This Festival was begun with one thing in mind – to screen Jillian Johnson’s favorite film, ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’, in her neighborhood in an outdoor space – to raise money for a cause in her community in which she believed. The universe has aligned many good people with meaningful ideas and loving hearts to achieve so much more than we imagined, and what Jillian, as a visionary, clearly saw all along. She wanted a community garden. She designed a community garden 6 years ago. In light of her passing, it is with stronger wills and greater hearts that many people are collaborating to make this finally happen.
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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
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 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 a groundbreaking of the Victory Garden, Johanna Divine on stage, a screening of Coal Miner’s Daughter, popcorn, refreshments, Taco Sisters, LA31, Victory shirts for sale, and a silent auction of art made by local artisans, all inspired by Jillian. Bring cash and blankets or chairs for relaxing. All proceeds will go towards the garden.
Almost everything has been donated to make the Victory Festival a reality, including the property, which is leased to the neighborhood at $1 a year, and the labor of implementing Jillian’s design. That means any contributions you make will go towards the materials and plantings. It is beautifully encouraging that a community can come together to create abundance from loss. We sincerely appreciate any donations you can contribute.
Schedule:
Victory Garden Groundbreaking – 5:00
Johanna Divine - 6:00-7:00
Art showing and silent auction at adjacent Gallery 333 - 6:00 till
Screening of Coal Miner's Daughter - 7:30-9:30
VictoryFestival@gmail.com
