Cajun cuisine, music and rides highlight 34th Catfish Festival

The 34th Annual Louisiana Catfish Festival in Des Allemands will have plenty of food and fun for the entire family. The festival takes place on July 11 and ends on July 13.

If the best catfish cuisine around is what your taste buds desire, then it’s probably a good idea to drop by this weekend’s 34th Annual Louisiana Catfish Festival in Des Allemands.

Whether it’s catfish platters and po-boys or seafood gumbo, the festival menu has only the most flavorful Cajun dishes in St. Charles Parish.

And event director Kurt Dempster agrees. After all, the tasty food and great family atmosphere are just a few of his favorite things.

“As always, this year’s festival will feature a variety of foods made with only the best Des Allemands catfish,” Dempster said. “But we’re also introducing something new to the menu - grillades and pork routee.”

For those who aren’t familiar with this Bayou Country dish, grillades is a pan-fried meal where thin slices of meat, preferably beef or pork, are cooked with sliced onions and served over grits or rice.   

“Our grillades will be prepared with thinly sliced Boston butt roast and served over white rice,” Dempster said.

The festivities also include musical entertainment performed by well-known musicians like Wayne Foret and Rodney Thibodaux, craft booths and rides for the entire family.

“We’re using the same ride company as we always do, but we’re swapping out a few of the rides, so there will be a few new ones out there for the kids,” Dempster said.

The festival, which averages up to 15,000 patrons each year, is scheduled to open on Friday, July 11 at 5 p.m. and close on Sunday, July 13 at 8 p.m. with a performance by Don Rich.
Remember that parking and admission are always free and there are discounts available for  rides.

For a complete listing of  this year’s events and a schedule of musicians, turn to page 4B.