Growing up as a youth in Bunkie Louisiana , I never seemed to realize what the big city world had to offer, until recently moving to Baton Rouge , in the winter, of early 2010'. Having residency and working in Avoyelles parish for 40 plus years, you quickly discovered that for the most part, the caring people of Avoyelles are always willing to go out and help a total stranger in need, as well as family and friends. Hunting season every year in Avoyelles, was always a special time as the camp cook outs, with all the tall tales by the camp fires of 'that big one that got away', was what many of us looked forward to.

Life seemed to move in slow motion in the small town atmosphere, and everyone knew everything about most anyone, that lived in the area.

Regardless if it was the fine folks of Bunkie, Marksville, Mansura or any points in between, the parish would come to life with excitement, when functions such as the La. Corn Festival, Christmas parades or the Cochon de lait, was making it's annual appearances, respectively.

Bunkie was one of the smaller cities in Avoyelles Parish that had a solid employment work force for years, until the loss of its Walmart franchise, which had been a main source of income, for the community. It had a devastating effect locally. Walmart then created a super center in Marksville, located blocks from the Grand Casino. The people of the Bunkie area made adjustments, and went on with life, the best way they could.

Being an avoyellian transplant to the Baton Rouge area, has been a true 'culture shock', in every sense of the word. The simple and tranquil life style of Avoyelles parish, fades away when you get wrapped up in rush hour traffic, anywhere’s from the LSU campus, with all its game day anticipation to the backed up traffic, in all locations of the city, that can be seen as far as the eye can see. Where as a daily work commute in Avoyelles, might require a 15-20 minute travel time, the same 15 miles that you travel may take you anywhere’s from thirty minutes, to as much as a couple hours, here in the capital city.

Though both areas have their own unique ways of life, they both also have challenges that can test even the best of spirits.

I have found that whether the small town or the big city, it boils down to what you, as a individual are willing to make of it.

Enjoy the life you live in

Sincerely, Kobe J. East

Baton Rouge La.

Former resident of Bunkie