LABELLE -- In the centennial year of LaBelle and with the annual Swamp Cabbage Festival fast approaching, local resident Lucas Talada has captured the spirit of one of the festival’s most beloved traditions—the Rotary armadillo races—in a new children’s book, Archie the Amazing Armadillo.

Lucas Talada, a graduate of LaBelle High School Class of 2011, went on to earn degrees from Florida State University (B.S. Accounting) and Florida Gulf Coast University (MBA) before returning home to LaBelle to start a family of his own. As a proud member of the LaBelle Rotary Club since 2022, Lucas blends his love of storytelling with deep hometown pride in this debut work.

The book follows Archie, a little armadillo with big dreams, who unexpectedly finds himself competing in the world-famous Rotary races at the LaBelle Swamp Cabbage Festival. With humor and heart, Archie learns that success isn’t just about being the fastest; it’s about staying true to yourself.

In pages filled with striking sunsets and Sabal Palm trees, the ingredient behind the festival’s namesake “swamp cabbage” dish, the book captures the timeless landscapes of LaBelle. In addition, the story features local artist Olivia Luckey Billings, a LaBelle native and former Swamp Cabbage Festival Pageant Queen. Olivia’s painting, A Kiss for Luck, a Tree for Supper, ties her own festival memories to Archie’s journey.

“Much like the real armadillo races,” Lucas writes, “this story celebrates fun, family, and community.” His daughters, Olivia and Mallee, served as inspiration for the project, reminding him of the importance of dreaming big and cherishing one’s roots. As LaBelle celebrates 100 years of history, Archie the Amazing Armadillo arrives as both a tribute and a gift to the next generation, providing an imaginative reminder that even the quirkiest hometown traditions can carry timeless lessons of courage, perseverance, and heart.

The book will officially launch in January 2026, with pre-order opportunities opening soon. Copies will be available at the world-famous Rotary Armadillo Races during the Swamp Cabbage Festival on February 21–22, 2026.