The threat of rain is ever-present during Louisiana outdoor festivals, where sudden storms can put an unexpected damper on events that took months to plan.
That was the case last October for the Blackpot Festival & Cook-off at the Vermilionville Historic Village in Lafayette — two days of camping, cooking and competition on the banks of the Bayou Vermilion. Heavy rain held off the accustomed crowds, and as a result, the festival was short of money to pay vendors and musicians.
On Monday, Blackpot Festival organizers started an online fundraiser to raise $6,000 to make the outstanding payments.
Richard Boudreaux serves a black pot of gumbo he created to hungry festival goers in the Cajun Dinner Club booth during the Blackpot Festival and Cookoff held at Vermillionville, Saturday, October 25, 2025.
The post on the Blackpot Festival & Cook-off Facebook page read, “We need your help! Last year’s festival saw an unforeseen short fall in revenue and attendance due to a rain event. Normally that wouldn’t even slow down the Blackpot Family but unfortunately we are forced to ask for your help.”
Just two days later, the festival achieved its $6,000 goal to cover payments owed to Blackpot vendors and musicians. The festival will take place again this year at Vermilionville, on Oct. 23 and 24.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.theadvocate.com ’














