One of the premier benefits in Louisiana is getting a new home, after a pause last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Hogs for the Cause is one of the biggest food-based festivals in a state that loves to eat. Teams from all over the nation, including Acadiana, compete for the Best BBQ honors, with proceeds benefitting families dealing with pediatric brain cancer. It has come to be the largest fundraiser in the US for supporting the cause, and the last event raised over $2 million dollars.

The outdoor festival traditionally draws thousands of participants and hungry fans who not only love to eat but listen to a stellar live music lineup for the weekend. And event co-founders Rene Louapre and Becker Hall are determined to move the festival forward, and that includes smaller crowds and strictly enforced safety protocols. Louapre told NOLA.com “We have commitments to families and programs around the country. The pandemic hasn’t stopped the needs of these families."

The festival is usually held in March, and last year it was one of the first events to cancel because of the pandemic. This year "Hogs for the Cause" will be moved from the area around the UNO Lakefront Arena to a new home in Belle Chasse, just outside of New Orleans. The new dates will be June 4 and 5, and tickets went on sale on Thursday. The location change is due to the arena being used as a COVID-19 testing site, and also because New Orleans is currently limiting large crowds to 150 people because of coronavirus guidelines.

We're looking forward to seeing some of our amazing Acadiana teams competing again this year.

 

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