Page 46 - Galveston Monthly Apr2019

OuT & abOuT | EVENT SPOTLiGhT

Galveston economy.”
Guidry says the event is designed to bring tourists and locals
together for one weekend where everyone will be treated as
family.
The cook-offs are one of the highlights of the festivities, says
Guidry, who founded the BigAss Crawfish Bash - which set
a Guinness World Record in 2017 for the largest serving of
crawfish in eight hours (58,083.98 pounds) in La Marque, Texas.
“We have 30 teams competing, and the names are always
fun - a lot of creativity ranging from Mudbugs, Tails, Buggin’,
Boilers, fun, Pinchin’, Bourbon, Suckers, etcetera. The names
will be displayed at the event on each tent, and you get to
choose People’s Choice.”
What would a Cajun festival be without music? Never fear, the April 26-27
lineup is sure to please - from pure Cajun and zydeco to country Friday 4pm–11pm, saturday 11am–11pm
and more, he says.
“My wife being from kaplan, Louisiana - an Acadiana girl born tickets start at $25
and raised - had the honor of choosing the lineup, and we all tin cups caddyshack, 9020 stewart road
think she did a pretty good job,” he says. “She demanded, if www.btrcajunthrowdown.com
we were going to bring a real Cajun Throwdown to Galveston ages 8 and under are free. Carnival separate.
island, then she knew just the right ones to invite.” Friday night includes all you can eat shrimp -
The lineup features high-energy Cajun artists, including while supplies last.
headliner and Billboard Country Chart topper frank foster. Saturday includes all you can eat crawfish and fixings
A native of Cypress Bottom, Louisiana, foster has several hit from up to 60 different cook-off teams -
albums under his belt: “Rowdy Reputation” (2011), “Red Wings while supplies last.
and Six Strings” (2012) “Southern Soul” (2013), “Rhythm and Cajun cuisine food trucks will be onsite
Whiskey” (2014), “Boots on the Ground” and “Good Country for additional purchase.
Music” (both in 2016), and “’Til i’m Gone,” which debuted at
No. 16 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart when it dropped in Oyster bar onsite for additional purchase.
2018. adult beverages will be onsite for additional purchase.
foster counts the likes of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, vendors will be onsite.
Lynyrd Skynyrd, hank Williams Sr., hank Williams Jr., Marshall Carnival available for children.
Tucker Band, Steve Earle, The Black Crowes, and Allman event is outdoors – rain or shine.
Brothers Band as musical influences on his sound. Covered area will be provided.
Other musical guests at the Bon Temps Rouler Cajun lawn chairs allowed.
Throwdown include Zydeco accordion player Richard LeBouef, no outside food or drinks allowed.
Jamie Bergeron, Travis Matte, the Alex Touchet band, Curtis no refunds.
Poullard, Tommy kib, Jason Cassidy, and Grammy Award-winner local law enforcement will be onsite.
Wayne Toups, known as the “The Cajun Springsteen.”
“Some of them are long time family friends of hers, some of
them are on her bucket list to meet them, but they were all to give $20,000 to St. Jude.”
hand chosen by her, and she has worked with everyone on The event also has partnered with Galveston independent
scheduling and getting it locked into place,” Guidry says of his School District, hitchcock Band Association, and Dickinson
wife. Education foundation, and Guidry hopes to be able to provide
“She grew up listening to these guys with her daddy, and she $10,000 to local education foundations.
has poured her heart and soul into giving Galveston this event.” Guidry says Cajun hospitality, coupled with the inherent charm
Attendees aren’t the only ones who will benefit from the of the Oleander City is a tough combination to beat - and he
event. Proceeds from the event benefit St. Jude Children’s hopes the Bon Temps Rouler Cajun Throwdown will become an
Research hospital, as well as several local charities. annual Galveston tradition.
“St. Jude Children’s Research hospital was chosen as our “i am a BOi (Born on the island). This is my roots. it is a
beneficiary because we want to make a difference and donate place that my wife and i love, and we want to give back to the
to help end pediatric cancer,” he says. community in any way that we can,” he says.
“We built a relationship with St. Jude for this event because “Galveston is a great destination place for a weekend, and
we believe in their cause. We believe in their vision. We we want to share that with everyone nationwide. if you love
believe in their mission. They do not charge any family for Galveston, she will love you back. …so come to the event to
oncology care during treatment - you never receive a bill. This is have a good time. Just enjoy the weekend, and help us start
something we want to help fund and be a part of… Our goal is this new festival… ya’ll come on - Ça c’est bon!” GM

46 | GALVESTON MONTHLY | APRIL 2019