CROWLEY - Across the U.S., the Lenten season means that Christians are supposed to give up a vice, begin doing something to improve oneself and to not eat meat on Friday. In south Louisiana, Christians may have a hard time keeping up the “giving something up” part of the Lenten traditions, however, when it comes to avoiding meat on Fridays, south Louisiana Christians have it easier than others around the country. That is because the Lenten season and crawfish season happily coincide with each other.

According to retailers and producers in the area, this season is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory. Just sitting in Acadia Crawfish Company’s Scott Broussard’s office is a testament to how busy things are as it was very hard for him just to get off the phone to answer questions from the The Post-Signal.

“We’ve been very busy,” said a weary looking Broussard. “The production is the best I’ve seen in several years. In the past we’ve had shortages, but this year I’m hoping that we will have enough to supply our customers through the Easter weekend.

“Everybody’s busy,” continued Broussard, who’s company employs approximately 30 people. “The farmers are busy doing their field work...things are moving.”

Jim Barbin, owner of The Crawfish Nest on Hwy. 90, which sells directly to the public, echoed Broussard’s words.

“This year’s crawfish season is ahead of schedule, said Barbin. “In fact, it may be more ahead of schedule than it has in the 23 years I’ve been in this business.”

When asked about the Easter weekend, which includes Good Friday, Barbin made a unique comparison.

“Good Friday is kind of like the Super Bowl to those of us in the crawfish business,” he said.

If the early returns are correct, the “crawfish industry’s Super Bowl,” should be one heck of a great game for those who sell and produce Louisiana’s traditional delicacy.