately followed by an emotional standing ovation from the crowd. Floyd and Susan continued the business of Warren Meadows Funeral Home after her father’s passing. Later they were joined in the business by their daughter, Amy, who serves as the administrator of the business. Floyd also became a part of the Tamale Fiesta Board of Director for many years, later serving as Vic-President of that organization. His work with the fiesta is immeasurable. He was a part of the success of the festival as well as a great friend to all.
The time for unveiling the new poster soon arrived. With the help of 2022 Fiesta Royalty, and Susan and Amy, the poster was unveiled to reveal a beautiful portrait of a mother and daughter amide flowers and cornstalks in a pleasant family pose, with the daughter holding a tray of hot, delicious tamales. After receiving the sponsor’s poster, Susan and Amy expressed their thoughts in dedicating the poster to Floyd. Amid their remarks were several references to how very much loved the people of Sabine Parish and the Tamale Fiesta.
The George Rodriques poster an authentic artwork featuring LSU’s Mike the Tiger”. This print’s proceeds serve a to raise funds for renovations to the college’s mascot’s enclosure and is special to fans to own. Based on the purchase of a playing card each audience member was given an opportunity to win this attractive signed and framed poster. When the chosen card was won by G. J. “Pie” Martinez based on the 52card raffle. Door prize included a gift basket with Tamale Fiesta Souvenirs won by Amy Petrillo.
Cindy Ezernack, Chairman of the Souvenir Committee showed the crowd the 2022 T-Shirts in orange and forest green for short-sleeved and red for long sleeved. She stated that shirts would go on sale on after the unveiling at the festival souvenir booth and on Monday September 16th at select locations. The shirts included a printing of this year’s poster on light aqua with a dedication that reads” In loving memory of Floyd J. Giblin”, printed below the picture. The second poster is window view of a sunset on a lake with several characters created by students Mrs. Mia Curtis’s Spanish classes. Each poster was displayed in the event center enabling the crowd to view the work of these talented students. Each student received special recognition for their work by being presented a certificate. Those students included Jayden Wilson, Hunter Lovelady, Leo Bass, Piper Adair, and Quade Leone. The poster committee hopes that one day one of these students can serve as the artist of our poster.
The Tamale Fiesta Committee would like to thank Heath Brandon, local attorney, for his bid and purchase of the original oil painting of the poster. Ronald and Pollie Brandon, local attorney and businessperson for their winning bid for the Number 1. poster. We greatly appreciate his support of the Tamale Fiesta and congratulate him on his purchase. Anniversary poster bid was awarded to Chris and Becky Loupe who support the fiesta in so many ways as they keep the dream alive.
We would like to thank everyone in attendance who continue to support the festival. We hope you will come to additional events for 2022 as we celebrate the customs, culture and people of this community.