LAPLACE — As the 41st Annual Andouille Festival approaches, festival coordinators are encouraging participants to sign-up for various contests that will be held throughout the festival weekend including the gumbo cook-off contest, the Dang Douille Eating Contest, Apron Art Contest and the Andouille Run.

Gumbo Cook-Off – Saturday, Oct. 18 – 1 p.m.

Local chefs, seasoned professionals and aspiring cooks are invited to participate in the annual Gumbo cook-off. All types of gumbo may be prepared with Andouille as the main ingredient. The cook-off will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday with judging promptly at 5:00 p.m. This year the cook-off will feature a people’s choice award along with winners selected by a panel of judges. The deadline to enter the contest is Saturday, October 18. A team registration fee of $50 is required. Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.

Dang Douille Eating Contest – Saturday, Oct. 18 – 1 p.m.

Individuals who cannot get enough Andouille can register for the 2nd Annual Dang Douille Eating Contest. Contestants will be challenged to eat as many slices of Andouille as possible within a certain time. The contestant who eats the most wins! The entry fee is $10 and the deadline to enter is Saturday, October 18 at 12:30 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.

Apron Art Contest

The Andouille Festival is also sponsoring its annual Apron Art Contest for school-age children. The contest is open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade art classes in St. John the Baptist Parish. Contestants must incorporate Andouille or seafood in their art work. Cash prizes will be awarded to winners. Entries are due by Friday, October 10 and must include a digital image of the project and a 500-word essay on why art matters, the impact of art on students, and plans to further school arts with the prize money.

Andouille Run – Sunday, Oct. 19 – 8 a.m.

Help fight against litter by participating in the 36th Annual Andouille Run on Sunday, October 19 starting at 8:00 a.m. at Hwy 51 Park in LaPlace. Proceeds from the 5 mile run and 2 mile run/walk will benefit the “Keep St. John Beautiful” campaign, spotlighting the negative effects of littering, while promoting a cleaner, more beautiful community.

Visit the Andouille Festival website at andouillefestival.com for more information on these events as well as the Pay One Price ride bracelet, the Sunday Jazz Brunch, the Andouille Special Edition Poster and much more. All applications for contests can be found online or picked up at 1801 W. Airline Hwy, LaPlace. Forms should be returned or mailed to St. John Economic Development at 1801 W. Airline Hwy, LaPlace, 70068 before each deadline.

The 41st Annual Andouille Festival will be held Oct. 17-Oct. 19 at the Hwy. 51 Park in LaPlace and will feature music, good times, exciting contests, and great food.