KAPLAN - Country music lovers will be thrilled to hear country music star Sammy Kershaw will be headlining the 2012 Louisiana Cajun Food Fest.

“The festival is usually held in October,” said Marlene Romero, program chairman, “but Sammy’s schedule was not open in October. Because we really wanted him to perform, we decided to change our festival date.

“He was just as excited to come to Kaplan for the Food Fest.”

With so much to offer, the Kaplan Chamber of Commerce members decided to hold some of the functions in two separate weekends.

The first of the events, the Queen’s Pageant (girls only) will be held Saturday, Sept. 22 at the KC Hall in Kaplan.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. with competition to begin at 10 a.m. Categories will include, 0-11 months; 12-23 months; 2-3 years; 4-5 years; 6-8 years; 9-12 years; 13-14 years; 15-17 years; 18-23 years and Mrs. (legally).

All winners will receive a festival crown, monogrammed banner and invitation to the MDA telethon.

The other event held the same day will be the BBQ cook-off held at the Kaplan Community Park (Turnley Park). Start time will be at 10 a.m. with judging at 5 p.m.

Categories will include brisket, ribs and chicken.

The BBQ cook-off is free to the public. To enter as a contestant, the fee is $30 per dish

The LSU game will be televised at the event.

Along with the cook-off competition, craft booths will be at the park.

Live music will begin at 12 noon and end at 8 p.m. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Brother Jac (Trent Turnley) and Johnny Guinn and Rue Louisiane.

The day of the festival will be Saturday, September 29.

The day will begin with an open car show beginning on the 300 block of Cushing. Registration is from 8-10 a.m.

Some of the awards given will be Best of Show, Best Engine, Best Interior, Best Paint, and Longest Distance will be given at 2:30 p.m.

The 8th Annual Cajun Food Fest includes a great line-up for all music lovers.

Starting off the music will be Donny Broussard and the Louisiana Stars at 12 noon.

From 3-5 p.m., Geno Delafose will take the stage and Louisiana Red will be entertaining from 5:30-8:30 p.m. During this time, a guest appearance by Cooyon Duhon will be from 7-7:30 p.m.

Kaplan’s own Sammy Kershaw will close out the day with his performance from 9-10:30 p.m.

Admission is $10 with children ages 10 and under will enter free.

All these events are being hosted by the Kaplan Chamber of Commerce.