(photo: Cindy Blaylock holds a 2018 Louisiana bicentennial banner while her father, John Sitton, displays a 1968 Louisiana sesquicentennial flag.)
Blaylock remembers first talking about Louisiana’s 2018 bicentennial four years ago. In reality, she had two role models who likely ingrained the aptitude for community service long ago. Blaylock’s father, John Sitton, was a member of the group that put on the sesquicentennial celebration in 1968. Her mother, Sue, has a long history of volunteering. To the many who know the family, the altruism comes as no surprise. “I love Louisiana,” Blaylock said. “It is my home. My family lives here and I want my kids and grandkids here. Help comes in all shapes and sizes. Simply ‘paying it forward’ in any small way makes us all better for it.”
“I’ve always tried to support the community and be a part of it,” Sitton said. “I remember the drive for the public swimming pool. That was a perfect example of what community is. We realized a vision and made it happen. The same thing could happen today if people would just give a little bit of their time, natural resources and money.”
Blaylock’s first idea was to have the Louisiana Chamber of Commerce sponsor the bicentennial and hold it during the city’s annual two-day Country Colorfest in October. That idea morphed into plans for a five-day summer festival.
Blaylock did not intend to be co-chair, but quickly fell into the role after an initial meeting to discuss activities. “I have served on the board in organizations over the years, including Colorfest, so I have a little knowledge of planning,” she said. “So, maybe it was just karma?” Blaylock quizzed her father about how things went 50 years ago.
“I brought out the sesquicentennial souvenir book and was shocked to see so many on the planning committee,” she said. “It actually kind of scared me. I counted over 70 people working on various committees for that celebration. At our first meeting (for 2018 planning) we had 55, so I was excited about that. For the last year, we have had about 15 who have consistently showed up at planning meetings.” Sitton was serving as an auxiliary police officer and volunteer firefighter in addition to working a full-time job in 1968, and recalls being on the finance committee for that year’s celebration. He saw participation as a way of giving back to the community he loves.
“I do remember that as a businessman in the community, I have always felt an obligation to give back to the people that supported me and my business,” he said. “To this day, I believe that. We would not survive if not for the local community support.” Blaylock and her sisters, Sherry and Chris, grew up watching their parents get involved. Sitton served with the Elks, the Masons and Louisiana Rotary, and currently is on the Trimble House board. His wife has been on the board of the chamber, Pike County Memorial Hospital, Trimble and First Baptist Church. She also was a Girl Scouts leader.
“I think it must just be in the genes,” Blaylock said. Though frustrated that more volunteers have not come forward, Blaylock is looking forward to the diverse activities that offer something for just about everyone. She is especially grateful to all of the many donors and contributors. “I hope that people enjoy and appreciate what we have put together,” she said. “Our very small group of volunteers has raised nearly $40,000 to put this party on.”
Sitton hopes people will take away the same type of great memories he recalls from the 1968 celebration. And while time changes just about everything, one old-time event has caught his eye. “The resurrection of the beard contest is kind of a testimony to the success of the sesquicentennial,” he said.
So, when the bicentennial ends, will Blaylock start planning for the quartermillenial (250 years) in 2068? Not exactly. She serves on the chamber board, which sponsors Colorfest, and claims she’s been told by Unified Economic Development Director Maggie Neff that planning for this October starts July 5. “I’ll likely play a smaller role, though,” she adds. “I’m getting older, slower and wiser.”Once again, Sitton has advice for his daughter, although it’s something he rarely followed himself.
“Just say no,” he jokingly says.