For the fifth year, the Lydia Cancer Association held its Cajun Food Fest and Fais-do-do at Weeks Park to benefit cancer patients in Iberia, St. Mary, St. Martin and Vermillion parishes.

Jackie Landry, a five-year member of the cancer association, said that this year’s event was even larger than the last, with more tickets sold, more vendors and a larger crowd.

“The proceeds go to help cancer patients that are in financial need,” said Landry. “We pay utility bills, doctor bills and things like that.”

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Landry said that the group started from a Relay for Life team in 1998 and eventually evolved into a full blown festival that raises money for cancer patients.

“This year’s festival was beautiful and I’m glad that the weather didn’t stop anyone,” said Landry. “There was so much preparation that went into this weekend that we were all glad the weather held up.”

Saturday afternoon drizzles did not discourage Kristina Tallo of Baton Rouge and Ricardo Cortez of Lima, Peru from attending the festivities.

Tallo, said that she and Cortez heard about the festival on the radio and decided go out and enjoy some good food.

“The food is good and the prices are reasonable,” said Tallo. “I know that there are some concerts going on, but I’d rather stick around the food booths.”

Cortez said that although he works in New Iberia he had never been to the neighboring town of Lydia.

“It seems like a nice community with good people and definitely good food,” he said.

With more than 30 food vendors packed into the park and an even longer list of corporate sponsors, the fifth annual festival attracted people of all ages, with activities like volleyball and rock climbing for the more athletic individuals.

Sisters Jenna Touchet, 13, and Tori Folks, 12, both of New Iberia watched as their friend Tiffany LeBlanc, 12, of New Iberia conquered the rock climbing wall.

“It’s really hot out here, but I do two hours of cheerleading almost everyday so I can handle it,” said LeBlanc.

Although the rock climbing wall topped LeBlanc’s list of fun things to do at the festival, Touchet and Folks agreed that catching up with their friends who attend different schools was the most exciting part of the weekend.

“We all came with my mom and at first we didn’t know if we would be able to come out here,” said Touchet. “But we were really glad that we could come especially because we know that the money they’ll raise will help people.”

Juliet and Mouse Landry of Franklin said that they have attended the festival several years in the past.

“We found a booth with excellent jambalaya so we’ll probably get back over there pretty soon,” said Juliet Landry. “Being here is our way of paying respect to the people of Lydia and to the people who lost their lives to cancer.”