2025 Gumbo Fest Royalty
Kathy
Morvant
2025 Gumbo Queen
The Chackbay Volunteer Fire Department and the Louisiana Gumbo Festival of Chackbay are proud to announce this year’s 2025 Louisiana Gumbo Festival Queen — Mrs. Kathy Morvant.
​
Kathy has called Chackbay home for the past 25 years. She has been married to Keith Morvant since 1997. Keith is a long-time member of the Chackbay Volunteer Fire Department and was honored as the festival’s Gumbo King in 2014. Their son, Braxton Morvant, is continuing the family tradition of service as a member of the department and was named “Rookie of the Year” in 2024.
​
A dedicated and familiar face at the festival, Kathy has volunteered in the Gumbo Kitchen for many years. Whether it's cutting potatoes, serving gumbo and potato salad, cleaning tables, recruiting volunteers, or collecting tickets at the door, Kathy has contributed her time and heart to nearly every aspect of the event.
​
Before taking on a regular role in the kitchen, she worked in various other stands, and has consistently volunteered her time for many fire department fundraisers throughout the years. Kathy especially enjoys working alongside family and friends during festival weekend — a time she holds dear.
​
In her volunteer role, she has also been instrumental in securing business and vendor donations for department shrimp boils and other events. One notable example of her commitment came when she coordinated a last-minute delivery during the festival to ensure the team didn’t run out of supplies — a true testament to her dedication and quick thinking.
​
When asked why she continues to volunteer, Kathy shared:
“I enjoy helping others. I am blessed to be a part of such a great organization and community. Seeing the fire department and community come together to put on such a wonderful event — where people from all over can come and enjoy the music, carnival rides, and great food — makes the hard work and long hours truly rewarding.”
​
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Kathy Morvant, our 2025 Louisiana Gumbo Festival Queen. We are proud to honor her years of service, spirit of community, and unwavering commitment to the festival and the Chackbay Volunteer Fire Department.
Steven
Kraemer
2025 Gumbo King
The Chackbay Volunteer Fire Department is proud to announce Mr. Steven Kraemer as the 2025 Louisiana Gumbo Festival King.
A lifelong resident of Chackbay, Steven has deep roots in the community he proudly serves. He has been married to his wife, Jessica Acosta Kraemer, for 15 years. Together, they share a beautiful family — five children and three grandchildren.
Steven began his journey in public service at just 18 years old when he became a volunteer firefighter with the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department. In 2005, he joined the Chackbay Volunteer Fire Department, where he currently serves as Assistant Chief. His commitment to the department is unwavering, and he continues to respond to emergencies with dedication and compassion — all while balancing his time with his loving and supportive family.
Beyond his service in the fire department, Steven has been a devoted volunteer for the Louisiana Gumbo Festival for many years. Whether assisting with operations or helping wherever needed, he takes pride in contributing to the success of this cherished community tradition.
Steven is honored to be named the 2025 Louisiana Gumbo Festival King and shares this message:
“Come pass a good time with us!”
Please join us in congratulating Mr. Steven Kraemer on this well-deserved honor. His leadership, community spirit, and commitment to service truly embody the heart of the Louisiana Gumbo Festival.
Evan
Plaisance
2025 Grand Marshall
The Chackbay Volunteer Fire Department is proud to announce Mr. Evan J. Plaisance as the 2025 Louisiana Gumbo Festival Grand Marshal!
Born and raised in Thibodaux, Evan has been a resident of Choupic since 1981. His service to the Chackbay Volunteer Fire Department began in 1999, and from the very beginning, he made a lasting impact. During his first year with the department, Evan worked alongside fellow members to help build the current festival fairgrounds — the very grounds where the first Louisiana Gumbo Festival was held in 2000.
That inaugural year also marked the beginning of a long-standing tradition: Evan became widely known as “the cook of the gumbo.” He held that key role for 15 years, helping prepare the delicious dishes that have become the heart of the festival. Though he eventually stepped down from the lead cooking position, he continues to lend a hand in the Gumbo Kitchen to this day. Among his peers, he’s affectionately known as “The Gumbo Man.”
Evan's dedication to the department and festival has only grown over the years. In 2004, he was honored as the Louisiana Gumbo Festival King. He has served in several leadership positions, including President of the CVFD Board, board member, and co-chair of the festival. Currently, he serves as President of the Fire District 8C Board.
His spirit of service runs deep in his family. Evan has proudly recruited several family members to volunteer alongside him. His parents, E.J. and Marilyn Ledet Plaisance, were also longtime contributors to the festival. E.J. served as Grand Marshal in 2006, and Marilyn made history in 2022 as the first woman to be named Grand Marshal of the Louisiana Gumbo Festival.
Outside of his volunteer work, Evan enjoys spending time in his garden, woodworking in his shop with cypress and cedar, and camping with his family. His handcrafted items — such as chests and quilt racks — are considered cherished heirlooms by those lucky enough to receive them.
Evan has been married to Phyllis Percle Plaisance for 41 years. Together, they have two daughters, Lauren Lasserre (Lee) and Katie Danos (John), and four adored grandchildren: Leia and Lily Lasserre, and Harper and Zander Danos — all of whom have spent time in the Gumbo Kitchen, carrying on the family tradition of service.
Please join us in celebrating Mr. Evan J. Plaisance, our 2025 Louisiana Gumbo Festival Grand Marshal. He’s looking forward to seeing everyone at this year’s festival. “Come pass a good time with us and enjoy some delicious gumbo!”