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“The pirate Jean Lafitte frequented our local waterways and buried hidden treasure on Contraband Bayou, which runs through town! A prominent founding member of Lake Charles suspected his wife was having an affair with Jean Lafitte. The wife was shot by her husband over the alleged affair, but her life was saved when her brooch stopped the bullet. The husband ran off and was never heard from again.”
“To celebrate this local legend, a pirate-themed festival called Contraband Days, later renamed the Louisiana Pirate Festival, has been held for the past 66 years. The festival kicks off with a local group of pirates—yes, actual people dressed like pirates—taking over the city and making the mayor walk the plank into the lake. The festival usually lasts 1-2 weeks and includes a carnival, local food vendors, live music, and entertainment, concluding with a fireworks show on closing weekend.”
—Anonymous, Lake Charles, LA
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