Le Tournoi is set for October 18.
The event, which showcases knights wearing traditional garb and riding horseback, was first introduced in Ville Platte in the early 1800s. After a hiatus for several decades, the ancient sporting event of jousting was brought back in 1948 by a group of local WWII veterans.
Spectators at the event will witness competitors attempt to retain seven small rings suspended on posts around a semi-circular quarter mile track at neck breaking speed. The rings symbolize the seven enemies of cotton: flood, drought, boll weevil, bollworm, silk, rayon, and nylon.
After three rounds, the knight who retains the most rings in the quickest time is declared the winner.
Qualifying for the competition will take place on Sunday, September 13th, at Industrial Park (Industrial Park Road, Ville Platte). Registration will begin at 1:00 p.m. with the qualifying round beginning at 2:00 p.m. This event is free to the public.
Those who qualify for the competition will then compete on Sunday, October 18, 2020, at Industrial Park. Running of Le Tournoi will begin at 2:00 p.m. Entry fee will be $5.00 per person. Be sure to bring you're own lawn chairs to the event.
For more information, please call the Evangeline Parish Tourism Office at (337) 363-1878.
