26 Sep 2025

Explore the Archives in Opelousas

2025-09-26T16:21:19-05:00

Grand Opening for the Election and Archives Center

The St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court Archives Department has an extensive collection of historical documents available to the public. Some of those documents date back to the 1700s and include marriage records, civil documents, and even conveyance records which paint a picture of the history of slavery in the area. On Friday, September 26th at 11 a.m., Charles Jagneaux, St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court, will cut the ribbon on the new Election and Archives Center located at 306 West Landry Street in Opelousas which will house these important documents and help connect the stories found therein to the present.

The Election and Archives Center will be more than just a home for over 200 years of historical documents. Archivist and anthropologist, Larry J. Caillier II holds monthly workshops to assist the public with genealogical research and search for property deeds, wills, family successions, and more records, all stored both digitally and physically. In their new location, they’ll be able to host larger and more regular events and continue their efforts to digitize this large collection. Check the Charles Jagneaux Archives Facebook Page for upcoming workshop dates.

The new center will also display the Historic Imperial St. Landry Collection. This set of exhibits will showcase the culture and history of the parish. They are currently reaching out to local historians, genealogists, museums, and family history collectors that may have artifacts that they would like to contribute.

On October 25th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., look forward to “A Family Gathering of Pope Leo XIV” hosted at the center. Lemelle, Auzenne, Galo (Gallow), Baquie, Grandbois, Prevost, Provost, Lasassier, and Martinez families all have connections to the new pope’s family tree and are invited to attend. Zydeco musician, Morgan Lemelle, will perform.

For more information on the event or if you are interested in donating to the display, contact the parish archivist at 337-942-5606 ext. 151 or email larry.caillier@slpclerk.org.

Explore the Archives in Opelousas2025-09-26T16:21:19-05:00
3 Sep 2025

Horace Trahan returns to the Zydeco Capital Jam

2025-09-03T13:57:16-05:00

Musician, songwriter brings moving style to monthly jam session

2023 Horace Trahan and the Ossun Express, Scene Mon Heritage, 49th Festivals Acadiens et Creoles, Girard Park, Lafayette, Oct 15

Accordionist Horace Trahan leads the Zydeco Capital Jam from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center, I-49 exit 23, in Opelousas. A songwriter and singer with diverse accordion skills, Trahan plays zydeco, Cajun, blues, country and more.

Trahan is the featured performer on “Steppin’ Out with Horace,” a new EP from Diamond J and the Ruby Red Raindrops.

The release adds to Trahan’s long resume as a veteran musician who has traveled worldwide while maintaining a strong following in his native south Louisiana.

Trahan began singing Cajun songs at the age of 15. Three years later, he was traveling with Cajun legend D. L. Menard to gigs in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, France and beyond.

By the year 2000, Trahan had branched out into zydeco with his New Ossun Express Band. Besides covering classics from John Delafose, Boozoo Chavis and other legends, Trahan scored a regional hit with “That Butt Thang,” a party song inspired by his days in the Carencro High School band.

Trahan hit his songwriting stride with 15 originals on the 2010 CD, “Keep Walking,” which gave birth to “Same Knife Cut the Sheep Cut the Goat,” “Mr. Bernard” and other hits. Trahan has since completed the trilogy of CDs with “All the Way” in 2012 and “Until the End” in 2018.

When he’s not performing, Trahan runs two businesses, Cajun Creole Lawn Service and Horace Trahan Dream Home Realty.

For more information, visit the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission web site at cajuntravel.com.

Contact: Herman Fuselier

Phone: 337-948-8004

Email: stlandry@cajuntravel.com

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 3, 2025

 

Horace Trahan returns to the Zydeco Capital Jam2025-09-03T13:57:16-05:00
1 Aug 2025

Sweet Summer in St. Landry Parish

2025-08-04T15:27:17-05:00

There’s no better way to beat the Louisiana heat than with something sweet. At these bakeries, cafés, and restaurants all across St. Landry Parish, you can find  summertreats to satisfy your sweet tooth. From snowballs to cakes and cookies, there’s something for everyone. Here are some local favorites.

Lou’s Bakery in the historic steamboat town of Washington has snowballs year-round, in addition to classic candies, hand-dipped chocolates, tasty syrup cakes, and baked goods made fresh daily. Try a snowball covered in Chantilly cream and fresh fruit that’s topped with creamy condensed milk. The bakery is located on the town’s main street dotted with historic houses, some of which date back to the 1800s. Stop by the Washington Museum and grab a walking tour brochure so you can check out all that the town has to offer.

In historic Grand Coteau, you can find an eclectic little café with pastries and food that are made with locally sourced ingredients. The Hive Market makes its own New Orleans-style snowballs with all-natural and organic syrups that are seasonally curated. Try a hibiscus cantaloupe-flavored snowball stuffed with coconut condensed milk or a strawberry jam snowball stuffed with vanilla ice cream. Their menu can fluctuate, so check their social media to see what’s cooking.

Grand Coteau is also the only place in the world where you can get gateau na-na, a dessert based on a Gateau Breton pastry from the northwest of France. Find it at the Kitchen Shop where you can shop for all sorts of kitchen supplies, gifts, as well as sweet and savory treats ranging from sweet dough pies to crawfish pies and – of course – the gateau na-na.

At Arpeggios Lounge & Event Center in Opelousas, you’ve got to try their award-winning sweet potato and pecan tart with a bourbon cream topping. If you’re looking for something more traditional, their classic New York style cheesecake is served with your choice of strawberry, caramel or chocolate sauce and topped with whipped cream. If you stop in during one of their famous jazz nights, make sure to try one of their custom cocktails.

Cankton Café 613 Cajun Foods is more known for their expertly-seasoned, seafood boils and local musicians that bring Cajun and country sounds to the prairie. However, they have a secret weapon of flavor for those with a sweet tooth. Order their banana split featuring vanilla ice cream topped with whipped cream, peanuts, sprinkles, and a cherry on top.

Made famous by their stunning selection of cheesecakes, SugarCoated in Eunice is a local favorite for all things sweet. In addition to their homemade cheesecakes they have tons of cookies. Try flavors like their cookies n’ cream made with a combination of Oreos, white, and milk chocolate chips or their soft, chewy cake batter cookies. Their best-selling Lagniappe Cookie is made with chocolate chips, caramel, pretzels, and topped with sea salt. Recently, they’ve added ice cream and Italian ice to their list of expertise. Get a few scoops of your favorite flavor topped with their selection of candies and sprinkles.

Whether you want a quick and classic snowball from a drive-through, snowball stand or a dessert that you’ll want to savor, St. Landry Parish has got you covered. Check out more great places to eat here.

Snowball Stands

Jaylon’s Snowball Stand

  • 315 W Coleman St., Opelousas

  • Monday-Sunday 2:30pm-7pm

Blizzard Wizard

  • 135 Wallior St., Opelousas

  • Daily 9am-5pm

  • 1330 Heather Dr., Opelousas

  • Daily 6:30am-7pm

MAMA D’s Snow-to-Geaux

  • 100 S East Street , Eunice

  • Tuesday-Friday 2:30pm-6:30pm
    Saturday 12pm-4pm
    Sunday 1pm-5pm

B&B Drive Thru

  • 1501 US-190, Eunice

  • Sno cones available Daily 2pm-6pm

Junebug’s Snowball Stand

  • 606 N Main St., Opelousas

  • Daily 1pm-7pm

DoubleDip Snowballs

  • 131 S 5th St., Eunice

  • Monday-Saturday 2pm-6pm

Tip’s Snowballs

  • 17680 US-190, Port Barre

  • Daily 1pm-7pm

T’Boo’s Sweet Shop

  • 573 US-190, Krotz Springs

  • Sunday-Tuesday 8am-5pm
    Wednesday-Saturday 8am-7pm

Don’t see your favorite listed? Send an email to hawkins@cajuntravel.com.

Sweet Summer in St. Landry Parish2025-08-04T15:27:17-05:00
31 Oct 2024

The Silver Slipper Returns

2024-10-31T16:20:14-05:00

Music, Cajun Hibachi, and Classic Louisiana Dishes

Well-known Acadiana landmark, the Silver Slipper returns to the intersection of two historic highways, La-31 and La-741 (better known as Pecaniere), between Leonville and Arnaudville.

Silver Slipper, Leonville, Louisiana

New owner and long-time resident of the area, Brian Leger, said that in the 1930s and ‘40s- when the establishment was known as The Silver Slipper Inn- people would come from all over to “Dance, eat, sleep, and fight.” Whatever your pleasure, the Silver Slipper Inn was the place to be. People would even come by boat with it being conveniently located right on the National Water Trail, the Bayou Teche. Look forward to their dock on the Teche returning soon.

They also plan to keep the music tradition strong and have already hosted performances by local country, Cajun, and zydeco musicians on their outdoor stage. You can dine inside or outdoors. Their patio even shows off the original roofline of the Silver Slipper Inn. You can eat and dance and enjoy the beautiful scenery of La-31. Check out their Facebook page to see who’s playing.

The Silver Slipper’s menu ranges from familiar dishes like burgers, chicken and sausage gumbo (which was featured in our Gumbo Taste Test video you can

Silver Slipper, Leonville, Louisiana

watch here), and a seafood platter with fried alligator, crab cake, fish, shrimp and fries to Asian fusion.

Try their Pecaniere roll which is a crab mix and cucumber sushi roll, deep fried, and served with eel sauce, siracha, and sesame seeds, or try one of their hibachi dishes like Cajun fried rice with your choice of meat cooked with bell pepper, onions, Cajun soy sauce and rice. On Sundays, enjoy their Loaded Bloody Mary with a side of shrimp and grits out on the patio.

The Silver Slipper is open Wednesday through Thursday from 10am-9pm, Friday and Saturday from 10am-10:30pm, and on Sundays from 9am-2pm. Call 337-595-5080 for more information.

The Silver Slipper Returns2024-10-31T16:20:14-05:00
15 Jul 2024

St. Landry Parish Visitor Center Hosts Haitian Art Exhibit

2024-07-15T11:52:59-05:00

The St. Landry Parish Visitor Center, I-49 exit 23, in Opelousas is hosting a new art exhibit open to the public. Throughout July and August, visitors can see selections from the Haitian Art Collection of Glenn and Yvonne Stokes, the largest known collection of Haitian art in America.

“There is no written history of Haiti, but there is a wonderful visual art history,” said Glenn Stokes.

Stokes first started going to Haiti in the early 1970s for business involving his pest control company. He and his wife fell in love with Haiti and its people. They would travel to the country collecting paintings over the course of 30 years. His collection has been exhibited across the Southern U.S. and even Venice, Italy.

Stokes’ pieces at the center depict agricultural scenes of sugar cane and cotton all too familiar to Louisiana. Paintings of traditions unique to Haiti include voodoo ceremonies.

Saint Domingue, which would become Haiti in 1804, was the money-making powerhouse for the French in the Americas. West African slaves powered their sugar cane, indigo, and cotton trades. Rebellions on the island would inform policies and treatment of slaves and free people of color in Louisiana, increasing tensions. After the revolution in 1791, a mass exodus of people including free people of color from Saint Domingue made their way into Louisiana.

While only a few Haitian families would make it out of New Orleans into the rest of Louisiana, in St. Martin and St. Landry Parish, the De Léry-Chéniers, Dubreüils, Jardoins, Journées, Martels, Pécots, Pinta/Ménials, Sigur/Sigues, and Vitals can claim Haitian origins.

For future events involving the exhibit at the visitor center, check in at cajuntravel.com/events.

St. Landry Parish Visitor Center Hosts Haitian Art Exhibit2024-07-15T11:52:59-05:00
27 Jan 2023

Black Cowboy Talks Scheduled in St. Landry, Lafayette Parishes

2024-07-01T12:58:13-05:00

Documentary T-Galop to Be Screened at Cite Des Arts

Lafayette, LA: Black Cowboys played a major role in the settlement of the American West and are a significant part of today’s south Louisiana culture. Theodore Foster, PhD and assistant professor of history and African American Studies at Benedictine University in Chicago, will give Black Cowboy Talks in the days leading up to the February 13 performance of Cross That River, a concert musical that tells the story of a runaway slave who became a Black Cowboy.

The first Black Cowboy Talk is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on February 1 at the Washington Recreational Center, located at 705 South Bridge St., in Washington, LA.  The talks continue at 6 p.m. on February 2 at Maison Freetown, located at 800 E. Vermilion St. in Lafayette. At 1 p.m. on February 4, Foster will speak at the St. Landry Parish Tourist Center, located at 978 Interstate 49 South Service Rd, in Opelousas. These activities are free and open to the public.

At 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 9, PASA will screen T-Galop, Conni Castille’s documentary about Cajun and Creole Cowboys at Cite Des Arts, located at 109 Vine St. in downtown Lafayette. This event is also free and open to the public.

“At PASA, we are intent on giving our community insight into what we bring to our stage; to share what happens between the studio and the stage, and to pique—and respond to–the curiosity of our community,” says PASA executive director Jacqueline Lyle. “These studio-to-stage activities are free and we love it when our communities respond and turn out.”

The project also includes two daytime performances for Lafayette Parish School System students on February 14. Students and teachers receive classroom resources in advance of the performance. PASA’s daytime performances for students are supported by a generous grant from Love Our Schools.

The story of a run-away slave named Blue, who fled Louisiana for Texas, is at the heart of Cross That River, a musical play which will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, February 13 at the Heymann Performing Arts Center in Lafayette. Cross That River is part of the Performing Arts Serving of Acadiana’s (PASA’s) 2022-23 season. Tickets are available at the Heymann Performing Arts Center box office and at www.pasaonline.org.

Cross That River takes audiences on a powerful musical journey that represents a significant moment in American history when Black cowboys lived and helped settle the West. It’s a story that’s not been told before in this way.

In the concert musical, the unsettled West of the 1860s provides a new life and new dreams for Blue, a run-away slave, who escapes from slavery to Texas to become one of America’s first Black cowboys. This compelling tale of freedom integrates fiction with historical fact, and each song presents a different page in this complicated chapter of American History.

In addition to national touring, Cross That River will launch a four-week Off Broadway run in September 2023.

Award winning jazz musician Allan Harris, who enjoys a prolific career on the stages of jazz clubs and concert halls around the world, wrote Cross that River to tell this untold story of the Black West and to empower all Americans with an inspiring tale of hope and freedom.

The cast of Cross That River includes vocalists who portray the roles of the story’s characters, a band which includes guitar, violin, keyboard, guitar, bass and drums, creating a rich tapestry onto which the impressive vocalists weave this inspiring story.

The word “river” in literature often suggests an adventure; think of Huckleberry Finn and his journey on the Mississippi. The river in Cross That River symbolizes the removal of a slave’s chains; to cross that river is to cross from bondage to freedom. Blue’s journey is not without its trials and tribulations but his story is ultimately one of hope.

PASA’s Cross That River project is sponsored by Kinchen Funeral Home and Meritus Credit Union. PASA also received additional support through grants from the Louisiana Division of the Arts and Lafayette Consolidated Government, both administered by the Acadiana Center for the Arts, as well as a grant from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation.

For more information about Cross That River and to find out how you can be a part of the PASA family, contact the PASA office at 337-769-3231 or email info@pasaonline.org

##

Allan Harris—the Brooklyn-born and now Harlem-based vocalist/ guitarist/bandleader/composer–has reigned supreme as one of the most accomplished and exceptional singers of his generation. A natural entertainer, Harris’s dynamic stage presence has made him a main-stay in concert halls, theaters, jazz clubs and jazz festivals around the world.  He has been called a “protean talent” by the New York Times and has established himself as one of the jazz world’s most acclaimed vocalists, with a potent combination of dynamic vocal abilities, impeccable phrasing, and powerful emotional resonance. Heralded by the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, Glide Magazine, Jazz Times, DownBeat, and Vintage Guitar, Harris is a real story teller through authentic interpretations of the American Songbook, classic and contemporary jazz, popular standards, blues and originals.

Aptly described by the Miami Herald as an artist blessed with, “the warmth of Tony Bennett, the bite and rhythmic sense of Sinatra, and the sly elegance of Nat ‘King’ Cole,” the ample evidence of Allan Harris’s moving and magisterial artistry can be heard on his 14 recordings as a leader; his far-flung and critically-acclaimed concerts around the world, and his numerous awards, which include the New York Nightlife Award for “Outstanding Jazz Vocalist,” the Backstage Bistro Award for “ Ongoing Achievement in Jazz,” the DownBeat Critic’s Poll Award for “Rising Star Jazz Vocalist,” the Hot House Jazz Magazine “Jazz Vocalist of the Year Award” two years running, and the Harlem Speaks “Jazz Museum of Harlem Award,” a Back Stage Bistro award for “Ongoing Achievement in Jazz,” and France’s Palmares Award in 2019. Harris has received prestigious grants from Chamber Music America, Pathways to Jazz and South Arts.  He is a recent winner in the Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Competition.

Jacqueline Lyle
Executive Director
Performing Arts Serving Acadiana (PASA)
(337) 769-3231
Personal cell (337) 781-1273
P.O. Box 51974
Lafayette, LA 70505
Physical address: 2701 Johnston St., Suite 213, Lafayette, LA 70503
www.pasaonline.org

Copy of Cross That River Poster

Black Cowboy Talks Scheduled in St. Landry, Lafayette Parishes2024-07-01T12:58:13-05:00
31 Mar 2022

The Clifton Chenier Centennial Celebration Project

2022-04-29T12:52:14-05:00
Clifton Chenier Centennial Committee Logo

Clifton Chenier Centennial Committee Logo

Call to Artists

Exterior Sculpture Project in Opelousas
The Clifton Chenier Centennial Celebration Project

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Clifton Chenier Centennial Celebration Committee is seeking qualified artists or artist teams to submit qualifications to design and implement an exterior, site-specific piece of artwork of original design to be located in Opelousas at the site of Le Vieux Village/city entrance located at 828 East Landry St. Opelousas, LA, 70570.  The installation will be in early spring of 2025. Full proposals are not required at this time, therefore, please only submit those materials described under submission requirements.

MISSION

The mission of the Clifton Chenier Centennial Celebration is to honor the 100th anniversary of the birth of zydeco trailblazer Clifton Chenier, an Opelousas native, through special projects and activities. The birthdate is June 25, 2025.

BACKGROUND AND HISTORY

The committee is excited to help create a work of art that pays tribute to the “King of Zydeco”. We are looking for artists to design and create an outdoor sculpture that will be installed at Le Vieux Village, located just off the main entrance to downtown Opelousas.  The artwork should also complement the building and surrounding space. Le Vieux Village is a historic park featuring a collection of restored historic homes and buildings from Opelousas and the surrounding areas of St. Landry Parish.  The village depicts the unique and diverse cultural heritage that is Opelousas.  Although the village showcases structures from the mid-19th century and early 20th century and even a building from the late 18th century, the history of Opelousas goes back long before these dates when Native Americans, known as the Opelousa Indians, inhabited the area.

Originally from Opelousas, Louisiana, Clifton Chenier was dubbed the “King of Zydeco”—and often wore a crown and cape during performances. A significant force in evolving and popularizing zydeco around the world, Chenier infused into his music elements of rhythm and blues with his chromatic piano accordion, giving zydeco an updated sound. Accompanied by the syncopated rhythms of brother and rubboard player Cleveland Chenier, Clifton’s music exploded in the dance halls of Texas and Louisiana. In 1983, he received a Grammy award for his album, I’m Here! In 2014, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

SCOPE OF WORK

Artwork will be selected based on the art selection team’s preference for work that is:
· Inspired by the artist’s cultural or ethnic heritage
· Utilizes the concept of storytelling within the imagery
· Reflective of the culture and spirit of Opelousas’s diverse population
· Created from metal, (including reclaimed materials)

ELIGIBILITY

Open to experienced and professional artists over the age of 18 years regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical or mental disability. Artist teams are eligible to apply. Special consideration will be given to Louisiana artists, as defined by La. R.S.25:9000.1(E).

HOW TO APPLY

Application materials must be received by June 15, 2022 via online submission

A complete application must include:

Artist résumé demonstrating a minimum of five (5) years of professional visual art experience. If submitting as a team, a current résumé should be submitted for each team member.

Statement of interest describing:

  1. Why you are interested in this project
  2. Previous experience with public art
  3. Your methods of working
  4. Your connection (if any) or interest Opelousas-St. Landry Parish area
  5. How you believe the art will enhance the chosen space

References that include the names and current contact information for three (3) individuals with whom you have worked, collaborated, or who have commissioned your work in the past.

Images (3) of your original completed commissions, not proposals, which demonstrate your qualifications for the project. You must include the title, medium, dimensions, project budget (price), location, and a description.

Up to 3 videos (optional) of work examples

Image specifications: JPG, PNG – Maximum size per image 5MB.

BUDGET

The proposal selected by the committee will include an all-inclusive estimated budget of $50-60,000 to cover all costs associated with the project, which includes but is not limited to, research, travel and meetings, reports (maintenance), design, materials, fabrication, engineering consultation, lighting, transport, and installation.

SELECTION PROCESS & EVALUATION CRITERIA

The Clifton Chenier Centennial Committee may include (but is not limited to) representatives from the Louisiana Division of the Arts and/or regional Arts Council.

Submissions are evaluated by the following criteria:

Artistic excellence and originality as evidenced by the representations of past work images and other supporting materials

Appropriateness of artist’s medium, style, and previous experience as they relate to the project goals and setting

Experience with projects of a similar scale and scope

Availability to participate in the design and implementation of the project as required

Special consideration will be given to Louisiana artists as defined by La. R.S.25:9000.1(E)

NOTIFICATIONS & PROPOSALS

Notifications will be issued by June 15, 2022. A full timeline of the project will be provided to those artists selected to submit full proposals.

The full proposal must include the concept, materials, size, weight, installation requirements, details of maintenance, and budget. The proposal must also include digital renderings, which display the physical volume of the space and allows for multiple perspectives of the artwork within the space.

Proposed Timeline –
Submission dates:  April 1, 2022 – May 15, 2022
Finalist notified for proposal by:  June 15, 2022
Proposal Due:  July 2022
Installation completed by: April 2025

To submit a proposal, please email the following to tourism@cityofopelousas.com
Please include Clifton Chenier Centennial Celebration Project in your subject line.

The Clifton Chenier Centennial Celebration Project2022-04-29T12:52:14-05:00
7 Jun 2021

King of Zydeco Honored with Clifton Chenier Day

2022-04-29T12:55:32-05:00

Clifton Chenier Centennial Committee

For Immediate Release

June 2, 2021               

 

KING OF ZYDECO HONORED WITH CLIFTON CHENIER DAY

 

OPELOUSAS, La. – Clifton Chenier, the Grammy-winning King of Zydeco, has a day named in his honor. On May 25, the Louisiana House of Representatives adopted a resolution that proclaims June 25, from 2021 through 2025, as Clifton Chenier Day.

Chenier, a multiple-Grammy honoree, was born June 25, 1925, near Opelousas. 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of Chenier’s birth.

Honoring that landmark date is the purpose of the newly-formed Clifton Chenier Centennial Committee, which submitted the resolution to Rep. Dustin Miller (D-Opelousas). Introduced as House Resolution 129, the designation was read by title and passed by the House.

The resolution heralds Chenier and his Red Hot Louisiana Band for “extraordinary musical accomplishments” and the creation of a “distinct musical style not only for the state of Louisiana but for the world…” Chenier’s accomplishments include a 1983 Grammy for his “I’m Here” album, 1984 National Heritage Fellowship, 2011 induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame for the “Bogalusa Boogie” album and 2014 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Clifton Chenier is one of the most decorated musicians to come out of the state of Louisiana,” said Herman Fuselier, executive director of the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission. “Countless musicians, from today’s zydeco players to Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones, have claimed Chenier as a major influence.  The music world changed the day Clifton picked up an accordion.”

“Clifton Chenier has played such a critical role in the development of zydeco music as well has also helped to shape the history of our area,” said Melanie Lebouef, city of Opelousas tourism director. “Because of this, it is important to properly honor his legacy and contributions.

The Centennial Committee began meeting in January to discuss potential projects and activities related to the 100th anniversary of the late Chenier’s birth. Members include Herman Fuselier, executive director of the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission; Melanie Lebouef, director of the City of Opelousas Tourism; Rod Sias and Lola Love of the Zydeco Historical and Preservation Society; Patrick Guillory of the Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival; Paul Scott, zydeco music enthusiast; Felicia Chenier of Morgan State University and Chenier’s granddaughter; and Tracey Antee, founder of Gumbo Life.

The Chenier resolution is also scheduled on the June meeting agendas of the St. Landry Parish Council and Opelousas City Council.

The mission of the Clifton Chenier Centennial Celebration is to honor the 100th anniversary of the birth of zydeco trailblazer Clifton Chenier, an Opelousas native, through special projects and activities.

CONTACT: Herman Fuselier, 337-948-8004
Melanie Lebouef, 337-948-5227

Clifton Chenier Bogalusa Boogie
King of Zydeco Honored with Clifton Chenier Day2022-04-29T12:55:32-05:00
8 Feb 2021

Terrance Simien Trivia Contest

2021-02-10T09:41:28-06:00

The parades, tours, and public revelry of Mardi Gras have all been put on hold until 2022. But that won’t stop the music from playing.

Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience, and special guest Marcella Simien, will be performing live from Vermilionville Performance Center in Creole country – Lafayette, LA. Join them live this weekend.

February 13, 2021
7:30pm CST/8:30pm EST
48-hour access to the stream if you can’t join us live.

Starting at 7:30, before the performance begins at 8:00, the audience will have a backstage pass to the band with greetings and brief interviews, as well as a lively discussion about the Creole Mardi Gras traditions of south Louisiana.

This livestream event promises to be a memorable night of music, fun, and togetherness.

The first 20 participants to answer this trivia question correctly will get a free ticket emailed to them. Enter your name and email address below along with your answer. (If there is a number in the answer, please spell it out. Please capitalize your answer.)

    Terrance Simien Trivia Contest2021-02-10T09:41:28-06:00
    5 Nov 2020

    Sharing the Spirit of the Holidays

    2020-11-06T14:36:28-06:00

    Date: November 5, 2020
    Contact: Susan Dolney
    Phone: 605-886-3698
    Fax: 605-886-1943

    Sharing the Spirit of the Holidays

    Opelousas, LA— The Evangeline Downs Hotel is offering a free night’s stay on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day to travelers visiting family members having to spend the holiday in local nursing homes, hospitals, and treatment centers.

    “Home with family for the holidays is not always possible. We hope we can help by providing accommodations to those visiting loved ones in the Opelousas area’s hospitals and nursing homes with our spirit of the holidays,” stated Ronette Sam, General Manager.

    The Evangeline Downs Hotel is owned by Evangeline Hospitality, LLC, and is managed by Venerts Hotel Management, Inc. of Watertown, SD. The Sharing the Spirit is promoted by all of their managed hotels which can be found on www.venertshotelmanagement.com.

    Guests can request the free accommodations by calling in advance as there are a limited number of rooms available. For more information call Ronette at Evangeline Downs Hotel 337-407-2121.

    Sharing the Spirit of the Holidays2020-11-06T14:36:28-06:00

    St. Landry Parish Visitor Center
    Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm

    337.948.8004
    978 Kennerson Road (I-49 exit 23)
    P.O. Box 1415 • Opelousas, LA 70570

    Visitor Guide (En)
    Visitor Guide (Fr)

    Privacy Policy  |  Copyright St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission  |  Fraud Report
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