Keeping Cajun Tradition Alive at the Mamou Cajun Music Festival

You had a range of ages at the Mamou Cajun Music Festival this past weekend. From toddlers to elders, the people just continued to arrive.
The crowd began to mingle as they waited to hear the Cajun sound of the accordion and fiddle ring throughout the Mamou Recreational Center Complex.
As The Cajun Tradition Band lead singer, Jamie Berzas, began singing french lyrics to the sound of authentic Cajun music, couples from the crowd, young and old, began making their way to the dance floor. There was never a song played that did not find itself accompanied by a slew of couples two stepping to the music.
Sixteen-year-olds Gracie Andrus and Lexi Fontenot enjoyed familiar territory at the festival. The Mamou students said, “We have been coming to this festival our whole lives.” This was evident as they took to the dance floor to enjoy dancing to the music that represents their heritage.
David and Lynda Stockinger also found themselves a spot on the dance floor. The Baton Rouge couple said, “This is our first time attending this festival and so far we are having a great time.”
The couple led the Cajun dancing workshop at the festival on Saturday. Lynda said, “We are just so excited to be here and to have the opportunity to teach the dancing workshop.”
The smell of Cajun foods such as Jambalaya and Boudin cooking filled the Mamou Recreational Center Complex. The festival offered to its guest the opportunity to enjoy true Cajun cooking.
The continual playing of authentic Cajun music gave the crowd plenty time to take breaks from the “fais do do” to consume authentic Cajun delights.
In its 44th year the Mamou Cajun Music Festival stayed true to the organization’s mission “preservation of our Cajun culture and heritage through our traditional Cajun music.”
The festival surrounded its guest with all things Cajun from the music played to the food guest ate.
The organization was successful in providing interest in the Cajun culture for outsiders.
Lynda spoke for her and her husband about their time spent at this years Mamou Cajun Music Festival. Lynda said, “We cannot wait to come back.”