The annual event, started by Lt. Governor Nungesser in 2017 and held on the first Tuesday after Mardi Gras, celebrates crawfish season in Louisiana and across the Gulf South by granting an official pardon to Louisiana's highly favored crustacean.
Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, along with the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, granted an official pardon to Tony the Crawfish during the 10th Annual Pardoning of the Crawfish event at Tony Chachere’s Creole Foods in Opelousas, Louisiana.
“Crawfish isn’t just a meal in Louisiana — it’s a way of life and a cornerstone of our economy,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “Our state leads the nation as the largest domestic producer, harvesting roughly 150 million pounds each year and supporting thousands of farmers, fishermen, processors, restaurants, and families. Peak season brings communities together around backyard boils, festivals, and restaurant tables across Louisiana and the Gulf South. Today, we celebrate that tradition by sparing one lucky crawfish and officially pardoning Tony before he could end up on someone’s tray. It’s a fun Louisiana tradition, but it also highlights the pride we have in an industry that helps feed our people, fuel our economy, and showcase our culture to the world.”
The pardoned Crawfish named "Tony" in honor of the late Anthony "Tony" Chachere, the chef and founder of Tony Chachere's Creole Foods. In keeping with tradition, Barry Toups, owner of Crawfish Haven and Mrs. Rose’s Bed & Breakfast in Kaplan, caught and selected the guest of honor for his reprieve. Tony the Crawfish was then transported to Tony Chachere’s Creole Foods in Opelousas where he was the king of his own procession to his regal habitat. Lt. Governor Nungesser bestowed the official pardon upon Tony, delivering an official proclamation to the guest of honor’s namesake, the Chachere family.
Following his pardoning, the Louisiana Office of State Parks transported Tony to Chicot State Park in Ville Platte, Louisiana, where he will live out the rest of his days burrowing in the mud, swimming in the bayou, and making the state park his new home.
