Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser officially launched crawfish season in Louisiana with the ceremonial Crawfish Pardon, an annual celebration steeped in tradition, community, and Cajun culture. As per this article from The Daily Advertiser, this event, which was held for the ninth consecutive year, took place at Pat’s Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant in Henderson on the first Tuesday after Mardi Gras—a date that has become synonymous with the unofficial kickoff of crawfish season across the Gulf South.
In partnership with the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, Nungesser pardoned a specially selected crawfish named Huval. The crawfish pardon symbolized both a lighthearted tribute and a deeper recognition of the region’s seafood heritage. Louisiana remains the largest domestic producer of crawfish, yielding approximately 150 million pounds each year. As Nungesser noted during the ceremony, the season would now run through Easter, marking several weeks of backyard boils, restaurant feasts, and cultural gatherings anchored by this beloved crustacean.
Nungesser explained that the event was more than just a ceremony; it was a celebration of the state’s unique cultural identity. By granting Huval his freedom, the lieutenant governor hoped to showcase Louisiana’s vibrant way of life, where food, family, and festivity go hand in hand. He remarked that in Louisiana, “you can always find something that will Feed Your Soul,” a reference to the state’s tourism campaign launched in 2018 that encourages exploration of Louisiana’s culinary and cultural richness.
This year’s pardoned crawfish, Huval, was named in honor of a local icon—Pat Huval—and his family. Pat Huval was a cornerstone of the Henderson community. Alongside his wife, Agnes, he opened a grocery store in 1948 that quickly gained a reputation for its hamburgers and sacks of crawfish. This humble beginning evolved into the creation of Pat’s Restaurant in 1952, a business that would become a regional culinary landmark.
Beyond his role in the food world, Pat Huval also left a lasting legacy in public service. In 1971, he became the first mayor of Henderson, a role he held for more than twenty years. During his tenure, Huval spearheaded efforts to incorporate Henderson as an official town and led significant infrastructure improvements. These included the construction of a town hall, establishment of trash services, the building of a local jail, and the founding of the town’s fire department. Huval passed away in 2018 at the age of 88, but his influence still resonates throughout the community.
The Huval family continues to operate Pat’s Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant, ensuring that the tradition of serving authentic Cajun cuisine endures. Jude Huval, Pat’s daughter and current co-owner and head chef of the restaurant, expressed her appreciation for the honor bestowed upon her family. She acknowledged the lieutenant governor and the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board for their ongoing support of both the seafood industry and the many restaurants that help preserve Louisiana’s culinary identity.
The crawfish pardon for the crawdad named Huval was selected for the special occasion by Barry Toups, owner of Crawfish Haven and Mrs. Rose’s Bed & Breakfast in Kaplan. After being chosen for the ceremony, Huval was transported to the event in Henderson, where he was welcomed with fanfare and given the spotlight during his symbolic “procession” to his new home.
During the event, Lt. Gov. Nungesser presented an official proclamation to the Huval family in recognition of their contributions to Louisiana’s cultural and culinary landscape. Following the pardoning, the Louisiana Office of State Parks assumed responsibility for the honored crustacean. Huval the Crawfish was relocated to Lake Fausse Point State Park in nearby St. Martinville, where he would spend the rest of his days in a natural environment—burrowing in the mud, swimming through bayou waters, and living freely within the park’s protected habitat.
Events like the Pardoning of the Crawfish blend Louisiana’s love for celebration with its commitment to cultural preservation. They serve not only to mark the beginning of crawfish season but also to shine a spotlight on the people and stories that have helped shape the region’s identity. For many, it’s not just about seafood—it’s about honoring traditions, supporting local businesses, and embracing a way of life that is uniquely and proudly Louisiana.
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