Water events announced for Contraband Days | Events

The water events at this years Contraband Days will kick off on Sunday, May 6, at 9 a.m., with the introduction of a new event called the “Geaux Reaux Your Pereaux,” where teams of three to five participants build and float their own pirogue boats.  At 4:30 p.m., teams will lower their boats into the lake and race along the seawall steps.  Prizes will be awarded for the fastest pirogue, and the crew with the best costume theme.  Information and registration is available at http://www.contrabanddays.com/special-events/pirogue-building-contest/.

Water events on Sunday, May 6, will continue with the Lake Charles Sail & Power Squadron and DuPont Sewer Systems call for an “all hands on deck” as they launch the “Show Me Your Dinghy” contest.  Captains of all seaworthy vessels of 19 feet and under are encouraged to decorate their dinghies in the theme of their choice. Contestants will set sail at 5:30 p.m. from the Lake Charles Civic Center seawall, as they compete for one of the top three best-decorated dinghies.  Free T-shirts will be given to the first 25 captains to register and participate in the competition and parade.

The U.S. Coast Guard will kick off the water events at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 12, with a rescue exhibition on the lake, and Jerry’s Marine will follow at 2 p.m. with a drag boat exhibition show.  Then, at 3 p.m. visitors on both land and water will enjoy the annual Contraband Days “Big Boat” Parade, with this year’s Grand Marshall, Bobby Thornton, from the Isle of Capri Casino Hotel.  All are encouraged to line up early to catch their share of the “booty” being thrown from the boats.

For more information about water events or Contraband Days festival, please find us at www.contrabanddays.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter at @ContrabandDays.  Twitter followers of Contraband Days will receive event notifications a half hour before each event’s start time.  To speak to someone directly, please call our office at (337) 436-5508.