Well, it’s that magical time of year again Plaquemines. Those few shorts weeks of Spring before the sweltering Summer days arrive also signals the beginning of festival season. We are fortunate to have a festival right in our backyard that celebrates local music and most importantly, the seafood produced just a cast away. The seventh annual festival is sure to be the biggest to date with expansion to four days from Thursday, May 12 through Sunday, May 15.

The festival stretches across the fairgrounds at the rear of the future Plaquemines Parish Government Complex site and opens at 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday evenings and 10:30 a.m. on the weekend. Admission is a real bargain at $5 for adults and kids under twelve free. There is plenty of free parking available so plan on spending the weekend listening to great music, riding carnival rides, and dining on our great seafood. In addition, you won’t want to miss the crowning of the 2011 Plaquemines Seafood Festival Queen, participate or watch the exciting sand-bagging competition, take a helicopter ride, and browse the crafts from many local artists. As you can see, the festival offers fun for everyone. The Festival has raised and donated over $116,000 to local charities such as the American Cancer Society, Children’s Hospital, Knights of Columbus, the Air National Guard, Louisiana’s Medal of Honor Park, local schools, churches and medical facilities. Come on out and help us surpass last year’s record crowd of 8,000 plus, have a great time, and help local charities at the same time. For additional and up to date festival information, please see the festival website at www.plaqueminesparishfestival.com. See you there!