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Photos by Vicki L. George
October 10, 2019
Cajun Festival a huge success
By Vicki L. George
The Bandera Prophet
All reports are that the 2019 Cajun Festival was a rousing success. Held on Sept. 28 on the grounds of the Lakehills Civic Center, the attendance was impressive. Cars filled the grounds and the two large lots, adjoining the grounds and one over, and then lined Park Road 37 for a couple of miles in both directions. The buses shuttling festival goers ran continuously about every 15 minutes.
The Civic Center Newsletter just came out and indicates that the funds raised have helped immeasurably in keeping the center financed another year. The Medina Lake Betterment Association, which owns the center, thanks everyone who volunteered and worked so hard to make it a banner year for the festival.
The Great Gumbo Cook-off is the “hub” of the event and there were prizes awarded for the winners in three categories.
In the Professional group First Place went to Shirley Silver of “Sparky & Friends.” Second Place went to Ya Niemietz of “Kountry Kitchen.” Third Place was awarded to Southern Gals, who entered the contest for the first time this year.
First Place Amateur was won by Scott & Stephanie of “Calypso,” also first time entries. Second Place Amateur went to Yvette Lanning of “Tibby’s VooDoo Gumbo.” Third Place Amateur was won by Christopher Nuel of “Seasoned.”
For Culinary Students, First Place went to Lee High School of “Lee’s Culinary Arts.” Second Place went to South Sans High School as “Cooking Cats.” Third Place was awarded to Taft High School as “Taft Rouy Raiders.”
Showmanship was won by newcomers Scott & Stephanie of “Calypso.”
This year a special gift was presented to a special lady. To honor Ma Harper, of Ma Harper’s Creole Kitchen in San Antonio, the festival planners gave her a beautiful bouquet of flowers for her 90th birthday. Ma Harper has entered the Gumbo Cook-off every year for many years and has been a huge supporter of the Cajun Festival.
While this 39th annual festival was huge and final results have yet to be available, already the MLBA is looking forward to next year’s 40th annual Cajun Festival.
The Civic Center Newsletter just came out and indicates that the funds raised have helped immeasurably in keeping the center financed another year. The Medina Lake Betterment Association, which owns the center, thanks everyone who volunteered and worked so hard to make it a banner year for the festival.
The Great Gumbo Cook-off is the “hub” of the event and there were prizes awarded for the winners in three categories.
In the Professional group First Place went to Shirley Silver of “Sparky & Friends.” Second Place went to Ya Niemietz of “Kountry Kitchen.” Third Place was awarded to Southern Gals, who entered the contest for the first time this year.
First Place Amateur was won by Scott & Stephanie of “Calypso,” also first time entries. Second Place Amateur went to Yvette Lanning of “Tibby’s VooDoo Gumbo.” Third Place Amateur was won by Christopher Nuel of “Seasoned.”
For Culinary Students, First Place went to Lee High School of “Lee’s Culinary Arts.” Second Place went to South Sans High School as “Cooking Cats.” Third Place was awarded to Taft High School as “Taft Rouy Raiders.”
Showmanship was won by newcomers Scott & Stephanie of “Calypso.”
This year a special gift was presented to a special lady. To honor Ma Harper, of Ma Harper’s Creole Kitchen in San Antonio, the festival planners gave her a beautiful bouquet of flowers for her 90th birthday. Ma Harper has entered the Gumbo Cook-off every year for many years and has been a huge supporter of the Cajun Festival.
While this 39th annual festival was huge and final results have yet to be available, already the MLBA is looking forward to next year’s 40th annual Cajun Festival.