Cracklin’ cook-off starts fest season

On April 21 and 22, the Village of Parks will be where the 2017 Acadiana festival season begins. Again this year, the popular food and music event promises a top lineup of local talent and family activities.
At the April 10 Village Council meeting, Mayor Kevin Kately said preparations are underway for the village’s signature event at Cecile Rousseau Poche Memorial Park.
The festival kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday, when the popular Cory Ledet and his Zydeco Band take the stage. Section 28 plays at 8 p.m. and Nick-L- Beer at 10 p.m.
Saturday’s music schedule begins at 11:30 a.m. with Amie Nicole & Zydeco Soul. At 1:15 p.m. the Chris Trahan Band plays, followed at 2:45 by the energetic Brenda C & the Cajun Jammers.
Pepper Jelly starts at 5 p.m., then at 7 p.m., Louisiana Red brings it’s unique, polished act to the stage. The always-popular Sideshow is next at 9:15, to finish off a full day.
The cooking will start at 11 a.m., judging will be at 3 p.m. and the cook-off awards will be presented at 4:30 p.m. New for this year, winners will receive a cash award of $200 for first, $100 for second, and $50 for third place, along with the usual T-shirts and plaques. There is an entry fee of $20 per 2-person team
Also on Saturday, the Kajun Iron Horse Poker Run will start at 10 a.m. And some lucky attendee will win $5,000 in the raffle drawing to be held at 8 p.m. Tickets for the raffle are $5.
In other business, the winning entries for the poster contest for the Cleanest City award were announced. From Parks primary School, Kowen Boudreaux was the first place winner, Lathan Brown was second and Giana Mason took home third.
The winners from Parks Middle School were Ava Douet, first place, Keina Ritzell, second and Levi Duard, third.
The council also discussed policies for public use of the park’s pavilions. The Village has recently completed construction of two large new shelters, so there are now three. It was decided to take reservations for just one and let the others remain on a “first come first served” basis.
Finally, the council passed a new policy for rental of campground spaces. The village will begin a senior citizens discount of $2 for the slots. Camper spaces, which rent for $15 per night will be $13 for seniors. Tent spaces rent for $10, but for seniors it will be $8.