NEW IBERIA, La. --- Savor the difference at the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival on Sept. 24-28, 2014 in New Iberia. For 73 years, the festival has brought together sugar producing parishes to honor the sugar industry with royalty, sweet treats, fun and dancing in the streets. Set in historic New Iberia, the event has small town charm and features top notch entertainment.

"The Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival is heritage, a celebration of industry for all to be a part of and enjoy," said Doyle Copell, festival entertainment and logistics director.  

The Mitchell Brothers Shows carnival will run Wednesday through Sunday with 14 acres of rides and games for all ages at the Louisiana PepperPlex, 607 Sucrose Dr., off Highway 14 in New Iberia.

On Friday, there will be a special service and blessing of the crop at 10 a.m. at the Sugar Cane Festival Building, 600 Parkview Dr. Local merchants and residents will add to the fun, decorating their homes and shops with special signs, designs and sugar cane stalks.

Parades will begin Friday with the Boat Parade and fireworks at 5:30 p.m., immediately followed by the Candy Toss Parade hosted by the Berry Queens. The Children's Parade will roll Saturday, preceded by a free car show and Zydeco music at Bouligny Plaza located at 102 W. Main St. Sunday, King Sucrose, Queen Sugar and other sugar parish queens will cruise on New Iberia's award winning Main Street at the Royalty Parade.

Fais do do's will also spice things up at Bouligny Plaza. The fun starts on Thursday night with entertainment by Taken Back Yesterday and Spank The Monkey ($5 cover). On Friday, revelers will dance to the tunes of Louisiana Red and Wayne Toups ($10 cover). Saturday's headliners include Zydeco - Bad Boys, The Vermillion, Debbie Deb and Chee Weez ($10 cover). On Sunday, Colby Boudreaux and Southern Beat will play before the Royalty Parade (no cover). Children 12 and younger get in free to all performances.

Bouligny Plaza will offer a large selection of novelty items, arts and crafts, festival memorabilia and novelty items, along with hot and sweet treats. On Sunday, there will be a sugar artistry tasting exhibit hosted by KK's Café & Cakery from noon - 4 p.m. at 108 E. Main St.

The 4-H livestock show will be held in conjunction with the festival Thursday through Saturday at SugArena, 713 N.W. Bypass (Hwy. 3212). Iberia 4-H and FFA members will show hogs, steers, lambs and goats. For more information on the 4-H show, visit LSUAgCenter.com/en/Our_Offices/Parishes/Iberia/

The Hi Sugar 5K Run will start from Bouligny Plaza at 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 13. The race will conclude with food, drinks, awards and door prizes. For more information, visit Secure.CajunTiming.com/HiSugar5K.

Other activities include the coronation of Queen Sugar, judging of best decorated storefronts and homes, as well as a horticulture show, arts and crafts and a photography exhibit.

"The Board of Directors is made up of many talented individuals who work extremely hard to make the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival a fun and enjoyable event for everyone," said Jessie Breaux, festival president.

"We have a great line-up of entertainment as well as many beautiful visiting queens to grace our city. We're very thankful for the continued support New Iberia has given through the years. We'd love for everyone to come out and celebrate the 73rd annual Sugar Cane Festival with your family and friends."

For more information on the festival, contact Info@HiSugar.org, Facebook.com/LouisianaSugarCaneFestival 

For a complete schedule of events, visit HiSugar.org