Cajun Music and Food Festival Holds First-Ever Accordion Contest
Published Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 1:48 p.m.
Attendees dance to Cajun music during the Cajun Music and Food Festival at the Barton Complex. The festival returns on Saturday, July 20. (Special to The American Press)
Get ready to two-step: The 37th Annual Cajun Music and Food Festival is happening this Saturday, July 20th.
Everyone’s favorite authentic Cajun food is served and music blares until 10pm.
For decades, an indoor festival has been held at the Barton Complex (7001 Gulf Hwy) in South Lake Charles to keep Cajun culture alive.
Renee Daigle said preserving Cajun culture and customs is more important than ever, especially to instill in young people in Southwest Louisiana.
“Cajun culture is slowly fading in this area, so we work really hard to promote the music, the food and the culture,” she explained. “It’s really important to get the younger generations involved. … They love the music, they love the culture, but for it to thrive in this area, we have to continue to share it.”
This year’s festival will feature an accordion contest for the first time. Daigle says the contest has been running for about 15 years, but this year’s contest is a fresh start. She thinks the contest will help connect the younger generation with their roots.
“We want to invite young musicians to come.”
Competitors will be on stage from 9am to 11:30am.
The contest has three age divisions.
Winners in each age group will receive a trophy and cash prizes, with a total prize pool of over $1,500. Entry is free.
The Cajun Music and Food Festival will feature Cajun dishes such as shrimp etouffee, jambalaya, chicken and sausage gumbo, fried catfish, cracklins and boudin.
Burgers, nachos and “lots of sweet treats” will also be on offer.
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Band Lineup
Following the accordion contest, traditional Cajun bands will perform throughout the day.
12pm-2pm: Jackie Caillier, Ivy Dugas, Cajun Cousins
2-4pm: Chris Miller and Bayou Roots
4-6 p.m.: John Dale Hebert and friends
6-8 p.m.: Ray Thibodeau and his Cajun Friends, accordionist Jason Frey
8-10 p.m.: Kevin Naquin and the Cajun Preservation Society
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The festival will feature 35 vendor booths showcasing hand-sewn, crocheted and other goods.
There will also be a kids’ zone with arts and crafts and $5 meals.
Admission to the Cajun Music and Food Festival is $10 per person. Children 12 and under are free.
A Cajun Mass will be held at 9 a.m. Sunday at the Cajun French Music Association Building, 3481 E. Prien Lake Rd. The Mass will be in French and will be officiated by the Rev. Roland G. Vaughn, followed by a social gathering with coffee and doughnuts.
