The Cajun & Zydeco Festival in Amana, Iowa, is a must-go-to event. It's amazing to think that there could be Cajun activities in Iowa, but they're there! There are great Cajun bands--they rotate each hour--and lots of dancers and dance lessons for those who are unsure of their dancing. There is also wonderful Cajun food, tons of boiled crawfish, jambalaya, gumbo, and beignets, and lots of educational activities, like Cajun cooking lessons, dance lessons, kid's activities, and up-close talks with the Cajun bands. I'm not a native Cajun, but I understand that the music is very authentic, with musicians like Hadley J. Castille, Jamie Bergeron and the Kickin' Cajuns, Hunter Hayes, and Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble.

I really enjoyed myself. It's total immersion into Cajun, from the French language sung in the music, to the happy toe-tappin' tunes that waft through the spring air. It's a great place to take a family. It's always held over Memorial Day weekend, and there are many places to stay (Amana is only 15 minutes from Cedar Rapids). You'll find more information at www.cajunfest.net. I'm planning on going back in 2006 and for years to come. It felt like I was in Bayou Country and never left Iowa!