Next weekend the Grambling State Tigers and the Southern University Jaguars will square off in the New Orleans Superdome — and the bands will do battle. The party celebrating the most significant national game to feature historically black colleges starts early in Lake Charles.

Today and Sunday mark the 13th annual Bayou Classic Christian Fellowship parade, festival and special Sunday morning service at Zion Tabernacle Baptist Church in Lake Charles.

In 2006, Rev. Edward Jordan (who was one of those Southern University team members back in the day)  and other Southern and Grambling local alumni decided to capitalize on the popular Annual Bayou Classic to bring together family and friends here in the Lake Area. They added their own traditions – faith and scholarship – to the mix.

“The mission of BCCF of SWLA is to further the gospel of Jesus Christ and assist youth and young adults in making career and educational choices,” Jordan said. “It is a way to present the love of God in a friendly way outside the walls of the house of worship.”

On Saturday, Nov 17, the BCCF of SWLA celebration begins with a parade at 11 a.m. featuring gospel singers, Gumbeaux Gator, marching bands, queens and their courts and other groups.

The parade will begin at the Lake Charles Civic Center and proceed east on Broad Street, north on Enterprise Boulevard, east on Opelousas Street, north on Shattuck Street to Zion Tabernacle Baptist Church, 910 Shattuck St.

AT ZTBC, enjoy an outdoor concert with gospel and freestyle singing, free food in a tailgating atmosphere, college and career fair, health fair and vendors. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.

On Sunday, Nov. 20, Dr. Rick Gallot, President of Grambling State University will be guest speaker.

Donations, parade fees and t-shirt and souvenir booklet purchases are used to advance the mission of the BCCF of SWLA.