The 1997 crossword solution for the term '___ BAYOU' is 'EVES'. The term 'BAYOU' is a slow-moving body of water, usually found in the southern United States. It is typically associated with Louisiana, where it is used to describe a marshy lake or stream. The term 'eves' is an old English word meaning 'EVENING', which is often used to describe the time of day when the sun sets. Therefore, the complete phrase 'Eves BAYOU' could be interpreted as 'EVENING lake'.