The Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival kicked off with the Shadows-on-the-Teche Farm Fest Thursday afternoon.

The annual event saw the Shadows grounds transformed into a children’s playland, with old time games and even a petting zoo surrounding the historic antebellum home.

Shadows-on-the-Teche Director John Warner said the turnout for the event had been above expectations, with local residents and sightseers filling the Shadows with their families to enjoy the preliminary Sugar Cane Festival event.

“The turnout has been great,” Warner said. “I can’t wait for next year.”

Children waited in long lines to take part in the various games that were on-site at the Shadows, including dart throwing, cup cake decorating and a variety of other activities.

While children enjoyed themselves, adults could grab a drink and food while listening to live bands on the other side of the facility, which had been decorated with tables, lighting and a stage for musical performances.