Conny Trahan
August 31, 2018
Contemporary Living
August 31, 2018
The historic Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival got to modest start over 80 years ago when shrimpers, alligator hunters, crab fishermen and dock workers paraded in the streets to celebrate the first boatload of jumbo shrimp being carried in by a small boat into the port of Berwick and Morgan City. The festival later went an to commemorate the local oil industry as well in 1967 when it officially added Petroleum to the title.
Today, the 83rd annual festival has held on to its roots of celebrating the seafood and petroleum industry even though its number of events and popularity have grown tremendously. This year’s five-day festival, happening from Aug. 30 through Sept 3, has fun. new activities to offer as well as several traditional ones.
With most of its events happening in Downtown Morgan City, this free festival starts with the 55th Annual Labor Day Art Show & Sale at 1 pm This exhibit, featuring talented local artists, can be viewed from 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and from 11 am. to 5 p.m on Saturday and Monday.
Mitchell Brothers Carnival rides and games begin at 5 p.m. on Thursday and continue through Monday at 9 pm Bracelets for the rides can be purchased at the festival for $25 each.
Festival goers can enjoy delicious Cajun and Grade dishes along with desserts at the 30th Annual Cajun and Creole Culinary Classic, which opens at 5 p.m. on Thursday And ends on Monday night at 7:30. The proceeds go to local non-profit groups and civic organizations.
Under the U.S. 90 bridge over 130 artists and crafters from South Louisiana will sell their unique works of art at the 41st Arts & Crafts Show & Sale. This event starts Friday at 5 p.m. and ends an Monday at 9 p.m.
The festival’s Children’s Day is on Saturday at 9 a.m. with children’s events such as sack races, three-legged races and the. Children’s Day Mini Sheet Parade that begins at 11 am This parade features children in decorated bicycles, wagons, strollers and four wheelers. Registration for this event opens at 10 am. that Saturday.
The Shrimp arid Petroleum. Festival offers even, more exciting activities for the kids with its Children’s Village that will have its ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday at 1 pm This playland will feature games, prize face painting and more. It’s open from 1 to 5:90 pm. on Saturday and Sunday.
Many of the festival’s long-time traditions take place on Sunday with the Mass in the Park at 8.30am followed by the historic Blessing of the Fleet and water parade at 10am. on and by the Berwick docks. The well-established Street Parade keeps the fun going at 3 p.m. at the Corner of Second and Onstead streets and the night closes out with an exhilarating fireworks show displayed above Lawrence park at 9 that night.
Other special and entertaining events include the Cypress Corvette Club Open Car Show taking place on Saturday from 8 am to 3pm at M.D. Shannon Elementary and a 5K Fun Run/Walk that begins at 8a.m. on Saturday and starts near City Hall.
Of course, attendees can dance to live music and enjoy other stage performances at the festival all through Labor Day weekend at Heritage Stage located in Downtown Morgan City.
