Contraband Days Pirate Festival, April 27-May 9
Featuring Grammy-nominated artist Jake Owen!

The City of Lake Charles is gearing up for its annual Contraband Day Pirate Festival, when Pirate Jean Lafitte and his band of buccaneers sail in and seize Lake Charles each May. Legendary pirate Jean Lafitte is said to have frequented Lake Charles, docking his boat right along the sandy shores hundreds of years ago.

Rumor has it that he'd even buried treasure somewhere along its banks. Venture down to the Lake Charles Civic Center seawall and visit with the modern-day "pirates," in full regalia. On the first night of Contraband Days Pirate Festival, witness the cannon fire as the citizens of Lake Charles try to defend the seawall, only to have the pirates capture the mayor, put him on trial and make him walk the plank!

The festival is in its 53rd year, and crowd favorites like the storming of the seawall, walking parades by the buccaneers, food, music, fireworks and carnival rides will delight and entertain the young and the young at heart. Two new attractions at this year's festival will be the Sea Lion Splash and the Pirates of Columbian Caribbean. Witness the hilarious and charming tricks of the sea lions and the death-defying feats of pirates dueling as far as your eye can see.

Grammy-nominated country music artist Jake Owen will take the stage on Saturday, May 1.  Wayne Toups will go back to his spicy Cajun roots when he performs his distinctive blend of French-inspired fusion of rock, folk, and R&B on Sunday, May 2.  Local performing group Chris Flowers & Louisiana Express will play Saturday, May 8, and many other bands have also been scheduled during the festival along with several acts on the Kid's Stage. The Junior Bassmasters State Fishing Tournament will take place May 8.

For the latest updated schedule of events for Contraband Days, visit www.contrabanddays.com, or call the festival office at (337) 436-5508. For information on Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana, visit www.visitlakecharles.org.