WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Cajun Fest 2025 celebrated its Louisiana ties and brought a new player to the event this year, their 16-pound bacon-wrapped alligator.

The Cajun Fest was the brainchild of Steven Smith who wanted to bring flavors and pieces of his old life and share them with others.

“Smith was originally from Louisiana, and he wanted to find a way to bring his culture from there to here. With his new family, with his new friends, and let them enjoy everything that he grew up enjoying,” said Cole Horton, Cajun Fest Committee Member.

The event featured live music, street performers, activities, contests, and lots of food. Crawfish, gumbo, jambalaya, beignets, and more were all featured, but the big news was the new gator tables. The 15 gator tables sat eight people each, giving several people the opportunity to experience something they don’t often come across in the Midwest.

“It’s the southern culture, it’s that experience that is unlike anything else. It’s not traditional,” said Horton. “You’re eating with your hands, you’re getting a little messy. But you’re having a good time while you’re doing it. Listening to music that you wouldn’t normally listen to, having drinks you wouldn’t normally drink. It’s just that new experience of something you can’t normally get around here.”

Committee Members say the festival also serves as a community event that supports local charities, giving back more than $100,000 since its inception. Horton says they’re excited to bring the festival back next year.