Chances are, there's a fest somewhere

• By LISA TRAMONTANA
• Newsfeatures staff writer
• Published: Dec 30, 2005

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• %20When%20you%20live%20in%20Louisiana,%20it's%20not%20hard%20to%20find%20a%20reason%20to%20celebrate%20...anything%20...%20anywhere%20...%20any%20time.

  %20Maybe%20that%20explains%20why%20there%20are%20more%20than%20200%20fairs%20and%20festivals%20in%20Louisiana%20each%20year.%20We%20celebrate%20music,%20food,%20culture,%20art%20…%20and%20no%20matter%20where%20you%20live,%20there's%20a%20celebration%20near%20you.%20Here%20are%20ju" target="_new"> Digg

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When you live in Louisiana, it's not hard to find a reason to celebrate ...anything ... anywhere ... any time.

Maybe that explains why there are more than 200 fairs and festivals in Louisiana each year. We celebrate music, food, culture, art … and no matter where you live, there's a celebration near you. Here are just a few festivals that make Louisiana unique.

September

FESTIVALS ACADIENS, Lafayette. South Louisiana is a melting pot of cultures and this event highlights them all. There's Cajun and zydeco music, and Cajun and Creole cooking. There's also the popular Downtown Alive!, a TGIF party downtown. Enjoy arts and crafts, cook-offs and several smaller, more specialized festivals, all against a backdrop of great live music. (337) 232-3737.

October

RURAL LIFE HARVEST DAYS, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., LSU Rural Life Museum, I-10 at Essen Lane. History buffs will love this Baton Rouge festival that takes visitors back to 19th century life on Louisiana farms and plantations. Watch syrup making, candle making, plowing and corn grinding demonstrations. (225) 765-2437.

ANGOLA PRISON RODEO, Louisiana State Penitentiary, Angola. Besides the obvious rodeo attractions, this event includes jewelry, leather goods, paintings and woodwork handcrafted by inmates. And each weekend, music is provided by several inmate bands. Concession stands serve hamburgers, hot dogs, Frito pies, po-boys and a variety of other dishes. www.angolarodeo.com.

November

HIGHLAND GAMES OF LOUISIANA, Federal Republic of West Florida Park, Jackson. Everything Scottish is featured at this popular festival. Enjoy traditional Scottish food and drink, Scottish wares, live entertainment, clan and society tents, tug-of-war, sanctioned Highland athletics competition, Scottish country dance, Tartan Ball, Highland dance competition, bagpipe competition, sheep dog demonstration, children's events, food and much more. www.lahighlandgames.com.

March

TENNESSEE WILLIAMS/NEW ORLEANS LITERARY FESTIVAL, Le Petit Theatre, 616 St. Peter St., New Orleans. Tennessee Williams, who once made his home in New Orleans, is now honored with this annual literary event that features master classes, literary panels, theater, music and a book fair. Don't miss the famous scandal tour, which is offered daily. www.tennesseewilliams.net.

April

PONCHATOULA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL, Ponchatoula. Get set to enjoy carnival rides, food booths, a parade, an auction, sack races, egg tosses, talent show, live musical entertainment, and (of course) a strawberry eating contest. (985) 542-7520.