by Denise Gary
Photographs © Robert Gary (and Craig Kyzar where indicated)
The Kids Need to Read Cajun Crawfish Boil Charité was pure South Louisiana-style magic!
The atmosphere was laid-back, yet lively!
The food was diverse and absolutely spectacular!
Folks were chatting while enjoying the food and ambiance.
Children played games and smiled!
Adults played games and smiled, too!
The most thrilling part of it all was hearing displaced Louisianans express how the event perfectly captured the essence of an authentic Cajun boil.
The diverse menu of classic Louisiana delicacies included: Boiled Crawfish with Andouille Sausage, Taters, and Corn on the Cob …
… MawMaw’s N’awlins-style Shrimp Étouffée …
© Craig Kyzar
… Down Home Chicken Filé Gumbo …
© Craig Kyzar
… Old School Red Beans and Rice …
… French Bread, Pralines …
… and swamp juice for kids—and adults!
Of course, there was a mudbug-peeling demo.
It is always important to “suck dem heads”!
The mudbugs kept coming!
Door prizes abounded!
There was a moment of pure magic when this young man …
… won this prize!
It doesn’t get better than that!
Everyone went home with a $25 gift card from Bookmans, Mardi Gras beads, and a Kids Need to Read button; kids were also able to pick out a book to keep.
We offer our deep appreciation to everyone who supported the boil, whether through attendance, assistance, or sponsorship.
(KNTR Cajun Crawfish Boil Charité team, left to right: Christopher Gonzalez, David Ranck, Steve Gary, Debbie Brown, Denise Gary, Adam Goldman, Lori Cothrun representing sponsor Bookmans, Chef Sauce Boss, Michael Emerson, KNTR Chairman Tyson Breinholt, and Robert Gary)
And of course, we gratefully thank Chef Sauce Boss (Who Dat?), who brought the taste of South Louisiana so exquisitely to our desert oasis.
Merci Beaucoup to our generous sponsors, who are so supportive of the community: Bookmans Entertainment Exchange, Costco, Safeway, Sprouts Farmers Market, Target, and Walgreens.
Lori Cothrun of Bookmans Entertainment Exchange
This event is a tribute to Executive Director Denise Gary’s grandfather, Percy Viosca, Jr., who first developed crawfish farming techniques and taught them to Louisiana rice farmers to boost their income. His legacy brings prosperity, joy, and affinity to so many.
Y’all be sure to join us next April when the mudbugs return and we let the good times roll at the Kids Need to Read Cajun Crawfish Boil Charité!
Photo Gallery: Cajun Crawfish Boil Charité, with Chef Sauce Boss
