Ingredients near perfect for 30th crawfish cook-off

Mix at least 400 pounds of crawfish, sunshine and a few thousand people and its the starting ingredients to pass a good time at the 30th World Championship Crawfish Etouffee Cook-off Sunday. 
The cook-off is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Northwest Pavilion on Samuel Drive. 
The event’s focus will be on the 25 or more teams cooking the etouffee to be served at about noon. 
Kelly Pitre, Eunice Chamber of Commerce president, said the cook-off is the main fundraiser for the chamber. The proceeds help support the chamber, its donations and scholarships, she said. 
“Last year we had 4,000 to 6,000 people estimated,” Pitre said. “This year we are hoping for quite a bit more.”
The forecast is for sunshine and temperatures in the lower 70s. 
Among the top reasons to attend the cook-off is “Number one, first and foremost, is the crawfish etouffee,” Pitre said. 
“This is the world championship crawfish etouffee cook-off, so these are top-notch chefs cooking in professional and amateur divisions as well as clubs and organizations,” she said. “These people have been cooking for years and have been developing the best recipes.”
Pitre said, “After that I’m going to go with the music. Again, we have wonderful bands lined up.”Le Plaquemine Brulee is first on stage at 10 a.m. followed by Horace Trahan & Ossun Express at noon and at 2 p.m. Steve Riley & High Performance. 
“I think those names really speak for themselves,” Pitre said of the bands. 
There is more food offered than etouffee. 
“There is going to be funnel cake, jambalaya and there is a new one this year and he is doing fried boudin on a stick,” she said. “I’m kind of looking forward to trying that out.”
Another top reason for attending is the arts and crafts, she said. “Things you can’t always find at your average Walmart,” she said. 
Activities for children are also top on the list for Pitre as a reason to attend. 
Fun jumps, pony rides and a petting zoo will be there to entertain children. 
The cook-off also is an opportunity to mix with friends. 
“Most of the people, the who’s who of Eunice, show support for not only the chamber, but for the community,” she said.