Since 1998, former United States Air Force member Larry House has owned and operated Picayune’s Dragons Watch Forge and Foundry.
House and his wife Gwendolyn are preparing for this weekend’s seventh annual “Fire in the Swamp.”
House said he has always been fascinated by man’s ability to manipulate metal.
“At our foundry, we heat the metal until it’s molten and then pour it into molds,” House said.
The annual event is a fire art show, where people can learn how to create art using fire, House said.
“We teach our students how to cast iron into a mold and watch as they become items,” House said. “They will learn about fire and how man utilized fire to create as opposed to destroying.”
The event will be held this Saturday, March 28 from 10 a.m. to about 10 p.m., House said. The iron pour begins at dusk.
House said the fire event offers lots of activities for children.
“They can put special sand into a mold and cast pewter,” House said. “There will also be a class about how to turn bottle caps into roses. There will be lots of hands on learning.”
During the event, there will be a Cajun cook-off. Patrons can purchase plates for $7. Handmade prizes, ranging in value from $75 to $150, will be awarded to the top three cook-off winners.
The entrance fee to “Fire in the Swamp” is $3, House said.
Each year, House donates the proceeds to a charity of his choice. This year’s proceeds will be donated to the United Service Organization, which is a nonprofit organization that lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families, the website states.
“We try to give back to those who give so much to us,” House said.
“Fire in the Swamp” will be held at 209 Foxtrail Road.
Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event, House said. Anyone interested in participating in the cook-off can contact House at 601-569-4696.
For up-to-date information, follow their Facebook page at Fire in the Swamp and visit the website at http://www.dragonswatch.com/.
Local videographer, Bill Edwards, recorded a video, which is posted to YouTube, featuring 2011’s “Fire in the Swamp,” House said. That video can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ym6R4EYscc.