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Okra was brought to the U.S. by slaves transported from west Africa and has remained something of a staple in the southern states. While other okra-centric bacchanals take place in Alabama and South Carolina, St. Martinville -- about 15 miles south of Lafayette -- has the market cornered in Louisiana; the shindig takes place on the first Saturday in October every year.

Okra

Okra grows up to 2 feet tall and is similar in appearance to the cotton plant. It is the world's most drought- and heat-resistant vegetable but is vulnerable to frost, so it is cultivated primarily in tropical and subtropical zones. Only the seed pods of the okra plant are edible.

The Annual St. Martinville Okra Festival

The annual St. Martinville Okra Festival is held beneath the Evangeline Oak on New Market Street in downtown St. Martinville. The event began in 2000. An admission fee is charged, but children younger than 12 years old are admitted free. The event is arranged by the local African-American Museum and -- aside from the okra cook-off -- highlights include live Zydeco bands, dance recitals by the local high school dance club, local arts and crafts enthusiasts sharing their talents, and the election of an Okra King and Queen.

The Okra Cook-Off

The okra cook-off starts at 6 a.m.; the event opens to the public at 10 a.m. and lasts until 5 p.m. Each dish must feature okra as a main ingredient, but beyond that the only limitations are imposed by the imagination of the contestants. The fray pits professional and amateur okra cooks. The popular fried okra is regularly complemented by okra pies and okra boudin.

The St. Martinville Okra Festival Children's Pageant

The annual children's pageant is the most hotly contested nonokra action of the day. The diaper-swaddled rivalry for Baby Miss Okra Pod is bitter; contestants must be aged between newborn and 11 months. Toddler Miss Okra Pod is for 12- to 23-month-olds; Petite Miss Okra Pod is for 2- to 3-year-olds; Little Miss Okra Festival is for 4- to 6-year-olds; Junior Miss Okra Festival is for 7- to 9-year-olds and Debutante Miss Okra Festival is for 10- to 12-year-olds. Pageant make-up and hairstyles are discouraged; the organizers permit a little light make-up, but the Okra Festival values natural poise and charm over kitsch in its preteens. There are fees for contestants and audience.

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