Festivals abound in October

The Tri-parishes are abuzz with festivals this month. We’re celebrating everything from our heritage, a local plantation and, of course, food!

Here’s a rundown of just a few of the options…

40th Annual Louisiana Gumbo Festival, Oct. 21-23

The Gumbo Festival is hosted by the Chackbay Volunteer Fire Department and is a local favorite.

This year’s musical lineup includes Overtime, No Exit, Bandit, Kenny Fife and the Bac Trac Band, Heart ‘n’ Soul, Don Rich, Good Feelin Band, Ruff N Ready, Foret Tradition and Junior and Sumtin Sneaky.

A carnival midway with pay-one-price rides and, on Sunday, firemen’s parade and live auction provide fun for all ages.

In additional to gumbo of all blends, the fest’s fare includes traditional fair foods, hot dogs and burgers and many other choices. Beer, daiquiris and mixed drinks, as well as sodas are also sold.

The festival is held at the Choupic Fair Grounds on La. Highway 304, just north of Thibodaux.

Bayou Dularge Knights of Columbus Cajun Fair and Fishing Rodeo, Oct. 21-23

The annual fishing rodeo offers freshwater, saltwater and kids’ divisions.

Back on land, visitors can enjoy carnival rides, auctions, plenty of Cajun food and live music by Ruff N Ready, Tet Dur, Blue Eyed Soul, Seabrook and Highway 315. “Swamp People” guides Joe Lafont and Tommy Chauvin visit the fairgrounds from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.

Larose Civic Center French Food Festival, Oct. 28-30

The Larose center’s three-day fest is held at the town’s regional park. Performers include Gary T, Brandon Foret, Waylon Thibodeaux, Junior Lacrose, Crush, Southern Cross, Don Rich and the Hurricane Levee Band.

But the real highlight takes place under the big tent. That’s where visitors will find Cajun cooking, folklife fun and dancing galore.

More than 20 different local specialty dishes are featured: shrimp boulettes, crawfish etouffe, seafood gumbo, alligator sauce piquante and more. There are also plenty of sweets to satisfy all cravings.

The festival features an old-fashioned carnival midway and Cajun life demonstrations, as well as a 5K and 3K Bridge Run starting at Larose Lower Elementary.

12th annual Franklin Harvest Moon Festival, Oct. 29

Downtown Franklin is the site of the annual festival, which kicks off the holiday shopping season.

Set for 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., the day-long event includes live entertainment, children’s activities, arts and crafts, a 5K Run/Walk, an antique, hot-rod, classic car and motorcycle show, bass fishing tourney, art show, barbecue cookoff and more.