The 2019 World Championship Jean Lafitte Pirogue Races will take place on Saturday, September 7, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 920 Jean Lafitte Blvd., Jean Lafitte.

“The pirogue races are a great tradition on Bayou Barataria going back to the 1930s,” said Tim Kerner, Jr., event organizer. “Last year we brought the Pirogues Races back to the bayou after years of not having them. It was a huge success and this year we plan on building on that excitement.  We are inviting the whole community and visitors from across the area to come together and enjoy wonderful local food, music and enjoy the pirogue races on the bayou.”

The event includes local food, arts and crafts and live music by Junior and Sumtin’ Sneaky and the Aaron Foret Band. The event will take place at the town’s Jules Nunez Seafood Pavilion and AJ & Sheron Fabre Market on Bayou Barataria at 920 Jean Lafitte Blvd., Jean Lafitte, next to the public boat launch. Other activities include a Cajun canoe builder and a pirogue history lesson.

The 2019 Jean Lafitte Pirogue Races will include the following categories:

·   Boys 13-16-year olds 300 Meters

·   Girls 13-16-year olds 300 Meters 

·   Men’s over 50 300 Meters

·   Women’s over 50 300 Meters

·   Decoy Pick Up Race

·   2-Person Canoe 300 Meters

·   Blindfold 100 Meters

·   Kayak Race 300 Meters

·   Women’s Work Boat 1 Mile

·   Men’s Work Boat 1 Mile

·   Men’s Racing Work Boat 1 Mile

·   Women’s Championship 2 Mile

·   Men’s Championship 2 Mile

For information on the event, email jeanlafitteraces@gmail.com or contact Timmy Kerner Jr. at 504-756-3714.  Updates will be provided on the town’s website www.townofjeanlafitte.com.