HOUMA (AP) — A new Halloween festival set for downtown Houma will feature a mix of modern pop culture and monster myths from Cajun lore.

The first Rougarou Fest — the name means “werewolf” in Cajun French — is scheduled Oct. 26. It links several existing downtown events with Halloween festivities, including a parade, costume contest and a monster-themed race.

The Courier reports the event will raise money for the Wetland Discovery Center.

teach children about the importance of the wetlands and saving Louisiana’s coast.

Registration for the race begins at 5 p.m. in the Town Hall parking lot. The entry fee is $20 if you register by Oct. 12 and $25 afterward. The entry fee includes an event T-shirt, food and drinks. Proceeds will benefit the Wetlands Discovery Center.

The Krewe Ga Rou Halloween Parade follows at 7 p.m. The parade is billed as a family- friendly event featuring costumed characters throwing treats. The parade will also feature a troop of “zombies” dancing to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”