Crawfest to Benefit Therapetics

Crawfish will invade Tulsa on Saturday, May 17 at Hebert’s Crawfest 2008.

Crawfish will invade Tulsa on Saturday, May 17 at Hebert’s Crawfest 2008. It’s a day of authentic Cajun cuisine, with crawfish as the star of the menu, all to benefit Therapetics Service Dogs of Oklahoma. Hebert’s Specialty Meats, located in the big red house on 71st just west of Lewis, will host the 8th annual event from 11 a.m until 7 p.m.

Dishes being served will include crawfish etouffee, crawfish boudin and boiled crawfish, red beans and rice, cajun sausage sandwich, corn maque choux and, to top it all off, bread pudding.  

Returning this year is live Cajun music, provided by Jr. Hebert and the Maurice Playboys. If the rhythm gets your feet moving, there will be plenty of room for dancing.

The famous crawfish eating contest and the crawfish race draw laughter, cheers and excitement year after year.

Therapetics Service Dogs of Oklahoma will be at the event with a few of their special canines. A portion of the proceeds from Crawfest 2008 will support this organization, specializing in training service dogs for Oklahomans with physical disabilities. Therapetics dogs are trained to open and close doors, pull a wheelchair, provide balance, turn lights on and off, retrieve dropped items and go get help.  It can take up to two years and more than $14,000 to train each service dog.  Because of generous supporters, the organization is able to provide the dogs free of charge to qualified applicants.

Crawfest originates with a Louisiana tradition that celebrates the crustaceans harvesting in the spring. Hebert’s owner, Ed “Cajun Ed” Richard, says his local festival is patterned after the giant celebration in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, home of musician Branford Marsalis and the city known as “Crawfish Capital of the World.”

Currently Hebert’s is receiving shipments of fresh crawfish every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  “People can get them live or boiled.  Any way you want crawfish, we’ll give it to you,” says Cajun Ed.

They also offer crawfish souvenirs: kitchen boards, trays, trivets, salt and pepper shakers, cocktail sauce bowls, hats, earrings and special cookies stamped in the shape of crawfish.

Hebert’s has Cajun mixes, such as Louisiana Fish Fry, Swamp Dust, Zatarain’s and Ball’s Cajun Seasoning, for those who enjoy boiling and cooking crawfish at home. These are great for shrimp and vegetables, too. Spices are available in cupboard-size containers or, for serious Cajun cooks, by the gallon.

Rain or shine, Crawfest 2008 will go on.

If you’re planning a party or special event, keep Hebert’s in mind. Cajun Ed and his crew can deliver dishes everyone craves. You can pick it up or have your event at our location.  

This year’s Crawfest is all about great food, fun, music and helping out a worthy cause. Bring your whole family, including your dog, to Crawfest 2008 on Saturday, May 17.

Hebert’s Specialty Meats, home of the world famous turducken and deboned poultry, is located at 2101 E. 71st St. They are open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They offer a lunch special from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, for dine-in or carryout. Hours for Crawfest 2008 are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, contact

Hebert’s

Specialty Meats

www.hebertsmeats.com

About Author Deanna Rebro

Deanna Rebro has worked in the publishing industry 30+ years, including eight years writing for Value News. She has also worked in real estate for the past six years. Deanna graduated from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio with a B.A. in Journalism. Outside of work, she serves as Vice President on the Board of Directors for Pet Adoption League. “Every story I write is a learning experience,” she said.