the essential
The association’s premises were “taking on water”. Restoration work is underway.
For a long time now, Laurent Monestes, president of the Layrac festival committee, has been asking the town hall to repair the roof of their premises, located on avenue d’Etigny. This house houses, in what was a hangar, the floats that active members build for the parade which takes place every year at the beginning of March, with only one exception, a long time ago.
There are around twenty of them who meet every Saturday morning, to work and ensure that the floats amaze the crowds who will flock along Avenue Massenet. It is usually the first carnival in the region, over two Sundays in a row; it is famous and people come from far and wide to spend the day in Layrac. Parade and funfair: it’s been like this since the beginning of the last century. The Charles-de-Gaulle esplanade and the Place de Salens host rides and other attractions. The fairgrounds settle in the town of Layrac for the fortnight, which causes parking difficulties in the village. It’s only once a year and the Layracais are understanding.
Carnivals in March
The next festival is scheduled for March 2 and 9, 2025. Usually, at this time, the structures of the floats which are exchanged between committees are already in the process of flowering, but this year, we had to delay the arrival of the truck coming from Mont-de-Marsan. We have to wait until the roof is redone to get into the rhythm. This renovation work was essential, because the subjects on the floats are made of paper and cardboard, materials which cannot withstand humidity. The carpenters had to erect a large crane that can be seen from afar. It is still in place.
When the Committee can return to the premises, little hands will be able to take action. Serious DIY enthusiasts will be able to tackle the “framework” of the tanks to restore them. We will hear the saws and welding machines again. Then delicate hands will flower them. At lunchtime, a friendly meal will bring everyone together in the adjoining room where the volunteer cooks will have already cooked small dishes. This is a great way to unite a group. Laurent Monestes reports that the bandas festival will take place over three days, the Pentecost weekend. In the meantime, the Festival Committee is doing everything possible to find money: the municipal subsidy is insufficient to meet needs. Yesterday evening, at the Foyer des Campagnes, the first lottery took place, the next one will take place on the first Saturday in December. Let’s tell each other!
