Jammin’ and jambalaya

Thousands gathered at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center Friday and Saturday to take part in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s annual Swamp Pop Festival. PIctured, The Wayne Foret Band and saxophone player Leroy Plaisance were the first band Friday night to open the festival.

Also pictured, Tommy Holmes, second from left, discusses his chances after turning in a pot of jambalaya he cooked for judging during the Cystic Fibrosis Swamp Pop Festival Jambalaya Cook-Off Saturday. Holmes, whose nephew died from the disease, was sponsored in the contest by Hebert Steel. Owner Sterling Hebert has two grandchildren who take medication for cystic fibrosis, Holmes said. With Holmes are, left, Hill Lawson, Julie Holmes, and cooking helper Jason Horn.

Staff Photos by Wade McIntyre