Extravaganza extraordinaire, one of the most anticipated events of the year, The Mandeville Seafood Festival, is finally here.

The festival, which has provided entertainment and food for 30 years, is ready once again to outdo last year’s record-setting crowds.

According to www.seafoodfest.com, the Northshore equivalent of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival has relocated from the longtime Lakefront location to Fontainebleau State Park located at 67825 U.S. Highway 190 in Mandeville. The official Web site of the festival states the move is warranted due to its enormous popularity. On average, the gala brings in over 10,000 people per day.

2008 Seafood Festival Poster

Gates will open from noon and close at midnight today and tomorrow and 10:30 p.m. on Sunday. Admission price is $10 with military personnel, seniors 65 and older, and children under 10 free. No coolers are allowed but pets are being allowing in the park areas if they’re on a leash.

The festival began yesterday, and has already featured plenty of entertainment with Leif Pedersen’s 1944 Big Band and a special Summer of Love concert that featured plenty of acts including the Jefferson Starship band.

The event will boast three stages with its main, the AT&T stage, located near the beach area. It will also feature 20 food booths serving seafood dishes as well as alternative dishes, arts and crafts booth and a children’s entertainment area.

Last but not least will be the fireworks show highlighting the event planned for tonight at 8:45. The fireworks display will be choreographed with patriotic music and can best be viewed near the main stage area.

Officials said there is some parking available in the park but event-goers should park their vehicles in the Castine Center located opposite the park on U.S. 190 where a shuttle service will be available for transportation to the festival.

Said to be the largest and longest running festival in St. Tammany, the nonprofit Greater Mandeville Seafood Association, with a 100 percent volunteer membership that includes security provided by law enforcement officials, runs the event. The festival also makes contributions to area charities and has provided more than $1 million to various Mandeville organizations.

For more information on the event, visit www.seafoodfest.com.