Mandeville Seafood Festival History

The Greater Mandeville Seafood Festival started in 1978 by the Greater Mandeville Jaycees as a fund-raising event for community projects in the Mandeville area. In 1985, the Jaycees dropped their charter and the Mandeville Men's Club was formed in order to continue the festival for the community.

From 1978 through 1984, the festival was held on the lakefront "Harbor" area, in Mandeville. In 1985, it was moved to Fountainbleau State park where it continued until 1992, when it returned to its original location on the Mandeville lakefront "Harbor" area. In 2008 the festival returned to Fontainebleau State Park and has now found a permanent home there. The event is held annually on the July 4th holiday weekend.

The Mandeville Seafood Festival is the oldest festival held in St. Tammany Parish. Attendance is estimated at over ten thousand people per day.

Throughout its history, the seafood festival has benefitted many organizations and charity programs. From 1990-2000 the profits from the festival benefitted the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation and are used by the foundation as match funds for federal grant programs.

The primary benefactor of the festival for the past few years has been Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Research Center and other Mandeville area charities.

This years festival will feature 20 food booths serving seafood dishes as well as alterative dishes, Arts & Craft booths, a Children's entertainment area, and live musical entertainment throughout the three day event. The annual fireworks show will highlight the forth of July and will start at approximately 8:45 pm. The fireworks are shot to music and the best place to see and hear the music is in front of the main stage on the festival grounds. Many people enjoy viewing the fireworks show from their boats on Lake Pontchartrain.

The Greater Mandeville Seafood Association is a non-profit corporation, and has 501 (c) (3) status from the IRS. The membership is 100% volunteer with every member including the Officers contributing countless hours without receiving any monetary compensation. The Mandeville Seafood Festival is one of the Official Festivals of the State of Louisiana. The festival is also a member of the Louisiana Fairs and Festivals Association and the West St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce.