FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
SPRING 2018
Your guide to spring festivals in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes
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PREMIUM EDITION
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FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
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FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
6154 West Park Ave. Houma 985-346-6811
Bring On The Laundry!
Open 7 Days 8am-8pm Mon.-Fri. 8am-6pm Sat.-Sun Change Machine Tables/Seating w/Television and Drink Machine Drop Offs Welcome
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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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Shrine Club Chili Cookoff 11 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: Cracklin and chili cooking contests and an Easter egg hunt. Prizes include first, second, third and people’s choice for each category. When: 11 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. Cracklin cook-off costs $25 per team of four. Info: Zachary Gisclair, 209-4107, or John Garner, 691-8304.
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Paddle Bayou Lafourche APRIL 5-8
A group of paddlers turn into the Company Canal from Bayou Lafourche in Lockport during last year’s 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.
SPRING 2018
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
WEEKENDS ARE FUN on the
CAJUN COAST!
#cajuncoast
SPRING/SUMMER FESTIVALS
Cypress Sawmill Festival | April 6–8 | Patterson Bayou Songwriters Festival | April 11–15 | Morgan City Area Bayou Teche Wooden Boat Festival | April 20–22 | Franklin Bayou Teche Black Bear Festival | April 20–22 | Franklin Porch Fest | April 21 | Morgan City Bayou BBQ Bash | July 12 –14 | Morgan City Bikers on the Bayou | July 14 | Franklin
(800) 256-2931 • www.cajuncoast.com Only 90 minutes from New Orleans, Lafayette or Baton Rouge
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Good Earth Market 9 A.M.-2 P.M. APRIL 7, HOUMA
Brenda Rome (from left), Lisa Hebert and Sandy Robichaux look at the different plants offered at last year’s Good Earth Market. [FILE -- HOUMATODAY/DAILYCOMET] What: Celebration for garden enthusiasts includes educational programs and demonstrations, fruit and vegetable vendors, plant sales and garden-related merchandise.
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 7. Where: Wetlands Discovery Center’s future site, 112 Library Drive, Houma. Info: 580-7289 or slwdc.org.
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FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Paddle Down da Bayou 2018 7:15 A.M., APRIL 7, CHAUVIN
Participants in last year’s Paddle Down da Bayou pose for a photo along Bayou Little Caillou in Chauvin. [EVENT PHOTO] What: Nonprofit Terrebonne Advocates for Possibilities sponsors five-mile paddling trip down Bayou Little Caillou with a stop at the Chauvin Sculpture Garden. Afterward, participants will have lunch at Little Caillou Volunteer Fire Department. When: 7:15 a.m. April 7.
Where: Paddlers will launch at Camp LLMAP at 6090 La. 56, Chauvin. Cost: Tickets $35 for adults and $25 for children 8 and older. Info: 804-5151 or email leeleet@charter. net.
Boat Blessings THROUGHOUT APRIL
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: Terrebonne’s biggest boat blessing starts at noon April 8 starting at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5232 La. 56. Golden Meadow: 10:15 a.m. April 15 at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church, La. 1 near
Oakridge Drive. Grand Caillou: Starts 1 p.m. April 22 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 6641 Grand Caillou Road. Dularge: Starts 1 p.m. April 29 at St. Eloi Catholic Church, 1335 Bayou Dularge Road. Pointe-aux-Chenes: 1:30 p.m. April 29, starting at the Island Road Bridge. Led by St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.
Decorated boats glide down Bayou Little Caillou for last year’s Blessing of the Fleet in Chauvin. [FILE – HOUMATODAY/ DAILYCOMET]
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French Quarter Festival APRIL 12-15, NEW ORLEANS
New Orleans’ French Quarter Festival, scheduled April 12-15, makes a great day trip from Terrebonne and Lafourche. [AP/FILE] What: One of the world’s largest free showcases of Louisiana music, food and culture includes food from more than 60 New Orleans restaurants and performances by
more than 300 acts on 23 stages. When: April 12-15. Where: New Orleans’ French Quarter. Info: frenchquarterfest.org.
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Casino Night 6 P.M., APRIL 13, THIBODAUX
Play casino games April 13 and help raise money for the Bayou Country Children’s Museum in Thibodaux. What: Bayou Country Children’s Museum fundraiser includes gambling, food, entertainment. When: 6 p.m. April 13.
Where: Bayou Country Children’s Museum, 211 Rue Betancourt, Thibodaux. Cost: $50 in advance, $60 at the door. Info: 446-2200.
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Spring Community Showcase 11 A.M.-3 P.M., APRIL 14, GRAY
Sample food from Terrebonne restaurants April 14 at the annual Spring Community Showcase. [FILE – HOUMATODAY/DAILYCOMET] What: The Houma Area Convention and Visitors Bureau sponsors a Spring Community Showcase featuring food from Terrebonne restaurants and vendors and a cook-off.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 14. Where: Houma Visitors Center, 114 Tourist Drive, Gray. Info: Email joni.duet@houmatravel.com or call 868-2732.
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Grand Isle Migratory Bird Celebration APRIL 20-22, GRAND ISLE What: Grand Isle is a mecca for bird watchers this time of year as birds migrating north for the spring and summer make a pit stop on the island. Last year, 168 different bird species were identified during the three-day event. Kayak tours through the island’s mangroves and boat tours to pelican-rookery Queen Bess Island will also be offered as well as walking tours of the island’s historical homes. Many events are free. Others cost $5 to $20. When: April 20-22. Where: Various spots on Grand Isle. Info: townofgrandisle.com. A painted bunting is among dozens of species that have been spotted at the annual Grand Isle Migratory Bird Celebration. [DAN PANCAMO/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS]
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Festival International de Louisiane APRIL 25-29, 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: Lafayette becomes an international music mecca for five days, complete with seven music stages, street musicians, arts and crafts boutiques, a world music store and more. More than 20 countries are
represented in music, food and arts. And the music is free. When: April 25-29. Where: Downtown Lafayette. Info: festivalinternational.org.
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Steppin’ Out Fashion Show 6 P.M., APRIL 20, THIBODAUX
Check out local fashions April 20 at Thibodaux’s annual Steppin’ Out Fashion Show. [PIXABAY/STOCK]
What: Showcases the latest spring fashions from downtown Thibodaux boutiques. Proceed benefit Thibodaux Main Street. When: 6 p.m. April 20.
Where: Foundry on the Bayou, 715 W. First St. Info: www.downtownthibodaux.org.
Serving up South Louisiana’s Best Cajun Cookin’ in an atmosphere as Down Home as the Food!
Featured on “Food Paradise” on the Travel Channel 5602 West Main Street • Houma, LA (985) 872-4711 • www.bntcajuncookin.com
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FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Lockport Food Festival APRIL 20-22, LOCKPORT
Alyssa O’Neal, 2, enjoys a ride at last year’s Lockport Food Festival. [FILE – HOUMATODAY/ DAILYCOMET]
What: Features swamp pop and other music, dancing, Cajun food and carnival rides.
When: April 20-22. Where: 710 Church St., Lockport. Info: facebook.com/lockportfoodfestival.
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Relay For Life APRIL 14, 21, AND 28
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 to 10 p.m. April 14, Larose Regional Park and Civic Center, 307
E. 5th St. Thibodaux: 4 p.m. to midnight April 21 at the Thibodaux Civic Center, 310 N. Canal Blvd. Terrebonne: 3-11 p.m. April 28, Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd., Houma. Info: relayforlife.org.
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Southdown Bar’s Crawfish Boil-off and 5K 11 A.M., APRIL 21, HOUMA What: The 11th annual event benefits CASA of Terrebonne. Crawfish boiling contest, run and walk, live auction, music by Backroots and inflatables for kids. When: April 21. Music and crawfish sales begin at 11 a.m. Where: Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd., Houma. Cost: Registration is $40 for the 5K and $75 per team for the boil off online at www.boiloff5k.com. 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]
ATTENTION GOLFERS! CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC
May 7 Sponsorships and team sign ups available now! Call us at 876-5600 or visit houmachamber.com
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FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival WEEKENDS OF APRIL 27 AND MAY 6, NEW ORLEANS
Popular New Orleans musician Trombone Shorty performs at last year’s Jazz Fest. [AP/ File] What: The annual music festival returns for another year of music and food. Headliners include Aerosmith, Sting, Jimmy Buffett, Jack White, Beck, Lionel Richie, David Byrne, ADD, Anita Baker, Bonnie Raitt, Khalid, Sturgill Simpson, Jack Johnson and
Sheryl Crow. When: Weekends of April 27 and May 6. Where: Fair Grounds Race Course, 1751 Gentilly Blvd. Cost: Tickets start at $65 for single day passes through April 26 or $80 at the gate.
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FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
COMING THIS FALL
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Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair MAY 3-6, THIBODAUX
The Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair is one of the area’s biggest fesivals. [Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair] 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 3-6. Where: 1101 Tiger Drive. Info: firemensfair.com.
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Bayou Cajun Fest MAY 11-13, LAROSE
Terri and Johnny Brettillo dance as the Aaron Foret Band plays during last year’s Bayou Cajun Fest at the Larose Civic Center.[FILE -- HOUMATODAY/DAILYCOMET] What: Live music, carnival rides and lots of Cajun food. When: May 11-13.
Where: Larose Civic Center, 307 E. Fifth St., Larose. Info: bayoucivicclub.org.
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TFAE Run for Excellence and Cajun Food Festival MAY 12, HOUMA
Nominate the teachers that have made 5K a difference The TFAE Run for Excellence and Cajun Food Festival includes the area’s biggest race in your child’s life. and one of the area’s biggest festivals. [FILE – HOUMATODAY/DAILYCOMET] www.newspaperurl/ contests What: Another of the area’s biggest fesincludes the area’s biggest 5K race, live Nominate the tivals, this one benefits the Terrebonne music and food. teachers that have Foundation for Academic Excellence, a When: May 12. made a difference in your child’s life. nonprofit that has awarded more than Where: Downtown Houma, in and around www.newspaperurl/ $1 million in competitive grants to parish the Courthouse Square. contests public school teachers. The festival Info: runforexcellence.com. Nominate the teacher with the From the 1st grade teachers heart ofthat gold have to that high school English teacher who infuses kids made a difference a passion reading – teachers inwith your child’sforlife. all across our districts educate
www.newspaperurl/ and empower all ages. From the 1stkids gradeofteacher with the contests heart of gold to that high school
English teacher who infuses kids with a passion for reading – teachers all across our districts educate kids that of all ages. Nominateand theempower teachers have
made a difference in your child’s life. www.houmatoday.com/contests
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Mud Bug Boil-Off NOON-11 P.M., MAY 12, HOUMA
The Mud Bug Boil-Off is scheduled for noon May 12 in downtown Thibodaux. [FILE – HOUMATODAY/DAILYCOMET]
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: Noon to 11 p.m. May 12. Where: Downtown Thibodaux. Cost: $15 per person. Kids 10 and under are free. Info: downtownthibodaux.org or contact 387-3000.
Crawfish Blue Crabs Boiled Shrimp Charbroiled Oysters Royal Reds Dungeness Crabs King Crabs Snow Crabs & More, Sha!
6240 West Main Street, Houma • 985-876-1834
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Gheens Bon Mange’ Festival JUNE 1-3, GHEENS
Chicken and sausage gumbo is just one of the dishes on the menu at the Gheens Bon Mange’ Festival. [INFROGMATION/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS] What: Cajun food, live music and dancing, Center, 1783 La. 654, Gheens. children’s rides and pageants, live auction Cost: Free admission. Costs for food and and car show. other offerings vary. When: June 1-3 Info: gheensbonmange.weebly.com. Where: Vacherie-Gheens Community
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SPRING 2018
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Steubenville on the Bayou JUNE 15-17, 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 15-17.
Where: Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd., Houma. Cost: $155 before May 1, $175 afterward. Info: steubenvilleonthebayou.com.
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The fun has just begun Spring runs from March 20 through June 20 this year. But of the fun has already begun. Here are a few pages of photos
from some of the recent festivals in Terrebonne and Lafourche.
Mardi Gras is the biggest local festival of them all, with nearly 30 parades rolling over two weekends ending on Fat Tuesday. It’s the nation’s biggest Mardi Gras celebration outside New Orleans. In this photo, a rider in Thibodaux’s Shaka parade tosses beads to people lining the streets on Feb. 4. [FILE -- DAILYCOMET/HOUMATODAY]
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Christine Chartrand and Henri Brabant, 6, ride a thrill ride March 2 at the Choctaw Fireman’s Fair, an annual fundraiser for the community’s fire department. [FILE -DAILYCOMET/HOUMATODAY]
Richard Eagle (from left), Jerry Pitre and Greg Pitre of the MPH team were among participants in the annual Downtown Houma Chili Cook-Off on March 10 [FILE -- DAILYCOMET/ HOUMATODAY]
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A paddler makes his way down Bayou Lafourche during the first St. Patrick’s Day on the Bayou Festival, hosted by Friends of Bayou Lafourche. It was held March 17 in downtown Thibodaux. [FILE -- DAILYCOMET/HOUMATODAY]
Participants gather March 17 for the United Houma Nation’s annual Celebrating Abilities Disability Awareness Powwow. The event celebrates the heritage of the Houma Indian tribe, the city’s namesake, and raises awareness that people with disabilities are capable of success in many ways. [FILE -- DAILYCOMET/HOUMATODAY]
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T H E E AT I N ’ F F O R E PAT ND A H W
The journey to an unforgettable dining experience begins when you venture a ways off the main road and follow the bayou as it snakes through wetlands and authentic Cajun communities. Discover generations of unique traditions, culture and flavors in the eating establishments, culinary festivals and events on the Cajun Bayou Food Trail of Lafourche Parish.
LACAJUNBAYOU.COM/FOODTRAIL