This years Mudbug Madness festival kicks off today in Downtown Shreveport's Festival Plaza, and it is going to be delicious!  There's so much going on, you've got to have a game plan going in, or you'll miss out on some of the most fantastic food, live music, games, and just plain unique entertainment Shreveport has to offer!

The festivities kick off today with a celebrity crawfish eating contest at noon.  Day passes are $5 for most folks, but kids under 7 and members of the military with an ID get in free!  If you'd like a preview of the fun, everyone gets in free today and tomorrow (Thursday and Friday) from noon till 5 pm.

The Mudbug Madness parade will kick off the opening ceremony at 6:30 pm today, followed by a wide assortment of musical entertainment on 3 stages.  Friday will feature more fantastic entertainment and more delicious crawfish and drinks.  Saturday will add the Men's mudbug eating contest at 1:30 to that mix.  If you're over 21, have $25 for the entry, and have the stomach capacity of a legend - you've got a shot at greatness (and a tummy full of crawfish).  The Mudbug Calling Contest will commence at 4:15 on Saturday as well, and you don't want to miss the incredible artistry of the human attempt to mimic the mighty swamp lobster's call.  If you're planning on going Saturday night, work up your appetite first with the Mudbug Madness 5k.  The race starts at 6:45 pm, and not only will winners receive cash prizes, every racer that brings in their numbered bib get's in to the festival for free! Sunday will see more fantastic music, the kids will try their hands at a mudbug eating contest at 1:30, and the no-holds barred Women's crawfish eating contest, which is set to start at 2:30.

If you have a place in your heart for Louisiana's best food, music, and fun - don't miss it!  Get the complete schedule and musical lineup at mudbugmadness.com.

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