What began over a quarter of a century ago as the brainstorm of Llano residents and a group of hunters from Beaumont has grown into quite the Cajun festival – and benefits local charities, too.
The Llano Crawfish Open returns for its 29th year April 20-21 at Robinson Park, about two miles west of Llano on FM 152, and features plenty of crawfish and Cajun food, live music, a golf tournament, a motorcycle run, arts, crafts and much more, in what is a little fun for everyone.
Cajun food is the big draw and what makes the festival unique from many others across the region. There will be plenty of crawfish, with crawfish, corn and potatoes piled high. As a matter of fact, there will be 18,000 pounds of crawfish boiled over a two-day period. A $12 ticket also includes brisket, sausage, beans and bread. The big flats full of crawfish piled high are available for $25. You better get there early, because you sure don’t want to miss this heaping pile of delicious Cajun food. Sausage wraps will also be available, as well as a bowl of jambalaya for $5. Later in the day, the ever-popular red beans and rice will be brought out for the event. Serving on Saturday will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
There’s plenty of live music, and a little bit to please everyone. Country star Tracy Byrd is the Friday night headliner, while local favorite Les Hartman will open things up on stage. On Saturday, Flatland Cavalry headlines the music with Eleven Hundred Springs as the opener. Other musical acts to perform at the two-day event include the Cadillac Gypsies, Dr. Zog, Squeezebox Bandits, Ca Va Bien Cajun Band and Courtney and Charly’s Rock N Roll Revue.
Don’t forget the activities for the young ones, too. Inflatable bounce houses and bungees are available during the day both Friday and Saturday, the arts and crafts show will also be held during the day Friday and Saturday.
The annual Crawfish Team Roping will also be held over a four-day period. Things begain at noon on Thursday, and continue with ropings which start at 10 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The always popular Charity “Crawfish” Golf Open is back both Friday and Saturday. The four-person scramble has a shotgun start at both 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on both days. Sign up is available by calling the Llano River Golf Course at 325-247-5100. Also at the scramble, the first person to hit a hole in one on the par 3 fourteenth hole wins a car, sponsored by Marble Falls Chevy/Buick.
For those looking for something more active, the annual Crawfish Crawler 5K Walk/Run kicks off on Saturday of the event, at 8:30 a.m. on County Road 116, off Ranch Road 152. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at the golf course driving range parking lot. All entries received by April 1 will get a free T-shirt, while those received after that point are on a first-come, first-served basis. Divisions, both male and female, are 15 and under, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 to 69 and 70 and over.
Those looking for fun on two wheels won’t be disappointed, as the motorcycle fun run is set to kick off at 10 a.m. and the last bike out will be at 2 p.m. There will be door prizes, a silent auction and awards. The Christian Motorcycle Association will also hold Sunday morning services at 8 a.m. at the Ray House.
Also, don’t forget about the live auction, which is set for 8:45 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Admission is free until 7 p.m. on Friday and is $10 per person after 7 p.m. On Saturday, admission prior to 7 p.m. is $10 and admission after 7 p.m. is $15. No ice chests or pets are allowed.
Don’t forget to open your hearts – and your wallets – as proceeds from the event benefit a variety of Llano County charities, such as Meals on Wheels, the food pantry, the Llano County Special Opportunity School and Activities Center, the Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center and more.
Come on out and join the party at the 29th annual Llano Crawfish Open. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
