The Southern Mutual Help Association's mission to create healthy, prosperous, rural communities will be helped during the fourth annual Great Gator Race beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday in Bouligny Plaza.

The race starts at noon.

SMHA's Gordon Reese said that every year the event grows larger and this year approximately 5,000 plastic alligators will be put into Bayou Teche.

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This year the race will be called by David Landry, of the Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office, and the race will commence with the shooting of a canon by Paul Schwing.

"We will put 5,000 plastic alligators in the bayou, and the fire department will shoot water into the bayou creating a current for the gators to travel on," said Reese.

The event is free to the public with gators for purchase at Iberia Bank, Regions Bank, Teche Federal Savings Banks, Community First, Clementine Fine Dining and Spirits, El Chili Verde, The Daily Iberian, Magic Video, Paul's Flower Shop, Ross Tire, Spa Almaz and Van Eaton and Romero's.

Individual gators are $5 with packages of 180 gators available for companies that would like to purchase them for their employees.

A limited amount of gators will be available at the event on Saturday.

Prizes include a 62-inch flat-screen TV, $500 in free gasoline, dinner packages and more.

"We have something for all ages," Reese said.

"This is truly a family event that will cater to every member of the family."

For the children, Reese said a petting zoo will be available, along with face painting and clown entertainment.

Music will be provided by Lil'Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers.

Food tickets will be for sale on site for the following booths:

Jeff's Upholstery -- Fresh fried catfish.

Rotary Club -- Fried sweet potatoes with cane sugar.

District Attorney's office -- Jambalaya.

Sheriff -- Gumbo.

Clementine -- Bread pudding.

Iberia Bank -- Hamburgers and hotdogs.

Community First Bank -- Red beans and rice.

Beer and sodas will also be available.