Jane Austen Festival

St. Tammany residents take a walk back in time

By Suzanne Le Breton
St. Tammany News
Published on Sunday, March 14, 2010 12:26 AM CST

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The third annual Jane Austen festival had people from as far away as New York promenading through Old Mandeville earlier this month.

Men were seen wearing tailcoats, tophats and neckcloths. Women were attired in empire-waisted long dresses, shawls, bonnets and gloves. More than one parasol was seen in the crowd.

Men, women and children recited loves letters written by their own hand and costumed actors read excerpts from some of Austen’s books.

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This year’s events were expanded from previous years to include booths hosted by several published local authors , a keynote presentation on on the challenges of adapting Jane Austen texts for movies and television specials and a panel discussion with local authors.

A representative of the Papier Plume shop was on hand selling wax, quills, calligraphy pens and stamps and demonstrating their uses.

Highlight of the weekend’s events included a demonstration of Regency-style dances presented by the Louisiana Vintage Dancers of Baton Rouge and the No Plain Janes costume contest.

Local restaurants got into the excitement by offering special meals of the era, including fish and chips plates.

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