VICTORY GARDEN is upon us this weekend and it realizes a dream that began 5 years ago for a local visionary…
The idea for Victory Garden first originated from TownFolk’s desire to carry on Jillian Johnson’s legacy. Now, it seems that the universe has aligned many good people with meaningful ideas and loving hearts to achieve so much more than we ever could have imagined…and what Jillian, as a visionary, clearly saw all along. She first designed the plans for this urban community garden 5 years ago. In light of her recent passing, it is with stronger wills and even greater hearts that so many people are now coming together to make Jillian’s dream, Victory Garden, a reality.
In the words of Jillian Johnson and her husband, Jason Brown:
“Our intention is to beautify an empty lot [at the corner of Olivier and South Pierce] by creating a lush garden with fresh, healthy vegetables and fruits. We believe community parks and gardens are one of the best ways for residents to reclaim decaying urban spaces. This shared experience of building something together creates a powerful unified voice for their common goals and concerns. Each neighbor’s investment strengthens not just the roots in the garden, but those of the community itself. In the process, we hope to educate residents about gardening and eating local, healthy foods through a partnership with local chefs, farmers, volunteers and businesses. We envision the space hosting hands-on educational programs to engage both children and adults.”
In regards to the name ‘Victory Garden’, Jillian just loved the Victory Gardens people grew during times of war. Jason states that, “We chose the name Victory Garden because of Jillian’s love for both the word ‘victory’ and its reference to the gardens planted in backyards and public spaces during WWI and WWII in an effort to offset food shortages.” So it is only natural that the fundraiser be a celebration of the same namesake.
About the Festival
Victory Festival began with one thing in mind – to screen Jillian Johnson’s favorite film, ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ ⎼ in her beloved neighborhood – to raise money for a cause in her community in which she believed. The Victory Festival will be a modest festival one block away from the Victory Garden property. It is outdoors on a grassy stretch of property at the corner of Olivier and Monroe Street in the LaPlace Neighborhood of Lafayette, LA. The festival will take place on Sunday, September 27th from 5pm – 10 pm. It will include the Victory Garden Groundbreaking Ceremony, music by Johanna Devine, and a screening of Coal Miner’s Daughter. There will also be popcorn, refreshments, Taco Sisters Food Truck, LA31, Victory t-shirts for sale and a silent auction of art made by local artisans, all inspired by Jillian.
Below is more info about the Victory Festival this Sunday.
Organization: TownFolk, Inc | Project Creator: Sherrill Lorio
Lafayette, LA
Date of Victory Festival: Sunday, September 27, 2015
Festival Schedule
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Victory Garden Groundbreaking (at corner of S. Pierce and Olivier) – 5:00 pm
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Johanna Divine and special performance by The Figs – 6:00-7:30 pm
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Art showing and silent auction at adjacent Gallery 333 – 6:00 pm till
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Screening of Coal Miner’s Daughter – 7:30-9:30 pm
-Matt@1063RL
