When Rickey Jackson, who is considered “Mr Saints,” boards the float for the 62nd Annual Louisiana Cattle Festival Parade next month, it will be the first time that the festival features an NFL Hall of Famer.

Jackson finished the NFL with 128 sacks and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame this year.

This past week, festival president Francis Plaisance got confirmation that Jackson will be attending the festival, which thrilled him.

“After meeting Rickey Jackson May 6, I could not help but think how wonderful it would be to have him visit our city, especially with the Saints entering the season as Defending World Champions,” stated Francis Plaisance. “It is a thrill to have him scheduled for the 62nd Annual Lousiana Cattle Festival.”

According to Plaisance, the visit is being made possible by the SWEEDEE Company of Houma, and Ray Chevrolet, Inc. of Abbeville.

Jackson is scheduled to be in Abbeville for a couple of days, speak to the Vermilion Football League on Saturday morning Oct. 9 and be featured in the Grand Parade that afternoon.

Plaisance is inviting the public to come out early, tailgate, and give Jackson a “Warm Cajun Welcome”.

“It is such a thrill to have someone like Rickey take time out of a busy schedule to be with us here in Abbeville,” he said.

Jackson left the game in 1995 after playing 13 years with the Saints and two with the San Francisco 49ers where he won a Super Bowl ring.

The Cattle Festival activities actually kick off Sunday with the eighth annual BB Gun Tournament. On Sept. 18-19, the pageants will be held.

The cook off competition is set for Oct. 2 and the honoree banquet will be held Oct. 7.

On Friday, Oct. 8, the music entertainment begins and will last until the Sunday.

For questions about the festival, the office number is 385-2397 or 652-0646.