Zwolle Tamale Fiesta

2nd Weekend of October

Zwolle Tamale Fiesta celebrates the area's Indian / Spanish heritage.

Recalls the area's occupation by the Spanish Province of Texas. High School grounds, Zwolle, La. Fun-filled weekend of reliving the Spanish history of Texas with a plentiful supply of hot tamales, parades, concerts, crafts, dancing, and activities for the entire family.

It's odd that a place with a Dutch name could be the Tamale Capital of the World since hot tamales have a distinct Indian/Spanish heritage. But the only thing Dutch about the town is the name. Zwolle was originally an Indian village which turned into a whistle stop on the Kansas City Southern railroad. The town was named for a town in Holland. Zwolle Mayor P.M. Woods said,"The name itself attracts international visitors wanting to see the U. S. counterpart." In 1975 the idea for some type of festival was suggested by Rogers P. Loupe, who was then a member of the Sabine Tourist Commission. Mr. Roscoe Carruth, the director of the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission at the time, legitimized the idea for a Tamale Fiesta by incorporating the Zwolle Tamale Fiesta as a non-profit organization. The Tamale Fiesta calls the attention of many to the social and political influences of the Spanish culture upon Louisiana history since the 18th century.

2003-2004 Zwolle Tamale Fiesta Queen - Amanda Kathleen Ezernack

Zwolle was first settled by the descendants of French and Spanish adventurers, who intermarried with the friendly Indians, as well as the English speaking settlers from Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and the Carolinas. The Fiesta itself stems from a combination of the Indians and Spanish culinary efforts to produce the most delectable hot tamale in the country.

Gerald Procell serves his famous tamales.

The Fiesta is a family event held in October of each year.

Tamale Fiesta Committee - 2005

• Zwolle Tamale Fiesta President Chris Loupe 318-645-6988
• Vice President Floyd Giblin 318-256-2940 or 318-256-3471
• Ag-ellent Expo for area schools Cheryl Rivers 318-645-4979
• Arts and Crafts Cheryl Rivers 318-645-4979
• Arts and Crafts Anna Remedies 318-796-2660
• Contests Martha Henderson 318-645-9573
• Contests Samuel Cross 318-645-6378
• Education Kristy Brumley 318-567-0204
• Entertainment Floyd Giblin 318-256-2940 or 318-256-3471
• Festival Information Booth/Cookbooks- Peggy and Clay Merchant 318-645-2730
• Finances Rita Cole 318-645-6534
• First Lady’s Luncheon Gloria Thompson 318-645-4747
• Food Booths Becky Loupe 318-645-6988
• 5K/1 Mile Run Genevieve Gordan 318-256-5834
• Kick-Off Supper Gloria Thompson 318-645-4747
• Kings Breakfast Gloria Thompson 318-645-4747
• Opening Ceremonies Jim House 318-645-2033
• Pageant Brandy Etheridge 318-663-4845
• Parade Pricilla Craig 318-645-6704
• Photographer Phyllis Lehr 318-645-9856
• Posters Phyllis Murdock 318-645-9855
• Programs Edith Palmer 318-256-2036
• Publicity Cindy Ezernack 318-645-2334
• Queens Ball Melinda Malmay 318-645-6222
• Souvenirs/Flags Mike Gunter 318-256-9478 or 256-3482
• Souvenirs Karen Rials 318-645-4406
• Tamales Freddie Rivers 318-645-9862
• Tamale Appreciation Supper Martha Henderson 318-645-9573
• Tickets Sarah House 318-645-2033

E-Mail the Sabine Parish Chamber of Commerce      Call Us: (318) 256-3523 - (800) 358-7802

Email the Sabine Parish Tourism Commission      Call Us: (318) 256-5880 - (800) 358-7802

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