Beaucoup jambalaya, a Ferris wheel and pageant queens

A great way to clear sinus congestion is to head to the Jambalaya Festival this weekend for the plenty of world-record champion recipes and twists on the infamous Louisiana Creole rice dish. The people of Gonzales for 42 years have put together quite a Louisiana cultural party—all against a backdrop of live original music, carnival rides, fancy cars, even a Miss Jambalaya beauty pageant. The fun starts Thursday and extends through Memorial Day. Visit jambalayafestival.org for a schedule of events and details.