LAPLACE — Attendees who bring a canned food item to the admission gate Friday at The St. John the Baptist Parish Andouille Festival can enter the gates for just $1.

The donated canned goods will be provided to St. John Ministry of Care.

The $1 entry fee is one of many specials planned during the 42nd Annual Andouille Festival, which includes bands, craft and food vendors, rides for children and much more.

The festival runs Friday through Sunday.

Highlights include the Jazz Brunch, with tickets for $30, which runs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday in the St. John Community Center and offers entertainment by New Orleans’ own “Songbird” Robin Barnes.

Tickets are available at the Parish President’s Receptionist’s Desk located inside the Percy Herbert Building at 1801 W. Airline Hwy in LaPlace.

Advanced All Weekend Pay-One-Price Ride Bracelets are $50 and allow those who have them unlimited ride access throughout the entire festival weekend. Pay-One-Price tickets will only be available for purchase through Thursday.

Four-hour Session Pay-One-Price Ride Bracelets cost $20 in advance and $25 at the Festival. Session times are 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, 1 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday.

All ride bracelets can be purchased during normal operating hours at Matherne’s Supermarket in LaPlace, Greg’s Supermarket in Reserve, Don’s Supermarket in Reserve and at the West bank Courthouse in Edgard.

Festival organizers said the three-day weekend event offers an exhilarating celebration of savory foods that feature Andouille, performing arts, outdoor entertainment, crafts and activities for the entire family.

Originally initiated as a fundraiser for the LaPlace Volunteer Fire Department at the drag strip in 1972, the festival has evolved into a parish-sponsored event supporting non-profit organizations and local businesses.

Log onto andouillefestival.com for more information.

This year’s music lineup includes a Friday night concert featuring the Topcats, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters and Phunky Monkeys.

The Saturday performances include country-rock power vocalist Kayla Woodson and alternative rock group The Vettes. The world-famous New Birth Brass Band will lead the Second Annual Second-Line Parade on festival grounds, which festivalgoers are invited to participate in prior to their performance at 2:30 p.m.

Local favorites Off the Hook, IMAGE and MoJEAUX will rock the main stage that evening.

On Sunday, “Andouille Run” participants will be treated to music from the Changing Times Band and later that day Amanda Shaw & The Cute Guys, Category 6 and Big Sam’s Funky Nation are scheduled to perform.

The New Orleans based super pop quartet Bag of Donuts will close out the festival at 6 p.m. Sunday.

In addition to the main stage, attendees are encouraged to visit the Gospel tent for Gospel music on Sunday.

Festival coordinators are encouraging residents and businesses to participate in the various events scheduled throughout the festival, including an Andouille Cook Off Contest, the Dang Douille Eating Contest and an Apron Art Contest.

Local chefs, seasoned professionals and aspiring cooks are invited to participate in an Andouille cook-off.

Dishes must be prepared with Andouille as the main ingredient and may include but are not limited to appetizers, soups, gumbos, entrées or desserts. The cook-off will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday with judging promptly at 5 p.m. and the announcement of the winner at 5:30 p.m.

The deadline to enter the contest is Friday.

Individuals who cannot get enough Andouille can register for the Annual Dang Douille Eating Contest. Contestants will be challenged to eat as many slices of Andouille as possible within a certain amount of time.

The contestant who eats the most Andouille is declared the winner.

The entry fee is $10 and the deadline to enter is Saturday at 2 p.m.

Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place winners.

Runners, joggers and walkers are invited to participate in the five-mile run and two-mile run/walk Sunday, beginning and ending at the Thomas F. Daley Memorial Park. The registration fee is $20 at the race. Participants can register at the St. John Sheriff’s Office, 1801 W. Airline Highway. Following the race, participants will be treated to free food and refreshments.

For more information, contact Za Maurin, 985-703-0917 or zamaurin1@gmail.com. Race proceeds will benefit Keep St. John Beautiful.

The Andouille Festival is also sponsoring its annual Apron Art Contest for school-age children.

The contest is open to all sixth, seventh and eighth grade art classes in St. John the Baptist Parish, and cash prizes will be awarded to winners.

Contestants must incorporate Andouille or seafood in their artwork, and entries are due by Thursday.

Each entry must include a digital image of the project and a 500-word essay on why art matters, the impact of art on students, and plans to further school arts with the prize money.