From Louisiana to Washington: A Celebration of Culture at the Cajun and Creole Festival
Last month, the Cajun and Creole Festival in Kent, Washington brought the flavor of Louisiana to the Pacific Northwest with delicious food, live music, and energy through the roof.
Reginald Robinson, owner of Altha's Louisiana Cajun Store and Deli and organizer of the festival, affirmed the "love in the air.” He highlighted the dedication to authenticity, bringing musicians from the South and focusing on real Cajun food. "We just want people to feel that love and stuff that we had growing up," he explained. It's clear that the festival is more than just an event; it's a heartfelt effort to share a cherished way of life and foster connection cross-culturally..
Lucas Credeur, owner and operator at Champion Square Barber Shop, shared his excitement at the festival. "Every year it gets bigger, better, more people," he said enthusiastically. Originally from Lafayette, Louisiana, Creduer has been a Washington resident for five years and watched the annual festival grow and "refresh every year" where he can connect with his people. His words are a testament to the strong community that has formed through Cajun Fest, thanks to Credeur and other participants sharing their unique food, music, and hospitality with a curious and welcoming audience.
Lashaye Stanton-Phillips, Director and Founder of the Elegance Drill Team, experienced the overwhelming joy of the festival for the first time. Her team was invited to be part of the second line performance, an opportunity she felt honored to have. Stanton-Phillips touched on the importance of such events for the Black community in the Puget Sound region, especially as traditional gathering places have diminished. "It's important for us to have events like this because we don't have a mecca," she stated, highlighting the need for spaces where culture can be celebrated and shared freely and unapologetically.
A New Orleans Native, Quindre James beautifully encapsulated the spirit of the festival. "Louisiana, you can take us out but you can't take it out of us. We still here baby,” he said, speaking on bringing the "essence, the soul of what we are from" to the melting pot of cultures that is Washington State.
For James, the festival is about paying homage to Louisiana’s rich heritage and sharing it with others. "We got to throw our own gumbo in y'all melting pot," he exclaimed. The message from these participants is clear: the Cajun and Creole Festival is a joyful celebration of culture, community, and the enduring spirit of Louisiana.
Visit downtownkentwa.com to learn more about the annual Cajun & Creole Festival, and look out for more details for next year.
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