The Baker Buffalo Festival kicked off last weekend, Sept. 11, with the Rose Queen Pageant for girls of all ages. Winners of the Teen Miss and Miss pageants attended the Buffalo Festival Golf Tournament Scramble, held Friday, Sept. 17, at BREC’s Dumas Golf Course.

A morning and afternoon flight was held for 19 teams, with Mayor Harold Rideau and Baker Fire Chief Danny Edwards barbecuing hamburgers for the golfers. First Place Gross winning team was Buffalo Electric.

Baker Police Chief Mike Knaps played on Team BPD and firefighters for both Baton Rouge and Baker played on Team BFD.

Schools were encouraged to recruit teams and hole sponsors with all proceeds going to participating schools.

ExxonMobil sponsored a $20,000 hole-in-one contest but unfortunately there were no winners of that special event. Allied Waste is also a major sponsor of this event.

The Baker Buffalo Festival itself begins Thursday, Sept. 23 and goes until Saturday, Sept. 25. Co-chairpersons are Mayor Harold Rideau and Ginger Vann.

a major sponsors are ExxonMobil and

Events scheduled for Thursday, Family Night, include a student talent show, student art contest on display with a “Go Green” theme and a science-related Discovery Dome.

Friday events include a student spelling bee, car show, buffalo wing cooking contest for restaurants, and the band Run Jane Run. Baker High School also has a home football game that evening.

Saturday starts the Running of the Buffaloes, a 5K run or walk on a marked, secure route around town. Prizes will be awarded. A one-mile run or walk for children 8 and younger and handicapped persons of all ages will be held on the City Park track. Prizes will also be awarded.

The opening ceremony follows the parade. The children’s stage will have a magician, Wally Wise Guy and science and safety demonstrations. Sanctioned amateur boxing matches will be held as well. The BHS cheerleaders, dancers and band will perform.

Kids will enjoy face painting and old-fashioned games for elementary and junior high students organized by Baker Police Cadets, and a Buffalo-wing cooking contest for individuals will also be held.

Every day will feature carnival rides, hot-air balloon rides, vendors, live music and roving entertainment.

All five schools will be selling food items exclusive to their booths and will benefit from the proceeds.

Co-chairmen can be reached at 778-0300.