As the 40th Annual Andouille Festival quickly approaches, festival coordinators are encouraging participants to sign-up for various contests throughout the festival weekend.  
Hometown chefs, seasoned professionals and aspiring cooks are invited to participate in the annual Gumbo Cook-Off on Saturday, Oct. 20. All types of gumbo may be prepared, with andouille as one of the ingredients. The deadline to enter the contest is Friday, Oct. 4, and space is limited to 10 participants. A team registration fee of $25 is required.
The festival will also feature a first, “The Dang Douille,” an Andouille eating contest for individuals and teams who can’t get enough of the tasty sausage. In addition to individual contests, approximately five teams of four will be selected to participate in an Andouille Eating Relay. The entry fee is $10 for individuals and $30 for teams and the deadline to enter is Friday, Oct. 11.
The Andouille Festival is also sponsoring its annual Apron Art Contest for school age children. Cash prizes will be awarded to this year’s winners. The contest is open to all sixth, seventh and eighth grade art classes in St. John Parish and contestants must incorporate andouille or seafood in their decorations. Entries are due by Friday, Oct. 11, 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.
The 35th Annual Andouille Run will take place on Sunday, Oct. 20, starting at 8 a.m. at U.S. Highway 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.
All applications and additional information can be found online at www.andouillefestival.com or at 1801 W. Airline Highway, LaPlace. Forms should be returned or mailed to St. John Economic Development at 1801 W. Airline Highway, LaPlace, 70068 before each deadline.
 The 40th Annual Andouille Festival will be held Friday, Oct. 18, through Sunday, Oct. 20, at the U.S. Highway 51 Park in LaPlace and will feature music, good times and great food.