GRUB CITY

Sweet dough pie with a slice of history

Megan Wyatt
mbwyatt@theadvertiser.com
This Advertiser file photo shows lemon-filled sweet dough pies that were created by a competitor in preparation for the 2013 Sweet Dough Pie Festival in Grand Coteau.

The annual Sweet Dough Pie Festival in Grand Coteau is a celebration of the favorite Acadiana dessert. But really, it's a celebration of much more than that.

It's a way to experience the rich history of the quaint, St. Landry Parish town, indulge in foods from area restaurants, welcome fall to Acadiana, celebrate community and raise money for the Grand Coteau Cultural Foundation's local grants and scholarships.

"It's just all about getting people out and experiencing our unique culture, learning about our history and enjoying themselves," says Janice Fox, festival chairwoman and president of the cultural foundation.

This Advertiser file photo depicts a lemon-filled sweet dough pie that was created by a competitor in preparation for the 2013 Sweet Dough Pie Festival in Grand Coteau.

Here's what you need to know about the festival:

1. There is no cost to attend the festival. Live music, blacksmith demonstrations and a cemetery tour with dramatic portrayals of past Grand Coteau characters are all free.

Grand opening set for Acadiana bakery

2. Bring a little cash. It's $5 to taste and judge the sweet dough pie contest entries. This year's categories include sweet potato, custard,  blackberry and fig flavors of sweet dough pie. It's an additional $5 to take a trolley tour of the historic town's church, cemetery and schools. Food from restaurants such as Grand Coteau Bistro and Blue Dog Cafe will also be available for purchase, as will arts and crafts from almost 100 vendors.

3. Bring a camera or free up storage space on your smart phone. Historic Grand Coteau is picturesque, and you'll find yourself wanting to snap a few photos.

Fig sweet dough pies are pictured at the Sweet Dough Pie Festival in Grand Coteau.

4. Get ready for pie. Lots of pie. About 15 to 20 vendors each sell 300 pies or more during the six-hour festival. That's about 6,000 sweet dough pies!

5. Sweet dough pies are unique. It's all because of the thicker, softer and sweeter pie crust that's not so very different from a sugar cookie. "It's a great way to start the day or end a meal with a cup of coffee," Fox says. "They're very good and can be very addicting."

This Advertiser file photo depicts a sweet potato sweet dough pie that was created by a competitor in preparation for the 2014 Sweet Dough Pie Festival in Grand Coteau.

The fourth annual Sweet Dough Pie Festival happens from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 24 on the grounds of St. Charles Borromeo Church at 174 Church St. in Grand Coteau. Learn more about the festival by visiting sweetdoughgc.com or by calling 337-945-4314.

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