NEWS

Catfish Festival returns to Melville this week

William Johnson
Louisiana

The 12th annual Atchafalaya Catfish Festival will open Thursday with three days of fun for the entire family.

“We always have a good turnout,” said Melville Mayor Willie ‘Butch’ C. Haynes III.

The festival will be held on the Melville Civic Center grounds at 1105 First St. and admission to the grounds is free.

The fun will begin Thursday with Family Night at the carnival where children can ride as many rides as they like for $15 from 6 to 10 p.m. Haynes said people can save on those tickets by purchasing them in advance for $12 by calling city hall.

Friday will feature another family night at the carnival from 6 to 10 p. m., this time with a live DJ.

Saturday is the big day, with the annual parade rolling through town from 10 a.m. to noon.

Haynes said the parade will form up at La. 105 and Jackson Lane near the former Melville Elementary School and then proceed to the fair grounds. It will be led out by this year’s grand marshal, St. Landry Parish District Attorney Earl Taylor.

There is no fee to take part in the parade and Haynes said everyone is welcome. To reserve a spot, call city hall.

As soon as the parade breaks up, a full day of live music will begin with Lil Kenny & The Heart Breakers taking the stage at 1 p.m.

That will be followed by Amy Nicole Zydeco Soul at 4 p.m. with the Grand Slam Band taking the stage at 7 p.m.

Throughout the festival, Haynes said there will be plenty of booths selling a wide variety of food. The various catfish dishes for which the festival is named will be included.

“Visitors can enjoy some of the best catfish in the state of Louisiana,” said Haynes, who added visitors should be able try everything from fried catfish or courtbouillon to grilled or blackened catfish from the festival’s various vendors.

No ice chests, glass containers or pets allowed.

For more information, call the Melville Town Hall at 337-623-4226.

Want to go?

What: 12th Annual Atchafalaya Catfish Festival

Carnival rides, music, food and more

When: Thursday through Saturday

Where: Melville Civic Center grounds, 1105 First St., Melville

Information: Call 337-623-4226.