Fur and Wildlife — The Oldest and Coldest Festival in Louisiana

It's called "the oldest and coldest festival in Louisiana" and, if past years are any indication, that billing holds up. I've been to the Cameron Fur and Wildlife Festival and let me tell you, It was nothing but cold. This year, for the F&W festival, the daytime temps will be in the low 50s and, when the sun goes down, the mercury will begin it's drop to a low in the 30s.

Not only is the F&W festival traditionally cold, but it's also one of the most unique events I've ever encountered. The festival caters to all ages and interests featuring parades, a Gumbo Cook-off, pageants, a 5k and 1 Mile Run/Walk, dances, Cajun music, exhibits and a carnival complete with amusement rides. You'll also see some contests that no other festival can offer. There are  unique contests like duck and goose calling, trap setting, nutria and muskrat skinning, oyster shucking and skeet shooting. Dog lovers and hunters always enjoy the dog trials. Not only that, but where else could you meet a woman that knows how to skin a nutria?

This year's festival will honor the crabbing industry for the very first time since it has become a huge livelihood to Cameron Parish residents.The Cameron Fur and Wildlife Festival is also all about the community and proceeds from the festival will benefit the Cameron Parish Junior Livestock Program, as well as a valedictorian scholarship program for the the high schools located in Cameron Parish.

The festival will be held on the fairgrounds in downtown Cameron, LA (located at the former Pat's of Cameron, 513 Marshall Street). So load that address into your mobile device and make your way to the "Oldest and Coldest" festival in the state! For more information visit www.lafurandwildlifefestival.com.