From staff reports
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — St. John the Baptist Parish will host the 41st Annual Andouille Festival Oct. 17-19 at the Highway 51 Park and St. John Community Center.

The Festival is an “exhilarating celebration” of savory foods that feature andouille, performing arts, outdoor entertainment, crafts and activities for the entire family, organizers said.

The festival is in its third and hopefully final location, as it was originally initiated in 1972 at the drag strip as a fundraiser for the LaPlace Volunteer Fire Department.

The festival has evolved into a parish-sponsored event which supports non-profit organizations and local businesses, while providing a wholesome, fun filled weekend for residents and visitors.

Festival organizers plan to unveil a greater variety of entertainment, events, rides, vendors and program partners this year, promoting St. John the Baptist Parish as “The Andouille Capital of the World.”

Applications for food and craft booths are available at www.andouillefestival.com or at the St. John Economic Development Office, 1801 W. Airline Highway in LaPlace.

The deadline to submit an application is Aug. 8. For more information, contact the St. John the Baptist Parish Economic Development Office at 985-652-9569.

As activities and events are finalized, additional information will be placed on the Andouille Festival website.

The 2013 Miss Andouille Queen Elise Deaton and Teen Andouille Queen Jade Brady will relinquish their crowns at the annual Miss and Teen Andouille Pageants scheduled at 7 p.m. Oct. 4 at the St. John Theatre.

Applications for the pageant will be available beginning Aug. 9.