JEAN LAFITTE, La. –After nearly twenty years, pirogue racing returns to the Town of Jean Lafitte on Saturday, July, 21, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 920 Jean Lafitte Blvd., Jean Lafitte.
“Everyone who has lived on Bayou Barataria remembers the summer pirogue races from years ago,” said Tim Kerner, Jr., event organizer. “We thought it was such a great tradition.
We couldn’t be more excited to have this cultural staple back. It’s a chance for our community and visitors from across the area to come together and enjoy both new and old traditions, eat some wonderful wonderful local food and enjoy the pirogue races on the bayou.”
The event, which includes local food, arts and crafts, music by Sumtin’ Sneaky and a Cajun canoe builder and pirogue history lesson, will take place at the town’s newly opened Jules Nunez Seafood Pavilion and AJ & Sheron Fabre Market on Bayou Barataria, next to the public boat launch.
The 2018 Jean Lafitte Pirogue Races will include races in the following categories:
- Men’s Common Boat (Work Boat Pirogue) 1 Mile
- Ladies Common Boat 1 Mile
- Girls 13-16-year olds 300 Meters
- 2-Person Canoe 300 Meters
- Boys 13-16-year olds 300 Meters
- Ladies over 50 300 Meters
- Blindfold 100 Meters
- Men over 50 300 Meters
- Kayak Race 300 Meters
- Ladies Championship 2 Mile
- Men’s Championship 2 Mile
- Duck Decoy Pick Up Race
For information on the event, email jeanlafitteraces@gmail.com or contact Timmy Kerner Jr. at 504-756-3714. Updates will be provided on the town’s website www.townofjeanlafitte.
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