Over 10,000 pounds of crawfish making its way to annual fest
The ninth annual Downtown Lake Charles Crawfish Festival is April 13-15 at the Civic Center and promises to offer plenty of live music, a carnival, a parade, and more than 10,000 pounds of crawfish.
The event takes place during Parkinson’s Awareness Month, with proceeds benefiting the Eljay Foundation for Parkinson Syndrome Awareness. Since 2000, the local nonprofit has provided research and educational efforts to help those living with the disease.
“We want to improve the quality of life for our patients,” said Eligha Guillory Jr., festival director.
Carnival gates open at 4 p.m. Friday, followed by the inaugural Crawfish Scoot 5K at 6 p.m.
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Saturday’s events start at 11 a.m., followed by live music at 11:30 a.m. Featured entertainers include Chester Daigle and City Heat, Jamie Bergeron and the Kickin’ Cajuns, Geno Delafose, along with Keith Frank and the Soileau Zydeco Band. Bands will perform in the Civic Center coliseum.
A crawfish eating contest is set for 3 p.m. Saturday.
Festival hours for Sunday are 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Festival-goers can also learn about the history of the seafood industry and its lasting impact on Louisiana.
Tickets are $10 at the door and free for children 10 and under. Admission does not cover food and beverage sales.
For more info, email Guillory at eligha@eljayfd.org, or visit downtowncrawfest.com.