Despite the showers that came and went, the Louisiana Smoked Meat Festival went on with large crowds on hand at all of the events.

      Dozens of cooking booths were on hand all around the Ville Platte Grand Pavilion this morning as both Amateur and Professional cooks prepared highly secret smoked meat recipes in hopes of garnering the prized smoke house grand prize. There were 34 judges from out of town on hand judging about 100 dishes in various smoked meat dishes. Among the judges were long time Baton Rouge Advocate Columnist Smiley Anders and his wife.

       The opening ceremonies were very impressive as a team of Acadiana veterans and flag bearers representing the five branches of the military: army, marines, navy, air force and coast guard along with a special flag for the missing in action. Guest speaker was Col. Joey Strickland, Secretary of the Louisiana Office of Veterans Affairs. Special 50^th anniversary pins were given to Vietnam Veterans in attendance.

     During the opening ceremonies, the Francis Reed distinguished smoker award for 2017 went out to Bob Reed of Cajun Grillerz cooking team.

     KVPI’s Carly Chaumont and Mark Layne were there covering the opening ceremonies and interviewing some of the cooking teams this (Saturday) morning.

     KVPI News will have all of the results of the cook off by Monday morning. Keep listening for all the details.

    Both Carly and Mark were able to meet with Country star headliners Aaron Tippen near his bus for a meet and greet after the broadcast.