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Council waives Civic Center fees for HeroFest; organizers describe local giving and headliner
Summary
The Terrebonne Parish Council approved a fee-waiver cooperative endeavor agreement for HeroFest. Organizers and the sheriff described three years of local fundraising, about $100,000 earmarked for first responders, use of local seafood vendors, partnerships with nearly 20 nonprofits, and a headlining performer scheduled for September.
The Terrebonne Parish Council voted 9-0 to authorize the parish president to execute a cooperative endeavor agreement with First Responders of Terrebonne Incorporated to waive fees for the Terrebonne Civic Center for the third annual HeroFest in September 2025.
After the vote, a representative for the organizer and a speaker who identified himself as the sheriff described the festival's history and community impact. The organizer said HeroFest began from a desire to consolidate multiple small fundraisers into a single festival, and that over three years organizers have donated or earmarked about $100,000 to local first responders and their families. The sheriff said the festival supports many nonprofits, highlights water-safety organizations that provide life jackets and lessons, and serves as a free concert venue for residents who otherwise might not afford national acts. The sheriff also said the headliner for the coming year is country artist Craig Morgan.
Why it matters: The waived-fee agreement reduces venue costs for the nonprofit-run event and recognizes the festival as a parish-supported community fundraiser that channels proceeds to first responders and local nonprofits. Organizers emphasized that most proceeds are passed through to nonprofits and support local families in need.
Details from organizers
- Fundraising and local impact: Organizers said they started from “ground zero” and that across three years they have donated or earmarked about $100,000 to first responders and local charitable causes. They estimate the festival attracts gross receipts around $200,000 annually but said the majority is distributed to nonprofit partners or used by the event promoters; organizers said they do not retain the full gross amount.
- Local vendors and nonprofits: Organizers told the council they use local seafood vendors and provide a venue for nearly 20 nonprofits to raise funds and advertise services to the community.
- Logistics and timing: The resolution authorizes the fee waiver and directs parish staff to coordinate Civic Center logistics; organizers were asked to continue coordination with parish staff after the vote.
Quotes
"We promised to keep the money local, serve our community, make an impact on the community," said an organizing representative during remarks to the council.
"We created a venue for other nonprofits to advertise what they do, raise money for their causes and we're reaching more people that way," said the sheriff, describing water-safety groups and other nonprofits that take part.
Next steps: The parish will execute the cooperative endeavor agreement and Civic Center staff will finalize the fee-waiver paperwork and logistics with event organizers.
