LLANO — Grab your bibs and Cajun up because it's time for the 28th annual Llano Crawfish Open.

What started out as a "thank you" from some Beaumont folks who wanted to show their gratitude to Llano residents for their hospitality during deer hunting season has become one of the most anticipated events of the Highland Lakes. For two days — Friday-Saturday, April 21-22 — Robinson Park in Llano is host to a crawfish feast.

It's not just about eating crawfish, though that's a big part of the celebration: The Llano Crawfish Open also raises money for a number of local charities.

OK, back to all the fun stuff.

The main crux of the Llano Crawfish Open happens at Robinson Park, 100 Robinson Drive about two miles west of downtown Llano on RR 152. Gates open at 10 a.m. both days. On Friday before 7 p.m., admission is free. After 7 p.m., it's $5. On Saturday, admission is $10 before 7 p.m. and $15 after 7 p.m.

You'll get to enjoy your fill of food, including boiled crawfish, jambalaya, barbecue, and boiled corn and potatoes. Crawfish and jambalaya will be served up by the pot loads.

If you've never dug into a heaping mess of crawfish, well, it's an experience. If you're a little unsure of how to crack open a mudbug, just watch the more experienced eaters.

You'll find plenty of other things to do at the Llano Crawfish Open such as arts and crafts, vendors, and kids activities both days.

Plus, the Llano Crawfish Open folks have packed in some great music. On Friday, Weldon Henson, Sam Williams, Big Gus and Swampadelic, and Courtney and Charly's Rock ’N’ Roll Revue entertain. That night, Jake Hooker and The Outsiders are the main attraction.

The music continues Saturday with J.J. Garrett Band and Steel Penny, Big Gus and Swampadelic, and Cadillac Gypsies.

Dub Miller will also be on hand.

The music wraps up when Kyle Park takes the stage that night.

Since this is Llano and we are in Texas, a good festival wouldn't be the same without some horses. The annual Crawfish Team Roping is Thursday-Sunday at the John L. Kuykendall Event Center and Arena, 2200 RR 152. The event starts at noon Thursday and 10 a.m. the other days.

On Saturday, the roping is a Junior NFR Qualifier as well. Check the Llano Crawfish Open website for when books open and close for the roping.

For the duffers out there, the Charity Crawfish Golf Open is Friday and Saturday with shotgun starts at 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. both days for this four-person scramble. Entry is $70 per person at the Llano Golf Club, 2835 RR 152 West. Call (325) 247-5100 for registration or more information.

With all that food at the Llano Crawfish Open, you might feel like you need to get some exercise, like a run or walk. Well, the Crawfish Crawler, a 5K run/walk, is 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Registration is $25 and starts at 7:30 a.m.

The Crawfish Crawler begins at the entrance to CR 116 at 2835 RR 152 West. Just look for all the folks gathering around as they wait for the starter's pistol to go off.

If you're a motorcyclist, check out the Crawfish Motorcycle Fun Run, which starts at 11 a.m. Saturday at Robinson Park. It's another way to enjoy the day and explore the area.

Go to llanocrawfishopen.com for more information and a rundown of events.

editor@thepicayune.com

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