2013 Pirogue Contest in Lake Charles, LA

Music by: Creedence Clearwater

Contraband Days 2013 Pirogue Building Contest
Harvey Kuttner -- Event Coordinator

The Quick & Dirty Pirogue Building Contest is a one day activity from the build to racing. The teams bring a pirate feel to the festival by picking themes, boat names, boat decorations and dressing in costumes. Awards are given for "Best Pirogue Construction", "Most Enthusiastic Crew", "Best Decorated Pirogue" and each "Race Winner". Each crew had 6 hours beginning at 10 AM Sunday, May 5, 2012 to build a 12' pirogue out of the material kit provided to them including 2 plywood sides 10" x 12' and 1 plywood bottom 27" x 12', 2 precut stems, 3 sets of ribs, 4 side rail 1x2's. At 4:30 PM the pirogue crews moved their completed pirogues to the start/finish line at the south end of the seawall cheered on by festival attendees, the crew members and the Buccaneers. "Ladies and gentlemen start your paddles."