Crawfish Craze in Ganado

By Jessica Coleman Staff Writer     The Ganado Volunteer Fire Department held their 14th annual Crawfish Festival on Saturday, April 24, and after having to skip 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, it was evident that people were glad to be back celebrating and raising money for the department.     

Crawfish and shrimp were served with red potatoes, corn on the cob, and sausage to hungry patrons, with tea and water to wash it down. Sodas, cold beer, candy and hot dogs were available for purchase as well.     

More than 1,150 people entered the gates and almost 900 munched on the 7,000 pounds of mudbugs and 200 pounds of shrimp.     

The yearly event is a main source of funds for the Ganado VFD, and residents look forward to attending for months in advance     

Since its inception in 2008 the festival has grown from a gathering at the Ganado KJT Hall, into a huge celebration at Devers Creek Park including food vendors, craft booths, inflatables and a rock wall for the kids, a live auction and a concert to wrap up the evening.     

The auction included items like Yeti Coolers, BBQ grills and fire rings made and donated by Ganado FFA students, home decor and professional services, as well as VIP tables for next year’s crawfish festival. Items were donated by local businesses and individuals.     

The evening wrapped with a concert by American Idol alum Colby Swift, a midfield native who appeared on the show’s 17th season. He covered popular tunes by artists like Christ Stapleton and Freddy Fender as well as treating the crowd to some original songs from his upcoming album.     

Total profits will not be available for about two weeks, but preliminary estimates are that the 2021 festival was a roaring success for the department, and perhaps the most successful yet.