FAIRS AND FESTIVALS SPRING 2019
Your guide to spring festivals in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes PREMIUM EDITION
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Laissez le bon temps rouler
Decorated boats travel down Bayou Little Caillou for the annual Blessing of the Fleet. Most of the area’s bayou communities host the Catholic processions each spring in hopes of a safe and prosperous shrimp season. [FILE -- HOUMATODAY/DAILYCOMET]
One of the best things about spring in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes is the abundance of fairs and festivals. Many of them celebrate the people, food and
places who make our part of the world unique: gumbo, the bayous, Cajun culture, crawfish and more. This guide includes a list of all the local festivals
we could find through spring. If you’d like to add others to our list online, email our newsroom at news@houmatoday.com and include “festival listing” in the
subject line. In the meantime, flip through the pages of this guide and put some upcoming festivals on your calendar. It’s time to let the good times roll.
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Lafourche Shrine Club Chili and Cracklin Cookoff 10 A.M., MARCH 31, LAROSE
The $5 admission price will get you all you can eat chili at the Lafourche Shrine Club Chili and Cracklin Cookoff in Larose. [PIXABAY/STOCK] What: Chili cooking contests with arts and crafts booths, music and auction. Prizes include first, second, third and people’s choice for each category When: 10 a.m. March 31. Where: Larose Civic Center Pavilion, 307
E. Fifth St. Cost: $5 at the door includes all the chili you can eat from contestants. To compete, it costs $75 per team of four for chili. Info: Wayne Danos, 291-2571.
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Irish-Italian Parade 12:30-1 P.M., MARCH 31
Irish Italian Parade [FILE -- DAILYCOMET/HOUMATODAY] What: Annual parade to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and St. Joseph’s Day on the west side of Houma. Parade will feature traditional throws as well as produce items along parade route. When: 12:30-1 p.m. March 31. Where: Parade rolls from Westside
Boulevard near Cannata’s on Park Avenue to Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd., Houma.I Cost: Free along parade route, post-parade bash at Civic Center is $15 for non-members of Houma Irish-Italian Parading Club.
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Paddle Bayou Lafourche APRIL 5-8
Paddlers paddle Thursday down Bayou Lafourche in Belle Rose during the 2018 Annual Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program Paddle Bayou Lafourche. [FILE -- DAILYCOMET/ HOUMATODAY]
What: Annual 52-mile, four-day adventure starts at the Mississippi River and ends in Lockport. Paddlers can choose which days to participate. Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program sponsors. When: April 5-8. Cost: Four-day fee with canoe rental is $250
or $70 per day. Without rentals, fees are $175 for four days or $50 per day. Fees are per paddler, not per boat and include three meals per day plus snacks, water, T-shirts and camping facilities. Info: email kristy@btnep.org.
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Good Earth Market 9 A.M.-2 P.M. APRIL 6, HOUMA
Wayne Simoneaux of Montegut checks out a weaving demonstration at the 2018 Good Earth Market. [FILE -- HOUMATODAY/DAILYCOMET] What: South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center’s annual market, which includes educational workshops. Vendors will be selling native plants, vegetables, ornamental plants, fresh eggs, jams, jellies, baked goods,
homemade soaps and lots more. When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 6. Where: 112 Library Drive next to the Courtyard by Marriott in Houma. Info: 580-7289 or email to jforet@slwdc.org.
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Paddle Down da Bayou 2019 7:45 A.M., APRIL 6, CHAUVIN
Participants in last year’s Paddle Down da Bayou pose for a photo along Bayou Little Caillou in Chauvin. [FILE] What:Five-mile paddle down Bayou Little Caillou sponsored by Terrebonne Advocates for Possibilities. When:Registration at 7:45 a.m., paddle starts at 9 a.m. April 6. Where: Paddlers will launch at LLMAP,
6090 La. 56, Chauvin. Cost: $30 for adults, $20 for children 8-17, 7 and under free with paddling parent. Info: paddledowndabayou.org, 804-5151 or leeleet@charter.net.
Boat Blessings THROUGHOUT APRIL
Decorated boats glide down Bayou Little Caillou for last year’s Blessing of the Fleet in Chauvin. [FILE – HOUMATODAY/DAILYCOMET]
What: Colorfully decorated boat processions head down area bayous as Catholic priests bless the shrimp fleet in hopes of a safe and bountiful season.
Chauvin: April 7, St. Joseph Catholic Church Dulac: March 31, Holy Family Catholic Church Golden Meadow: April 28, Our Lady of Prompt Succor; La.1 near Oakridge Dr.
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French Quarter Festival APRIL 11-14, NEW ORLEANS
New Orleans’ French Quarter Festival, scheduled April 11-14, makes a great day trip from Terrebonne and Lafourche [AP/FILE] What: More than 20 stages throughout the French Quarter celebrate local music and represent every genre from traditional and contemporary jazz to R&B, New Orleans funk, brass bands, folk, gospel,
Latin, zydeco, classical, cabaret and international. When: April 11-14. Where: New Orleans’ French Quarter. Info: frenchquarterfest.org.
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Casino Night 6-10 P.M., MARCH 29, THIBODAUX
Play casino games March 29 and help raise money for the Bayou Country Children’s Museum in Thibodaux. [PIXABAY] What: Fundraiser for Bayou Country Children’s Museum features professionally run gaming tables like craps, blackjack, poker and roulette with cocktails, silent auction, food, entertainment.
When: 6-10 p.m. March 29. Where: Bayou Country Children’s Museum, 211 Rue Betancourt, Thibodaux. Cost: $50 in advance at bayoucountrychildrensmuseum.org, $65 at the door.
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Southdown Marketplace 8 A.M.-4 P.M., APRIL 13, HOUMA
The semi-annual Southdown Marketplace features dozens of vendors in the shadow of the historic Southdown Plantation House museum. [FILE ] What: 34th semi-annual Southdown Marketplace Arts and Crafts Festival. Homemade and unique crafts and fine arts will be featured in up to 300 booths. Products for sale include jewelry, clothes, woodcrafts, furniture, pottery, paintings, photography, toys, dolls, metalwork, floral wreaths, candles, bath and body goods, gourmet food products, seasonal decorations, books by local
authors, home-grown plants and flowers, face painting and more. When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 13. Where: Southdown Plantation House and Museum, 1208 Museum Drive, Houma. Tickets: $5 for adults, children under 12 are admitted free. Info: 851-0154 or info@southdownmuseum. org.
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Grand Isle Migratory Bird Celebration
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APRIL 12-14, GRAND ISLE
A painted bunting is among dozens of species that have been spotted at the annual Grand Isle Migratory Bird Celebration. [PIXABAY] What: Daily, expert-led bird watching tours on the Grand Isle Birding Trail, Elmer’s Island and the Grand Isle State Park. The celebration
is held annually to correspond with peak bird migration in April. Last year, 168 different bird species were identified during the
three-day event. When: April 12-14. Where: Various spots on Grand Isle. Info: townofgrandisle.com.
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Festival International de Louisiane APRIL 24-28, LAFAYETTE
Another great day trip, Lafayette’s annual Festival International de Louisiane features food, music and arts from Louisiana and more than 20 countries. [FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE LOUISIANE] What: Billed as the largest international music and arts festival in the United States with a special emphasis on the connection between Acadiana and the Francophone world. The festival features musical performances by artists from over 20 countries
along with workshops, exhibits, visual art, theater and other forms of performance arts. When: April 24-28 Where: Downtown Lafayette. Info: festivalinternational.org.
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Laurel Valley Spring Festival 10 A.M.-4P.M., APRIL 28, THIBODAUX
The Laurel Valley Spring Festival will take place in Thibodaux on April 28. [FILE] What: Arts and crafts show with cultural demonstrations including antique engines and boat building. Kids can feed farm animals. Food and drinks will be available.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 28. Where: 595 La. 308, Thibodaux. Info: 446-7456.
La Fete du Monde APRIL 26-28, LOCKPORT
Kids enjoy a ride at last year’s Lockport Food Festival. This year’s event was re-named La Fete du Monde. [FILE] What: Formerly known as the Lockport Food Festival, swamp pop extravaganza of Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou. Features live music, dancing, Cajun food and carnival rides.
When: April 26-28. Where: Lafourche Parish Pavilion, 4484 La. 1, Raceland. Info: facebook.com/lockportfoodfestival.
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Relay For Life APRIL 6, 13, AND 27
Cancer survivors, friends, family and other residents participate in last year’s Terrebonne Relay for Life, the largest Relay in Louisiana and one of the largest in the country. [FILE – HOUMATODAY/DAILYCOMET]
What: Annual walk, run and festival supports the American Cancer Society. More than 10,000 people attended Terrebonne’s Relay last year. It’s the largest in Louisiana, second largest in the South and one of the top 20 in the country. South Lafourche: Noon-10 p.m. April 6. Larose
Regional Park and Civic Center, 307 E. 5th St. Thibodaux: 4 p.m.-midnight April 13 at the Thibodaux Civic Center, 310 N. Canal Blvd. Terrebonne: 3-11 p.m. April 27, Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd., Houma. Info: relayforlife.org.
CASA of Terrebonne Crawfish Boil-off and 5K 11 A.M., MAY 4, HOUMA What: 12th annual fundraiser for CASA of Terrebonne put on by the Herman J. Courville Foundation and Southdown Bar and Grill. All race participants will receive beverages at the end of the race and
one pound of boiled crawfish. Cash prizes awarded for top three teams in cook-off. When: 5K at 7 a.m., crawfish boil starts at 11 a.m. May 4. Where: Courtyard by Marriott, 142 Library Drive,
Houma. Cost: $35 entry fee for 5K, $75/ team entry fee for cook-off; $5 admission for general public, includes first pound of crawfish. Info: www.boiloff5k.com.
Put your crawfish boiling – or eating – skills to the test April 21 at Southdown Bar’s Crawfish Boil-off and 5K in Houma [STOCK]
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New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival WEEKENDS OF APRIL 27 AND MAY 2-5, NEW ORLEANS
Violinist Kelli Jones and accordionist Chris Stafford of the Louisiana neuvo-cajun band Feufollet perform at last year’s New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in New Orleans. [AP PHOTO/GERALD HERBERT]
What: Annual music festival celebrates its 50th anniversary with music, culture and food. Headliners include the Rolling Stones, Billy Joel, Earth, Wind and Fire, Dave Matthews Band, Katy Perry, Jimmy Buffett,
Pitbull, Santana, Diana Ross, Van Morrison and Al Green When: April 27-29, May 2-5. Where: Fair Grounds Race Course, 1751 Gentilly Blvd.
Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair MAY 2-5 THIBODAUX
What: One of the area’s biggest festivals includes carnival rides, live entertainment, a parade, auctions and Cajun food. Benefits the city’s volunteer fire department. When: May 2-5. Gates open at 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Parade starts at 11 a.m. Sunday. Where: 1101 Tiger Drive. Tickets: Free Admission Info: firemensfair.com.
Lester Bimah rides a horse as grand marshal of the 2018 Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair parade. [FILE PHOTO]
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Come Ride With Robichaux
Raleigh Robichaux
Matt Robichaux
Ross Robichaux
Glynn Comeaux
Jeff Guidry
Boot Caldarera
Chris Coupel
Cody Duet
Kenny “q” Frederick
272 West Main St. Thibodaux
448-3100
1-866-431-3100
www.robichauxford.net
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Rhythms on the River (Weekly Live Music Series) Fridays 4/26- 6/7 Morgan City Cypress Sawmill Festival | April 5-7 | Patterson Bayou Teche Wooden Boat Festival | April 12-13 | Franklin Bayou Teche Black Bear Festival | April 12-13 | Franklin Porch Fest | April 27 | Morgan City Bayou BBQ Bash | July 13 | Morgan City Bikers on the Bayou | July 13 | Franklin
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TFAE Run for Excellence and Cajun Food Festival MAY 11, HOUMA
The TFAE Run for Excellence and Cajun Food Festival includes the area’s biggest 5K race and one of the area’s biggest festivals. [FILE – HOUMATODAY/DAILYCOMET] What: Annual 5K run and food festival fundraiser for the Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence, which includes all-youcan-eat food from more than 35 food vendors and all-you-can-drink beer and soft drinks.
When: May 11. Onsite registration starts at 3 p.m., kids’ fun run starts at 5:30 p.m., 5K run starts at 6 p.m., Food Fest opens at 6:30 p.m. Where: Downtown Houma Info: runforexcellence.com.
Mud Bug Boil-Off NOON, MAY 11, HOUMA What: Teams compete for the best crawfish and visitors get to eat it. Proceeds benefit the Thibodaux Police Department Fraternal Order of Police, Lafourche Parish Children’s Advocacy Center and Thibodaux Main Street. A kids’ zone includes magic, face painting, bounce houses and snowballs. Burgers and drinks will be available
and sweets will be sold. When: Gates open at noon May 11. Where: St. Philip Street between La. 1 and West Third Street, West Second Street from La. 1 to St. Louis Street and La. 1 from Jackson Street to St. Louis Street, downtown Thibodaux. Tickets: $300 for cooking teams, admission for the public is $15.
The Mud Bug Boil-Off is scheduled for noon May 12 in downtown Thibodaux. [FILE – HOUMATODAY/DAILYCOMET]
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Gheens Bon Mange’ Festival JUNE 7-9, GHEENS
Cracklins is just one of the dishes on the menu at the Gheens Bon Mange’ Festival. [FILE] What: Festival features fresh cooked food made with ingredients mostly harvested from the community, with recipes handed down through the generations. Inflatables and obstacle courses as well as a variety of music including swamp pop, country and
other favorites. When: June 7-9. Where: Vacherie-Gheens Community Center, 1783 La. 654, Gheens. Tickets: Admission and parking are free. Info: 532-6587
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Steubenville on the Bayou JUNE 14-16, HOUMA
About 2,000 area teens gather each year for the annual Steubenville on the Bayou Catholic youth conference. [FILE – HOUMATODAY/DAILYCOMET] What: Catholic youth conference sponsored by Lift 3:16 Inc. and Franciscan University of Steubenville. When: June 14-16.
Where: Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd., Houma. Cost:$155 before May 16, $175 afterward. Info: steubenvilleonthebayou.com.
APRIL 12-14 Ponchatoula, LA LASTRAWBERRYFESTIVAL.COM NONC NU Sunday, April 14 11 AM - 12:30 PM
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The fun has just begun Spring started March 20 and continues through June 21, but the fun has already begun. Here are
some photos from recent festivals in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes.
Mardi Gras is the biggest local festival of all, with nearly 30 parades rolling in Terrebonne and Lafourche. [FILE]
Evan Schouest of Lockport, 3, waves to his family from a carnival ride at last year’s Lockport Food Festival. This year’s fest has been renamed La Fete du Monde. [FILE]
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Loreli Bergeron (left) and Kelli Champagne paint a statue at the Chauvin Sculpture Garden. The garden will host the Chauvin Folk Art Festival on April 7. [FILE]
St. Patrick’s Day on the Bayou was held March 17 in downtown Thibodaux. Sponsored by Friends of Bayou Lafourche, the event included a series of paddle races followed by a social area with food and drink vendors and live music. [FILE]
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The Choctaw Firemen’s Fair Parade was held March 10 as part of the three-day annual fundraiser for the fire department. [FILE]
The Boneyard Kreepers Car Club held the 10th annual Swamp Stomp Car Show March 9 at the Larose Civic Center. [FILE]
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B E N M E Y E R F O U N D AT I O N P R E S E N T S
FEST
T H I B O D A U X www.acadiamusicfest.net