3RD ANNUAL BUSH BASH- SPRINGFIELD, MO

May 11, 2024 (RAIN OR SHINE!)

This year on May 11th, The Bayou Bandit is hosting the Midwest’s premier Crawfish Cookoff and Cajun Festival at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in the Queen City of the Ozarks- SPRINGFIELD, MO!

 

EVENT DETAILS

Access will be provided through Gate 10 on Zoo Park Road, and you’ll find us located on the Northeast corner of the fairground property at the Central Buildings Event Center, visible from N. Grant Avenue.

Gates open at 10am for those that want to watch the teams cook, browse vendors or get in on the Silent Auction. Sampling of the crawfish dishes will be available to the Public, with paid admission, from 12-2pm, games and eating contests will follow and an awards ceremony will commence at 4pm. For the comprehensive schedule of events visit us on Facebook at “The Bayou Bandit” or on the web at www.mybayoubandit.com.

Our first year, 2022, brought us 12 teams that boiled crawfish.
Our second year, 2023, brought us 22 teams that boiled crawfish.
Year 3, 2024, should see us over the 30-team mark!
And, we have a new OPEN division in 2024 for dishes containing crawfish as the primary meat, but prepared in a manner other than boiling; for example, gumbo, jambalaya, etouffee, chowder, etc.

Don’t eat crawfish? That’s okay, we have you covered too. The Bayou Bandit crew plans to serve a variety, including boiled crawfish and shrimp, gumbo, smoked boudin, pulled alligator and pulled pork sandwiches. Sampling of the competition dishes is included with admission. Concessions from The Bayou Bandit and approved vendors during the event will be at additional cost.

EVENT ENTERTAINMENT

THE VYBES

DAN CONKLIN BAND

EVENT SCHEDULE: 10AM-9PM

10am
General Admission at Gate #10 on Zoo Park Rd.
Bayou Bandit Event Merchandise goes on sale.
Silent Auction opens.
Assorted Vendors open.
Observe the teams setting up and cooking.

11am
Dunk Booth opens.
Bayou Bandit Concessions open.
Boiled Crawfish, Boiled Shrimp, Smoked Boudin, Smoked Gator Sandwiches, Gumbo, Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Hot Dogs, Pickled Eggs & more.

12-2pm
Public Sampling of both divisions- Boiled & Open
(Sampling is included with paid admission while supplies last)

2:30pm
Kids’ Watermelon Eating Contest

3pm
Dunk Booth, Concessions and Auction Wrap-up
Adult (18+) Crawfish Eating Contest

3:30-4pm
Sponsor Recognition and Auction Results

4-4:30pm
Awards Ceremony

6-9pm
Live Music

ADMISSION FEES

Parking Day of Event: $5

Advance General Admission E-Tickets via Stubwire:
Age 0-7, Free Admission
Ages 8-15 General Admission- $10*
Age 16+ General Admission- $20*
*Does not include e-ticketing fees assessed by Stubwire at checkout.

Day-of General Admission:
Age 0-7, Free Admission
Ages 8-15 General Admission- $12*
Age 16+ General Admission- $25*
*Does not include fees assessed by Stubwire at checkout.

Schedule of Events for May 11, 2024
(Subject to minor revision)