Shrimp and Petroleum Festival in Morgan City

The 73rd annual Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival will be held Labor Day Weekend, August 28 – September 1, 2008, in picturesque downtown Morgan City, Louisiana. This is an event that will prove that oil and water really do mix. Deep in the heart of Cajun Country, every Labor Day Weekend, tens of thousands of people celebrate at Louisiana's oldest chartered harvest festival.

The festival has been honoring those who have worked tirelessly through rain and shine…and sometimes even hurricanes, to provide the area's economic lifeblood for over half a century. The festival also emphasizes the unique way in which these two seemingly different industries work hand-in-hand culturally and environmentally in this area of the "Cajun Coast." The event is free and has grown to become one of the country's premiere festivals. There's plenty of fun for "kids" of all ages and lots to see, hear, do and eat! The festival is truly a feast for ALL senses and according to Time Magazine, "…one of the best, most unusual, the most down-home, the most moving and the most fun the Country has to offer…"

Food

There's nothing like "home-style" Cajun cooking, and you'll find the best at the fest….lots of spicy treats at the Cajun Culinary Classic….from jambalaya to fried alligator & everything in between! And of course…..SHRIMP (tons of 'em) cooked every way imaginable (It would make Forrest Gump proud!)

Music

If music is what you are after then head on down to historic Lawrence Park in downtown Morgan City, La. This festival is known for the diverse music which may be heard in this 4 day event. Local, state, and regional entertainment bring forth sounds of Zydeco, Cajun, Country, and popular music to its sound stage. You may hear all of the music under the oaks in Historic Lawrence Park with no admission fee.

Events

If you are looking for something to do over Labor Day weekend, you need to consider the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival. The oldest state chartered festival is packed with things to do from a 5K fun run/walk to a golf tournament. All events are family-oriented and most of the events are free.

Arts and Crafts

The festival features one of the largest craft shows in the south. Over 100 craftsmen from all over the south meet with local artists to share ideas, showcase their unique works and sell their art.

You'll find great things like handmade cypress furniture, "Mississippi Mud Paintings," wood carvings, plants, candles, and even garfish jewelry (Cajuns don't like to waste anything!)

Children's Events

The Children's Village is open Sat.-Mon. of the festival weekend! Each child who visits leaves with a prize, and we never charge anyone that enters! The Village is a magical, hands-on adventure land that houses numerous activites for children to experience.

Saturday of the festival weekend is designated "Children's Day." Yes, we think children are so important that we give them their "own" day with many events and Children's Day Royalty!

The day begins at 9:00 AM with field events and games in Lawrence Park. Kids compete for awards and have a great time!

Following the field events (about 10:00 AM), professional storytellers delight the kids with colorful and creative storytelling.

Then it is on to the Children's Day Mini Street Parade… yes, a parade! The children meet in front of the Historic Downtown Post Office with bikes, wagons, carts, just everything imaginable (including themselves) colorfully decorated. The parade winds its way through the Historic District to Lawrence Park, where prizes are awarded for the best decorated floats and costumes. At 1:00 PM, you'll find all the kids gathered for the opening ceremonies of the Children's Village!