By Aly Davis

Contributing Writer

 

DES ALLEMANDS – Every year the city of Des Allemands hosts the Louisiana Catfish Festival to raise money for the St. Gertrude the Great Catholic Church and to bring together members of the St. Charles parish and visitors from far and wide. The 37th Annual Louisiana Catfish Festival opened Friday evening, and the entertainment will continue throughout the rest of the weekend at St. Gertrude the Great Catholic Church, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Life-long St. Charles resident Lisa Frickey has attended the Catfish Festival “ever since I can remember, and I always enjoy going.” Growing up, Frickey was accompanied by a large extended family: “Aunts uncles, and mom. Now it’s just me and my [13-year-old] daughter,” who meets with friends and frequents carnival rides provided by Mitchell Brothers and Sons Amusements. Visitors can purchase ride wristbands for $55 for full weekend access and $25 for each half-day.

With 18 food, drink, and dessert booths, festival-goers do not lack choices for a mouthwatering experience. Festival secretary Sherry Folse, along with her husband, takes charge of the popular catfish boulette booth. Preparation for the Folse family begins a week or more before the actual event and includes other members of the community.

“On a Sunday we have a couple of couples over here and get the seasoning together,” Folse explained.

Along with food and rides, visitors can enjoy seven live bands, including country artist Ronnie McDowell tonight from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“I really enjoy the music and just mingling with the people,” Frickey said. “I always see people I haven’t seen in a long time.”

Frickey assures the festival is not just for friends and families, however. Even festival first-timers or out-of-town visitors can “socialize and meet some people. [The locals] are very friendly. You won’t have a hard time meeting people.”

Stop by St. Gertrude the Great Catholic Church, 17292 Louisiana Highway 631 in Des Allemands to experience what Frickey describes as “a nice outing for the family to enjoy themselves.”

For more information  visit www.Louisiana CatfishFestival.com, call St. Gertrude the  Church at 985-758-7542, or click on the Catfish Festival ad on the L’Observateur website.