Gumbo Festival History/Facts

• 2020 will mark the 49th Annual Festival
• During the 1970’s, then Governor Edwin Edwards signed a proclamation naming Chackbay the “Gumbo Capitol of Louisiana”
• Festival proceeds support the local Chackbay Volunteer Fire Department
• Volunteers cook nearly 500 gallons of Gumbo during the festival weekend
• Festival attracts over 15,000 visitors each year
• Festival features Cajun food, music, amusement rides, parade, auction, demonstrations, and much more
• Festival was previously named one of the Top 100 Events in North America by the American Bus Association
• Festival was previously named one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeastern Tourism Society

 

FAQs

How much is it to enter the festival?

Free admission

​Where to park?

Free parking is available in one of the fairgrounds lots. Side street parking and other public and private parking areas are available around the fairgrounds.

How much are ride bracelets?

This year we are once again offering Pay One Price Advanced Weekend Armbands for $55.00. Advanced armbands allow children unlimited carnival rides throughout the duration of the festival. Advanced weekend armbands are for sale until 4:00pm on Friday October 12th. After this time they can be purchased at the carnival ticket booth for $65.00 each. Advanced armbands can be picked up near the main entrance on Friday evening or the festival ticket booth. Buy armbands here.

Who's playing at the fair this year?

View lineup here

​What's the weather looking like?

See forecast

Can I bring chairs?

​Yes, plenty seating is provided but chairs are welcomed.

Can I bring outside food/drinks?

No, we have plenty of delicious food and drink options for your liking. View menu.

Can I bring my pet?

Only service animals are allowed.

How do I become a vendor?

​Fill out our form by clicking here or you can contact us here.

How do I become a sponsor?

contact us.

How can I volunteer to help?

To help, contact us in the form here!

Do you have an ATM?

Yes, an ATM will be available right when you walk through the gates!

Do you have a covered area?​

Yes, the band and food areas are all covered!

Do you have an indoor area?

​Yes, our gumbo kitchen is indoors and has plenty of seating to enjoy your meal!

Do you have restrooms?

Yes, we have multiple bathroom locations with plenty of room!

are camper/rv spots available?

There are no camper/RV spots available at the fairgrounds. There is a nice, concrete camper/RV parking area with hook-ups located just a few minutes away at the Thibodaux Civic Center. Click here to book

Ask a Question

 

Meet our 2019 Gumbo Festival Royalty

Miss Sheridan Duet
​Gumbo Queen

Miss Louisiana Gumbo Festival Queen XLVIII is Sheridan Duet. Sheridan is 19 years old and the daughter of Kenneth and Dayna Duet. She is from Thibodaux, Louisiana and is a 2018 graduate of Thibodaux High School. She is currently attending Northwestern State University where she is pursuing a degree in Hospitality Management and Tourism. Sheridan says, “It is a dream come true to represent the Chackbay Volunteer Fire Department and a community I hold so dear to my heart. Thank you to everyone who has made this festival so amazing for so many years. A special thank you goes to the volunteer fire department for all of the hard work and dedication they have put into the community. Thank you for this opportunity. I look forward to a great year.” Sheridan would like to invite everyone to join her October 11th, 12th, and 13th at the Louisiana Gumbo Festival held in Chackbay.

 ​Mr. Reed Callais
​Grand Marshal

​Reed Callais was born and raised in Cut Off and currently resides in Larose. He is the husband of Denise Callais and father of Megi Callais. Reed is the co-owner of Callais Office Furniture & Supplies in Cut Off and co-owner with his wife of Callais Cajun Cooking.
Reed is the President of the Schriever Lions Club and Vice President of the Evergreen Associates for the Evergreen Cajun Center. Reed also volunteers for several organizations as an auctioneer and helps fundraise in the community. He has been auctioning for the Louisiana Gumbo Festival for approximately 10 years. He is very humbled that he was considered for this honor.
He has felt welcomed to the community of Chackbay and surrounding area since day one with open arms. He would like to thank the committee for this prestigious honor to represent the Louisiana Gumbo Festival and the community of Chackbay.