One doesn't have to travel deep into the heart of Louisiana Cajun country to find good food, good times and good music.

In fact, it can be found right here in Simi Valley over Memorial Day weekend at the Cajun Creole Music Festival presented by the Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise.

The two-day party, planned this year for May 24-25 at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, is now the second-largest Cajun festival west of the Mississippi, with more than 15,000 people attending.

The highly successful fundraiser relies on the generosity of individuals, local businesses, corporations and foundations and has allowed the Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise to distribute net proceeds in excess of $1,000,000 to nonprofit organizations, senior citizens, youths, families in need and community groups in Simi Valley, Ventura County and internationally.

What can you and your guests expect to experience while attending the festival? Count on nonstop music and Cajun and Creole culinary delights; both are at the heart of the festival's success.

Put your dance shoes on because the live entertainment includes continuous Cajun and Zydeco music and a giant covered dance floor that offer plenty of room to dance to the bands and learn all the right moves from experienced dance instructors.

This year's lineup includes Grammy nominee Lisa Haley & the Zydecats, Jeffrey Broussard & the Creole Cowboys, Rosie Ledet, the Zydeco Sweetheart, JT & the Zydeco Zippers and Bonnie Musique Zydeco.

Musicians Unplugged — a special behind-the-scenes area — is a great opportunity to get up close and personal with the band members, to enjoy a few more songs and learn about the Cajun and Creole culture behind the music.

In addition to live music and dancing, the food choices at the festival are terrific.

There is everything from gumbo, alligator, catfish and boudin balls, to crawfish étouffee and chicken and andouille sausage jambalaya.

American fare also is plentiful, including hot dogs, pizza, tri-tip sandwiches, kettle corn, shaved ice and funnel cake.

This is a terrific chance to submerge yourself in Cajun French hospitality while escaping the heat over Memorial Day weekend.

There also is a traditional Mardi Gras parade this year, with all the color and excitement of Louisiana culture.

Kids will have fun, too, as they can experience the Cajun Kids area complete with rides, arts and crafts and exhibitions.

New this year is a talent show for kids 17 and under, in which the audience will be the judges. So make sure you bring your family and friends to cheer and vote for your favorite performer.

Whether you're a die-hard Cajun/Zydeco fan or you're just looking for an overall good time with lots of fun activities, great music and terrific vendors in a beautiful park setting, this festival should fill the bill.

And for those who want to warm up before all that dancing and work off all that Cajun food, the Rotary Club of Simi Sunset will present the second annual Gator Run/Walk 5K/10K, held in conjunction with the Cajun Creole Festival on May 25.

Last year's inaugural Gator Run drew more than 550 participants. The Gator Run also will feature a Health and Fitness Expo showcasing local businesses and services that cater to our health-minded community.

The race will start and finish at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, 5005 E. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, at Stearns.

The Gator Run's major beneficiary will be the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, which produces the most highly trained canine disaster search teams in the nation.

For more information on ticket prices, location and entertainment, visit http://simicajun.org.

To register for the Gator Run, visit http://simicajun.org or http://www.active.com, or register in person from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on May 24, at Foot Pursuit Run Shop, 4324 Cochran St., Simi Valley.

Additional information is available at GatorRun@mac.com or 583-4971.

— Donna Prenta is a member of the Rotary Club of Simi Sunset.