Serving the Business Community
Mardi Gras:
Mardi Gras occurs the day preceding Ash Wednesday and is french for "Fat Tuesday". Kaplan's Krewe of Chic-a-la-Pie was established in 1952 and has lived up to its goal of preserving the heritage of the Cajun culture. The parade is held downtown Kaplan on Cushing Boulevard with an estimated attendance of 8,000 to 10,000 revelers. There is costume judging and dancing held after the parade. Many other activities are held in the two week period prior to Mardi Gras day.
Maltrait Spring Bazaar:
Maltrait Spring Bazaar is filled with food, fun and games. The Bazaar is held in the Spring on the Maltrait Memorial Catholic School grounds from Friday at 5pm until Sunday on 7pm. The event benefits the private school with funds to assist with operating needs. Dancing and music, along with Cajun food and game booths are available for everyone to enjoy.
Le Jour de Cajun "The Day of the Cajun":
Le Jour de Cajun "The Day of the Cajun" is sponsored by the Kaplan Knights of Columbus Council #2913 and is held the first weekend after Easter. The festivities include area french bands from early morning into the evening hours. Along with great french music, there is an array of Cajun feasts including home-made baked items and hardy lunches served in a Cajun tradition. Many Cajun musicians are recognized for their contribution in preserving the Cajun heritage
Louisiana Cajun Food Fest:
Louisiana Cajun Food Fest is a fun filled one day event hosted by the Kaplan Area Chamber of Commerce. It is held the first weekend in October downtown Kaplan on Cushing Boulevard. The day's activities include a Cajun Cook Off, Queen's Pageant, live entertainment, children's activities, food and craft vendors. Through the proceeds of this event, the Chamber is able to accomplish many projects during the year.
October Fete:
October Fete is traditionally scheduled for the third weekend in October. The Fete is held on the Maltrait School grounds and features Cajun food, carnival, game booths and live entertainment. The event is hosted and benefits Holy Rosary and Cabrini Catholic Churches.
The Spirit of Christmas:
The Spirit of Christmas is an annual event held the first week in December. The week's activities begin with the Annual Chamber Banquet when the Man and Woman of the Year are honored as well as the Citizen(s) of the Year and Kaplan's Living Legend. In the days to come, Christmas gift baskets are displayed at participating member locations to be given away at the finale in Turnley Park. During the finale, Christmas music is preformed by area church choirs and of course, Santa has Christmas delights and pictures with the young ones. Various school organizations gather at the park to sell holiday goodies. This is the beginning to a great Christmas season for the city and it's merchants
Party in the Park Results:
Party in the Park, the kick off party for the Louisiana Cajun Food Fest, held on
Friday, August 20 in the Kaplan Community Park was a great success. Many thanks
to chamber board member Dwain Broussard, chamber member Chris Abshire, Sara
Abshire, Jerry Miller and Marian Landry for the GREAT BURGERS. Thanks to La
Cajun Food Fest Vendor Bart Turnley and Ryan Primeaux for the TWISTED POTATOES.
They were a site to see and a delight to taste. The potatoes will be available
at the La Cajun Food Fest in October.
The gift certificate winners are as follows:
B&B Daiquiri's - Monica Bass
B&B Daiquiri's - Charles Vincent
Backyard Pottery & Plants - John Gallet
Body Trendz - Nancy Simon
Cajun Hardware - Phillip Broussard
Comeaux's Produce & Plant Nursery - Mark Choate
Donut Queen - Christie Gaspard
Holiday Spirit - Shane Guidry
Kaplan Flower & Gift Market - Heather Simon
La de da - Tammy Navarre
Piazza Office Supply - Mary Istre
Sellers' Custom Decorating - Rene Guidry
Suire's Restaurant - Annette Stoutes
Walk On Me Flooring - Hillary Landry
Yours Truly Designs - Debra Sanders
The Auction Items went to Brenda Clark for the autographed guitar with the
Kershaw gift baskets going to Nancy Simon, Tommy Clark and Wayne Vincent.
The NIKL BEER BAND was great, the food was hot and the drinks were cold. We hope
everyone had a great time. Thanks to all who participated with special thanks to
chamber officer Christine Trahan as well as board members Marlene Romero, Kathy
Cormier, Angie Demette, Chance Romero, Charlie Vincent, Joey Bourque, Lisa
Broussard, Sandie Domingue and Laura Duhon
Upcoming Community Events:
Le Musee de Kaplan
Upcoming Chamber Events:
Kaplan Chamber Board Meetings
held the first Tuesday of each month
All members are welcome to attend
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La Cajun Food Fest Sponsorship
Great gift bags for all level of sponsorships. New and exciting additions to the $1,000 and more level sponsors. Get a few friends together and get your $1,000 sponsorship!!! Contact the chamber office for more information 336-643-2400.
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LA Cajun Food Fest Pageant
Rene Rost Middle School
