By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur

DES ALLEMANDS – St. Gertrude the Great Catho lic Church held its annual Catfish Festival this weekend.
The festival featured fun for all ages with amusement park rides, live music, magic shows, balloon animals, children’s games, crafts booths and, of course, a wealth of delicious festival foods. A 5K and a one-mile race were held on all three days of the festival. Saturday’s event schedule included a catfish-eating contest and a catfish skinning exhibition.
The Rev. William McCallion founded the festival in 1975 to raise money for the church and to stimulate the economy. In an interesting bit of history, Gov. Edwin Edwards signed a proclamation in 1975 declaring Des Allemands the Catfish Capital of the World. In 1980, the Legislature passed a resolution naming it the Catfish Capital of the Universe.
Brandon Breaux of Luling brought his 3-year-old daughter Demi out to have a good time. Breaux is originally from Des Allemands and said he comes every year.
“I’m having a good time. I’m here mostly for the little ones, to bring them to ride the rides,” said Breaux. “It’s a good turnout. In a small community like this there’s not a whole bunch else that ever goes on where everybody gets together like this.”
For more information on the festival or to participate in future festivals, visit www.louisianacatfishfestival.com.