Unique booths like airbrushing were also set up at the event. 

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T. MARTINVILLE — One of Acadiana’s spiciest festivals took place this past weekend in St. Martinville, when hundreds turned out to the Festival Grounds for the city’s annual Pepper Festival. 

An event that assists the St. Martinville Kiwanis Club’s mission of helping local boys and girls, the Pepper Festival remains one of the most well-attended festivals in St. Martinville. Along with the famous pepper-eating competition that started Saturday night, festival-goers were treated to a many other activities.

There was live music and dancing for the adults, with a full slate of musical groups that began playing Friday  on the Festival Grounds and lasting until the end of the two-day festival. 

For the children, a carnival was set up for youngsters to take part in enjoyable rides and games that kept them occupied and entertained. 

“It’s really about bringing the community together,” Sarah Guillory of Breaux Bridge, who has attended the past two years with her children, said. 

“There’s a lot of great music and you can just have a good time.”

In addition to the live music, dancing, rides and games, the popular event featured  arts and crafts, vendors, food, drinks, other live performances by local dancers and the famous pepper eating contest. A Pepper 5K Run and 1-mile Fun Run also were held during the weekend event.

Brandon Jackson of Lafayette, a first-timer to the festival who attended with his family, gave the Pepper Festival two thumbs up. 

“It’s great music. We’ve been here this whole time just listening,” Jackson said. “Good people and good times.”

Some of the musical highlights included Corey Ledet and His Zydeco Band Friday, along with a collaborative country performance with Kip Sonnier, Tammy Lynn, Jeff Dugan, Marc Hebert and Richard Comeaux. 

On Saturday, dance schools like the Twirling Divas and Dynamic Dolls took the stage along with the St. Martin Academy of Fine Arts for dancers and to display their talents. 

The Pepper Jelly Band, Untouchable Swirler Academy and Sideshow rounded out Saturday’s agenda with live music. The night ended with Geno Delafose and the French Rockin’ Boogie getting the festival crowd on its feet.