Louisiana's Summer Festivals Are Back

The coastal and bayou area of Louisiana was pretty well out of commission after the terrible destruction of Katrina in 2005. Rebuilding the area has been a labor of love, sweat and a lot of tears, but the work has paid off in many of the hard-hit zones. 2007 promises to be a celebratory year because of this and because the summer festivals are back in full swing in most places. Crawfish, the undisputed king of the Louisiana Gulf Coast, is the headliner at the foodfests and music celebrations. Even devastated New Orleans' nearby neighbor, the North Shore, is back "puttin' on the Ritz" for visitors and locals again.

The North shore is located at the top of Lake Ponchatrain, connected by the world's longest bridge to New Orleans on the south shore. St. Tammany Parrish is a community that has flourished for centuries, drawing wealth and prosperity to the area because of its clean air and pure artesian waters. Today this is the fastest growing parish in Louisiana, only separated from New Orleans by short commute over the 24-mile causeway, completed in 1954. Slidell, Mandeville and Covington are the principle towns in the parish. There are so many events here all during the summer it's hard to pick which one would draw the most people, but I'd sure bet on the Mandeville Seafood Festival pulling in top crowds. This summer the festival takes place from Fri., June 29-Sun, July 1, making for a whole weekend of food and fun. It's open 11-11 each day and it only costs $10 to get in. With two stages for live music and lots of vendors, it should be a blockbuster this year. It's located right on Lakeshore Dr. so that people can board the Cajun Queen Showboat for dinner cruises. Everyone at the festival will love the beautiful fireworks at festival's end Sunday evening. Consult the web site for directions or call them for information.
http://www.seafoodfest.com/
985-624-9762

Lafayette is home to a Cajun heritage of both incredible food and music. Anyone who is familiar with Cajun music knows that you can hardly sit still, so infectious is it delightful rhythm. The weekend of July 21 and 22 will present an opportunity for folks to come to the Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles to revel to the great Cajun music and feast on "jambalaya, gumbo, cracklins, sausage on a stick, fried fish, pork steak and more."
No better weekend could be had anywhere, but bring an appetite and the energy to burn off some of those calories dancing up a storm. The event costs just $5.00 for adults, while children under 12 are free. It's a family-friendly event, to be sure.
This summer, August 17, the Cajun French Music Association will again hold its awards presentation at the Heyman Performing Art's Center. The next two days will be devoted to a dance festival over the weekend featuring the very best Cajun bands from all over the state. Both events are sponsored by the Cajun French Music Association.
http://www.cajunfrenchmusic.org/music/lecajun.htm
(337) 494-0018

The Satchmo Sumerfest, August 2-5, is a rollicking musical tribute to the very music Louis Armstrong loved, heady jazz with an upbeat rhythm. Bands from all over come here in friendly competition enjoyed by crowds of jazz lovers. There's plenty of great New Orleans food, discussions about jazz, a club crawl and even small seminars. Food is served on the festival grounds. The lineup for 2007 is not yet complete, so check back to see what's in store this year, or call them toll-free to see when they'll have their schedule arranged and bands booked.
http://www.frenchquarterfestivals.org/
400 North Peters Street, Suite 205
New Orleans, LA 70130
Toll Free (800) 673-5725