| Forget planning a "staycation." Instead take a Louisiana "festi-cation". Plan a summer holiday around one of the state's incredible festivals. Experience some of the great food, music and fun that many travel for thousands of miles to enjoy.
This summer the Louisiana Office of Tourism is promoting the idea of taking a vacation in our own state, where food, music, and fun are second to no place in the world. The season kicked in recently with the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival and the Jazz Fest in New Orleans. Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu, who oversees the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism recognizes the enormous importance festivals play in the state's culture and economy. Dressed casually and hosting a group of foreign dignitaries, Landrieu and his family joined the crowds at Jazz Fest. He encourages others to do the same, get out and become a part of the festival crowd.
Make it simple. Dress comfortably and travel light. Along the way, stop at a small town cafe' for a snack or picnic at a shady park. Take a "culture" break at a local attraction. Bring a camera and start a family scrapbook. A festival can be one memorable day. Or stretch out the fun and book a B&B or campground in another part of the state. Linger awhile, do a little fishing, or shopping.
Louisiana has more than 400 festivals each yar. You can find festivals lited on the Louisiana tourism website, http://www.louisianatravel.com. We also recommend checking a festival's official website for updated schedules. here a few summer festivals to start:
Mudbug Madness
Shreveport, May 21-24, Festival Plaza, downtown
Now in its 26th year, Mudbug Madness draws as many as 56,000 people in one day. The event includes crawfish eating contests for men, women and children, and a crawfish calling contest. Cajun, zydeco, blues and jazz artists entertain throughout the weekend. This year's artists include Grammy Award-winning Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience, Wayne Toups and ZydeCajun, Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band and Rockin' Dopsie Jr. and the Zydeco Twisters.
NOT TO MISS: The men's crawfish eating contest
INFORMATION: http://www.mudbugmadness.com
Jambalaya Festival
Gonzales, May 21-24, Jambalaya Park near City Hall on Irma Street
One of the largest festivals in the state, this family event features the world champion jambalaya cooking contest. Carnival rides add to the fun. Entertainment will include Kenny Fife and the Bactrac Band, Cheez-Weez, Bag of Donuts, Mojeaux, The Gas House Gorillas and Kane Glaze.
NOT TO MISS: Watching champion jambalaya cooks stir the giant pot over a wood fire and getting your first taste of the spicy rice dish.
INFORMATION: http://www.jambalayafestival.org.
Spice And Music Festival
Opelousas, June 5-7
Downtown at North Main and North streets
This festival couldn’t get more authentic. Opelousas is the home of zydeco music, chef Paul Prudhomme and a place where you learn to Cajun dance as soon as you learn to walk. Taking the stage during the three-day event will be Grammy Award-winner Terrance Simien, Chris Ardoin, Keith Frank, Lil Nathan and Zydeco Big Timers.
NOT TO MISS: Taking a turn around the dance floor to heart-thumping zydeco music.
INFORMATION: http://www.opelousasspiceandmusicfestival.com.
Squire Creek Louisiana Peach Festival
Downtown Ruston, June 26-28
One of the longest-running agriculture festivals in Louisiana, this is a popular family event. The festival features a parade, rodeo, peach cooking contest, peach eating contest, antique car show and more than 200 artisans and vendors. Headlining the musical lineup will be Country Music Association and Grammy Award-winner Ricky Skaggs. Also performing will be Hank Staples and Thundercreek and The Crossroads Band.
NOT TO MISS: The peach eating contest and Ricky Skaggs show.
INFORMATION: http://www.louisianapeachfestival.org.
Beauregard Watermelon Festival
Deridder, June 26-28
Beauregard Parish Fairgrounds
Home to the Sugartown watermelon, the festival is a celebration of the watermelon growers of western Louisiana. Enjoy pageants, talent contest, largest watermelon contest, watermelon carving contest, watermelon eating and spitting contest, children’s games, carnival rides, car show, crafts, food and All American Lumberjack Show. Entertainment includes Barry Badon and the Bayou Boys.
NOT TO MISS: The watermelon seed spitting contest.
INFORMATION: http:// www.beauregardwatermelonfestival.com.
Louisiana Catfish Festival
Des Allemands, July 10-12, grounds of St. Gertrude Catholic Church
The festival is celebrated in the official Catfish Capital of the Universe. People come for the catfish eating contests, food booths, games, country store, craft booths and carnival rides. Entertainers include Johnny Allen and Tommy McClain, Wayne Foret, Seabrook, Don Rich, Ruff-N-Ready, Tout Les Sir and Rodney Thibodaux.
NOT TO MISS: Catfish like your mama used to cook.
INFORMATION: Call (985) 758-7542.
Swamp Pop Music Festival
Sorrento, July 17-18, Ascension Civic Center on Airline Highway
Dance to Louisiana’s distinct music with a rock ‘n’ roll twist. Featured are nationally known Swamp Pop entertainers, Louisiana Music Hall of Fame inductees and South Louisiana Music Association award winners. Featured will be Van Broussard, Waylon Thibodeaux, Wayne Toups and ZyDeCajun, Kane Glaze, Wayne Foret and Cliff Nickens.
NOT TO MISS: A turn on the dance floor to rocking music.
INFORMATION: http://www.swampopmusicfest.com.
Satchmo Summerfest
New Orleans, July 30-Aug. 2, Old U.S. Mint, 400 Esplanade Ave.
Help celebrate the life of jazz legend Louis Armstrong with four stages all located within the Old U.S. Mint. Nationally known speakers will explore the world of Armstrong and the impact of jazz on world music. Listen to the Preservation Hall Jazz Band Tribute to John Brunious, Mo’Lasses, New Orleans’ (mostly) Women’s Brass Band, Storyville Stompers Brass Band, Rebirth Brass Band, Vavavoom, Phillip Manuel and Shamarr Allen and the Underdogs.
NOT TO MISS: Programs on children’s stage and red beans and rice by New Orleans chefs.
INFORMATION: http://www.fqfi.org/satchmosummerfest.
THE ADVOCATE
By CYNTHIA V. CAMPBELL
Travel editor
Published: May 17, 2009
.
|
