FERRIDAY, La. &045; Years ago, Irma Thomas gave Pat Smith an unplanned and unexpected personal show during Smith’s wedding reception.

Both were on the same boat, opposite sides, for different reasons, but when Thomas found out there was a wedding party going on, she volunteered to provide the entertainment.

And she’s had a fan ever since.

Smith, of Dallas, said she’s followed Thomas across the country since that night.

So when Thomas and band pulled into Ferriday Saturday, Smith was waiting, lawn chair in tow.

Thomas and Clarence &uot;Frogman&uot; Henry were the headliners at the fourth annual Delta Music Festival and this year’s inductees into the Delta Music Museum’s Hall of Fame.

They closed out the day before what most called a smaller than normal, but enthusiastic crowd.

&uot;I didn’t think it was going to be this good this year,&uot; Ferriday resident Sandra Cauley said. &uot;But it was good and very organized. I think everyone had a great time.&uot;

Chris Pullon of Bristol, Va., said she also follows Thomas to various performances and has heard her many times.

&uot;This is one of the best of them,&uot; Pullon said. &uot;I came for the first time (to the Ferriday festival), but I definitely will come back.&uot;

Other performances included three local church choirs and the Louisiana Cavalcade of All Stars.

&uot;I liked the first part,&uot; Ferriday resident Rosetta Gordon said. &uot;And I liked the second part. So I guess I liked it all.&uot;

While the music and largest crowd centered on the stage at the front end of Louisiana Avenue, vendors, games for children and pony rides set up on the rest of the street.

Many of the vendors said business was a little slow compared to past years and other festivals, but most said they had a good time anyway.

&uot;The people were very nice,&uot; said Tammy Breaux of Snow Dreams Kids Club from Melville. &uot;Business was fair.&uot;