JEANERETTE — The Bringing Back the Past Car & Vendor Show pressed on Saturday despite the threat of rain that canceled the car show portion of the event.

Twenty-six vendors from as far away as Baton Rouge and Washington filled the Ward 8 Recreation Center with downhome treats and crafts reminiscent of old school general stores that were once the delight of generations past.

“You can find everything from bath and body products to tupperware, hats, jewelry, clothing, foods, sweets, bath fitters, garden stuff a lot of things,” Monica Fontenette, organizer and founder of Blessing New Iberia, said. 

Fontenette said Blessing New Iberia, a nonprofit organization, and the Iberia Parish Recreation Department teamed up to try to bring the event to Jeanerette and encourage local support.

“We really need the support of Jeanerette to be able to come back out again,” she said. 

The Blessing New Iberia movement was started after the floods of 2016. The group was able to help families recover. It is now focusing on children. 

“We have a good manners class that we offer the kids, and we would like to bring them to Jeanerette and we’re also getting ready for Back to School,” she said.

All the booth rentals collected from vendors will go towards Blessing New Iberia’s efforts to reach children in Jeanerette. Those who participated said being a part of the vendor’s show was worth the effort.

“I was excited to come out and participate. I’m glad they’re going to distribute the funds here locally, that’s a good thing to see,” said Jackie Cornez with Jackie’s Creations.

Other vendors, like 14-year-old Imani Marie Garay, were glad to get the exposure. Garay has a  her new jewelry business and didn’t mind driving from Baton Rouge.

“Some of the jewelry I made myself some I bought from other retailers, I have been doing this for three to five months I’m excited,” Garay said.

Nicole and Linne Morgan with Young Living came out to showcase their essential oils and other natural based products. 

“We’re independent distributors and we’re hoping our products catch on in person and online,” Nicole Morgan of Washington said.

The Blessing New Iberia mascot was on hand to keep children in the crowds entertained. Also, sno Cones were on sale to help crowds battle the June heat that returned after the morning downpour.