The Louisiana Soul Food Fall Festival was three days of amazing Southern Cuisine, live music, a Vendor’s Village, a Judged Soul Food Cooking Competition, and various awards for culinary excellence. The event was held at the Louisiana State Fairgrounds from August 27th through August 29th. The chef competition was hosted by Celebrity Chef Darrell Johnson, Food Network Great Food Truck Race Season 10 Winner. Chef Competition Judges included SB Magazine’s Account Executive, Laura Scott Speer, and SB Magazine’s Executive Editor, Elizabeth Beard Deal.

Pancakes for Veterans was held at the American Legion Post 14 on Cross Lake.  It was simply a free breakfast to thank veterans for their service to our country.  There was no agenda and no speakers, just veterans.  There were, however, lots of pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs, fruit, coffee and juice, a beautiful view of Cross Lake and room full of Heroes.

1. Army Major Ret. Ron Chatelain, the Most Decorated Living Veteran in Louisiana with the Distinguished Service Cross, 2 Silver Stars, 2 Bronze V, and 5 Purple Hearts from Vietnam with Ada Duos and Sam Hugh
2. Kathy Duston with husband, Air Force Major Arthur Duston, F-105 Thunderchief “Thud” pilot in Vietnam.
3. American Legion Post Chaplain Willie McDonald
4. Navy Lt. and Marine Corp Battalion Surgeon Dr. Randy Kirchner with Capt. Charles Boyd with the 25^th Infantry Division, Navy 2^nd Class Quarter Master Donald Andries and Marine Corporal Rodney Murchison
5. Lois Kimble, Vickie Mericle, and Mary Beth James
6. Army ES Sargent Lee Anderson and Active Duty E7 M.S. Space Force Pamela Mericle
7. Retired E8 Airforce Ollie with Ada Duos
8. (8a – 8c)  Pancakes for Veterans at the American Legion Post 14 on Cross Lake

The NWLA Food Bank held a fundraiser at Red River Brewing Company last week, where guests brought in can food items and live music was provided by Chuck Jones.  Also, a portion of proceeds from every beer purchased went to the Food Bank. The mission of NWLA Food Bank is to serve as the primary resource for fighting hunger in Northwest Louisiana where they can turn a $10 donation into $100 of food for those in need in our community.  Donations of Time, Funds, or Food are always welcome.  To help out contact the Food Bank of NWLA @ foodbanknla.org .

Mudbug Madness celebrated their 37th year with a three day crawfish festival in downtown Shreveport’s Festival Plaza. Mudbug Madness is one of Louisiana’s largest and most popular Cajun festivals featuring Cajun, Zydeco, Blues and Jazz artists, lots of crawfish, cajun cuisine, crawfish eating contests, vendors and fun for all ages.  Thousands came out to enjoy live music from top headliners such as Cajun Zydeco Grammy winner Wayne Toups,  New Orleans Party Band Bag of Donuts, Soul Grooves, East Bayou Ramblers, Sister Hazel, Bayou Gypsy, Chubby Carrier, and Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas to name a few.