May 10, 2022

Bayou GatorCraw Fest is coming to Manhattan

Posted May 10, 2022 10:00 AM

Blue Earth Plaza in downtown Manhattan will be transformed into a slice of Louisiana at the 5th annual Bayou GatorCraw Fest on Friday and Saturday.

Chef Que Purdy said organizers want to expose the community to authentic Cajun-Creole culture, food and music. "Everything at this festival will be authentic from the Cajun cuisine to the Zydeco bands traveling here from Louisiana."

The festival will feature a live crawfish boil, alligator on a stick, Junior Chef demonstrations, Gospel, jazz, swamp pop and blues bands.  Purdy said there will be a Kid's Zone including inflatable  bouncers, mini Mardi Gras Parade, Gator Whisperer with live Louisiana gators, storytelling, VIP zone, arts and crafts, games and local vendors.

Purdy is the owner of the catering company, MamaDeaux's, LLC.  The festival is organized by that MamaDeaux's Cajun and Creole Mobile Cafe. 

The g0al of this event is share the culture and also raise funds to assist community programs. The festival has partnered with Temple of Peace Church in Manhattan to bring Fibromyalgia Awareness. A portion of ticket sales from the event will be donated to the organization’s autoimmune advocacy program.