Lake Charles Honors Juneteenth With Parade & Music

The Juneteenth Festival Foundation in Lake Charles presents the annual Juneteenth Parade and Sauce Piquant Cook-Off & Concert. Everyone is welcome to celebrate freedom for all. Now more than ever, we all need to come together. Come on out and enjoy this free, family-friendly event with great food, music, and guest speakers

The Lake Charles Juneteenth celebration continues in full swing on Thursday, June 19!

Parade Route - The Juneteenth Parade kicks off at 11 AM — rolling from Fitzenreiter

Road at the MLK Center, south on Simmons Street to Opelousas Street, over to Goos Blvd, and back to the MLK Center.

More - Learn the history of Juneteenth. What is it? Why is it celebrated today?

Sauce Piquant Cook-Off – taste bold Creole flavor and vote for your favorite!
Team Limit: One (1) entry per team – dish must be cooked on-site.

Entry Categories:
Chicken • Hen • Sausage • Turkey Necks • Turtle • Seafood

Teams Must Bring:
All utensils, pots, burners, fuel, tables, and ingredients.
Ice chests are allowed for cooking supplies only.
(Small 10x10 tents are recommended — No trailers or food trucks allowed.

Judging Guidelines
Each team will prepare 5 plated samples using the containers provided.
Judging Criteria:

Appearance

Meat (seasoning & tenderness)

Flavor

Overall Presentation

🏆 Prizes & Recognition
1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place winners will be crowned on stage!
Bragging rights and serious flavor cred are on the line.

📞 Have Questions?
Contact Antonio Duhon at 337-607-7337 for all registration or entry details.

Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or backyard cooking champ, this is your chance to spice up Juneteenth and show the community what Louisiana flavor is all about. Come hungry, leave inspired!

Let’s turn up the heat and celebrate freedom, flavor, and family — one bowl at a time!

Vendors & Games – shop, eat, and play all afternoon at the Lake Charles Event Center.

It’s a joyful tribute to freedom, culture, and community. This event is open to everyone and absolutely free. Don’t miss this incredible celebration of freedom, excellence, and resilience.