It's full on festival time in the state that knows how to fest better than most – except once again, due to pandemic restrictions, there are no fests right now. Though with vaccines widely available, and the recent easing of Covid-19 rules, a future with safe public gatherings suddenly doesn’t seem so implausible. Inspired by WWOZ and local restaurants whipping up everything from cheesy crawfish bread to high-proof strawberry lemonade, on this week's show, we look back at some of our favorite festival experiences as we gaze hopefully into the future.

We begin by meeting dozens of talented chefs at the Blackpot Festival & Cookoff, held annually in Lafayette. This gathering of musicians and cooks draws in more and more attendees each year with its come-one, come-all hospitality and generosity of spirit.

Then, we participate in "The Slowest Second Line on Earth" at Brennan's in the French Quarter, where we meet ten terrific turtles and a rapping judge.

Next, we join students, parents, teachers, and neighbors gathered for Edible Schoolyard's Sweet Potato Fest. We visit the garden at Arthur Ashe Charter School in Gentilly to help harvest crops and celebrate all things sweet potato.

Finally, we travel to Greenville, Mississippi for the annual Delta Hot Tamale Festival.

For more of all things Louisiana Eats, be sure to visit us at PoppyTooker.com.