THE SWEET GOLDEN YAM (sweet potato) has been something to celebrate ever since the Frenchmen, who established the first settlement here in 1760, discovered the native Indians eating sweet potatoes. Already tested by the Attakapas, Alabama, Choctaw, and Opelousas Tribes, the tasty nourishing sweet potato became the favorite food item of the French and Spanish settlers, who in 1765, established a trading post near Opelousas. Thus the Indians, French, Spanish and Acadians, who later migrated from Canada, devoted their efforts to making the “golden yam” a prime crop.

62nd Yambilee Queen - Lindsey Cooper

The first Louisiana Yambilee festival had a queen, Jean Horecky of Church Point, no king and 2 Co-Mr. Yams, Jack Herbert and Alfred Lagrange, both from Opelousas. The first king reigned during the second festival and was R.J. Castille of Sunset.

We look forward to seeing you this year at the 62nd Annual Louisiana Yambilee Festival.

"And we guarantee, You'll have a Yam-Good-Time!"