Around Ascension for Sept. 14, 2012

Volunteers are needed for chase crews at the 2012 Louisiana Hot Air Balloon Championship Festival, starting Sept. 21 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

Organizes said more than 40 additional volunteers are needed for the crews that assist balloon pilots take off and land.

The balloon competitions will be Sept. 21, Sept. 22 and Sept. 23.

The free festival starts on Sept. 21 and ends Sept. 22 with a fireworks display at the expo center.

To register to volunteer or for more information on the festival, go to http://ascensionballooning.com.

Chamber expo reset

The Ascension Chamber of Commerce’s 2012 Business Expo has been rescheduled for Nov. 1, officials said.

The expo, which was delayed because of Hurricane Isaac, will be from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center.

Vendors who signed up for the original dates but will not be able to participate on the new date and others interested in taking part are asked to call [phone].

Ascension Catholic fair

The Ascension Catholic Diocesan Regional School Fair kicks off at 9 a.m. Sunday on the Donaldsonville school’s St. Vincent Street campus.

The fair includes a food festival, arts and crafts, auctions and children’s games.

Jason Dore to speak

Jason Dore, the executive director of the Republican Party of Louisiana, will talk at the Ascension GOP Roundtable, sponsored by Ascension Republican Women, at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Kamal’s Kafe, 13091 Airline Highway, Gonzales.

Dore will discuss the Electoral College.

Cost for the lunch is $15.

The Roundtable is open to the public and guests are welcome. Reservations are requested. Phone [phone] or email [e-mail] or [e-mail].

Pet adoption event

Swampy Paws Canine Rescue will hold a pet adoption event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Cabela’s in Gonzales. Dogs and puppies will be available for adoption.

Call [phone] or [phone].

CASA seeks volunteers

The Court Appointed Special Advocate program of Child Advocacy Services needs volunteers to serve as the voices for abused and neglected children.

The nonprofit agency is providing training for volunteers in Ascension and St. James parishes beginning on Oct. 2 at its Gonzales office, 1026 E. Worthey Road, Suite C, Gonzales.

Call Krisy McAdams at [phone] or send email to [e-mail] to sign up for the training.

To learn more about Child Advocacy Services’ CASA program, visit the website at http://www.childadv.net.

Soccer club registration

Registration for the Donaldsonville Soccer Club continues through Sept. 22. Children ages 3 to 13 are invited to register for the six-week program at a cost of $35.

To register, call Mark Peters at [phone].

Contact Darlene Denstorff: phone, [phone]; fax, [phone]; email, [e-mail]. Deadline: noon Wednesday.