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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
    13 Jul 2020

    Music entertainer and broadcaster Rod Bernard passed away on July 12, 2020

    2022-04-29T13:06:41-05:00

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    12 July 2020

    Music entertainer and broadcaster Rod Bernard passed away on July 12, 2020, in New Iberia, Louisiana, after a short illness. A husband, father, and grandfather, Bernard also was known for helping to pioneer the south Louisiana musical genre later called “swamp pop.”

    A Cajun of French-Catholic heritage, he was born Rodney Ronald Louis Bernard in Opelousas, Louisiana, on August 12, 1940, to Louis Varnum “L.V.” Bernard and Irene Bordelon Bernard. As a child, Bernard learned to play guitar, sing, and yodel. Around age 10 he joined the Cajun/country-and-western group The Blue Room Gang, which performed live on KSLO radio in Opelousas. He toured with the ensemble outside Louisiana, visiting the Grand Ole Opry, and it was during this tour, around 1950, that Bernard recorded his first song, Hank Williams Sr.’s “Jambalaya.”

    As a teenager Bernard and his musical high-school friends switched to the new rock ’n’ roll sound, calling themselves Rod Bernard and the Twisters. They recorded a few original songs on the Carl label of Opelousas and in 1958 covered King Karl & Guitar Gable’s song “This Should Go On Forever.” Issued on the new Jin label of Ville Platte, Bernard’s version of the swamp pop ballad became popular along the Gulf Coast. In response to its growing sales, Jin soon licensed the track to the Chess label of Chicago, which, with its sister labels Checker and Argo, handled artists such as Bo Diddley, Muddy Waters, and Clarence “Frogman” Henry. On Argo, Bernard’s recording hit nationally, propelling the Louisiana teen onto Alan Freed’s rock ‘n’ roll show, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, and concerts and tours with Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, B. B. King, Duane Eddy, Roy Orbison, and Frankie Avalon, among others. As music writer John Broven wrote in South to Louisiana: The Music of the Cajun Bayous, “Rod’s hit record had provided an epic, unrepeatable adventure, yearned for by many, attained by few.”

    In the coming years, Bernard released many regional hits that today remain swamp pop classics. These include “Congratulations To You Darling,” “Forgive,” “Loneliness,” “Fais Do-Do,” and his own bilingual (French and English) version of the Cajun classic “Colinda.” In 1976 he teamed up with fellow Opelousas native, zydeco legend Clifton Chenier, to record the Jin album Boogie In Black & White — for its time a groundbreaking biracial collaboration. He performed at various times with other swamp pop musicians, including Warren Storm and Skip Stewart. (The trio called themselves the Shondells — no relation to Tommy James’ group of the same name.) Over the years Bernard recorded for a number of labels, including the aforesaid Carl, Jin, and Argo, as well as Mercury, La Louisianne, Arbee, Teardrop, Copyright, Crazy Cajun, and CSP. Much of his early work has been reissued on the British label Ace.

    In addition to his music career, Bernard worked in radio and television for his entire life. He landed his first radio program on KSLO around age 10, and for many years in the 1960s, he deejayed, sold airtime, and served as a program director at KVOL radio in Lafayette. (Bernard was instrumental in hiring Lafayette’s first African-American deejay, Paul Thibeaux, who joined KVOL in 1965.) Around 1970 Bernard switched to a career in television and for nearly 30 years worked as an advertising executive and on-air talent for Lafayette’s KLFY-TV 10 (for whom he had previously hosted his Saturday Hop live dance program). For decades he appeared in television commercials and often guest-hosted the channel’s long-popular Passe Partout and Meet Your Neighbor programs.  He retired in 2018 from the Acadiana Broadcasting Group.

    In his personal time, Bernard enjoyed watching classic westerns, barbequing, cooking chicken and sausage gumbo, and listening to country and western, blues, and rhythm and blues music. He also loved to spend time with his family, especially his three grandchildren. In 2010 Bernard celebrated his 70th birthday by parachuting from an airplane — telling his family only after he returned from the jump.

    Bernard was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jo Ann King, originally of Magnolia, Mississippi, and a longtime resident of Lafayette, now residing in New Iberia; his brother, Oscar Bernard of Scott; his children, Shane K. Bernard of New Iberia and Shannon Bernard Bourg of Metairie; three grandchildren, Colette A. Bernard and Alexandre T. Bernard of Lafayette, and Ella G. Bourg of Metairie; his daughter-in-law, Amy Lancon Bernard of New Iberia; and his son-in-law, Rusty Bourg, of Metairie.

    Bernard proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve from 1962 to 1968, attaining the rank of sergeant. He was later active in the Lafayette-area Marine Corps League until declining health prevented him from doing so. His family asks that donations be made to the U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots campaign at www.toysfortots.org. At his request, no funeral will be observed.

    ###

    Submitted by:

    Shane K. Bernard

    shane@cajunculture.com

    (337) 364-1934

    Music entertainer and broadcaster Rod Bernard passed away on July 12, 20202022-04-29T13:06:41-05:00
    2 Aug 2019

    The TECHE Project, St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission, SLEMCO and the Town of Leonville to Unveil New Information Kiosks for Bayou Teche

    2019-09-12T15:11:33-05:00

    Each of the 16 Bayou Teche National Water Trail towns will have a new means of telling their special stories.

    Leonville, LA, August 1, 2019:  The TECHE Project, St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission, SLEMCO and the Town of Leonville will unveil the information kiosk for Leonville Park and the Bayou Teche National Water and Paddle Trail at a special 10:00AM public ceremony on Tuesday, August 13 at Leonville Park, Mistric Street, Leonville, LA.  Information kiosks will be placed at each of the 16 trailheads along Bayou Teche, the Lower Atchafalaya River, and the Atchafalaya River from Port Barre to Berwick.  These kiosks will orient water and land trail users to the Bayou Teche and the Lower Atchafalaya River and present the special stories of the 16 trail communities.

    The TECHE Project celebrated its 10-year anniversary of being the all-volunteer, non-profit organization representing the many assets of the Bayou Teche and the Lower Atchafalaya River.  In 2015, The TECHE Project received the exceptional designation of ‘National Water Trail’ from the U.S. Secretary of the Interior.  This recognition is one of 21 such designations in the United States and the only one in Louisiana.

    The St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission and SLEMCO are the primary sponsors for the Leonville Bayou Teche information kiosk.  “The Bayou Teche National Water and Paddle Trail is one of the many important and active attractions for St. Landry Parish.” says Tourist Commission Executive Director Herman Fuselier.  Likewise, SLEMCO Economic Development Specialist Jody Soileau observes “The information kiosks are important communication tools for the intrinsic resources of the Acadiana region.  SLEMCO is pleased to help support the benefits of the Teche.”  The Town of Leonville along with all water users will maintain the floating dock and the kiosk.

    Installing the floating docks with federal and state funding and the information kiosks with local sponsorships in the 16 bayou and river towns is a major part of the TECHE Project’s ‘TECHE Renaissance’ initiative comprised of programs to increase the recreational use of the waterways and to enrich the boater’s enjoyment.

    “Because it is one of the early information kiosks to be installed on the 135-mile paddle trail,” says Conni Castille, Executive Director of The TECHE Project, “it serves as a model for other water trail towns of what is coming to their community very soon.”

    The information kiosk measures 4 feet wide by 5 ½ feet tall and holds two panels: an orientation panel and a community panel.  The orientation panel depicts a waterway-long map, safety tips, and an inset map of each trail town.  The community panel presents stories about the locality, the waterway, wildlife and native plants, and helpful advice for exploring Bayou Teche and Lower Atchafalaya corridor.

    “For many towns along the Teche and Lower Atchafalaya, these information kiosks serve as a primary ‘storyteller’.” says David Dahlquist, kiosk designer and TECHE Project Council member.  “Our primary design objective is to provide information which is easily accessible, useful, and encourages people to learn and do more in each town and all along the waterway.”

    The TECHE Project, St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission, SLEMCO and the Town of Leonville to Unveil New Information Kiosks for Bayou Teche2019-09-12T15:11:33-05:00
    27 Jun 2019

    Fifth Annual Fête-Dieu du Teche Eucharistic Boat Procession

    2019-09-12T15:11:33-05:00

    For Immediate Release Contact:

    Fr. Michael Champagne, CJC

    fetedieuduteche@gmail.com

    www.fetedieuduteche.org

    June 26, 2019

    (337) 394-6550

    https://www.facebook.com/CommunityofJesusCrusified/

     

    Fifth Annual Fête-Dieu du Teche Eucharistic Boat Procession to be held on August 15

    Boat Registration is now open

    The fifth annual Eucharistic Procession down Bayou Teche will take place on Thursday, August 15. The date is important for Roman Catholics as it is the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patroness of the Acadian people and of Acadiana. It is also a day that marks the 254th anniversary of the arrival of French-Canadian immigrants who brought the Catholic faith to Acadiana after enduring great trials and suffering. Hundreds will travel by boat to celebrate this occasion in honoring the Blessed Sacrament and Acadian heritage. Last year the event was held on the Vermilion river to help celebrate the centennial of the Diocese of Lafayette.   Thousands travelled from throughout south Louisiana to participate in the event.

    Bishop John Douglas Deshotel, D.D., a native son of Acadiana and the current Bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette, will begin the event by celebrating the Mass of the Assumption in French at St. Leo the Great Church in Leonville at 8:00 a.m  “After Mass, we will process with the Blessed Sacrament with a special monstrance built for the occasion to the Leonville boat landing and embark in a boat procession down the Teche toward St. Martinville,” explains Fr. Michael Champagne, CJC, native son of the Diocese of Lafayette and lead organizer of this unique event. “The Blessed Sacrament will be fixed on an altar on the lead boat under a canopy, with a pair of adorers in adoration between the towns visited. The Eucharistic Procession will stop and disembark at the Catholic churches along the way for recitation of the rosary and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. For those who are unable to participate by boat, all are invited to join for Mass at St. Leo’s in Leonville, and then to drive and gather at any of the planned stops at churches along the banks of Bayou Teche in Arnaudville, Cecilia, Breaux Bridge, and Parks, and finally in St. Martinville. Priests will be available at each stop for Confessions.”

    The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 15), is a very important feast in the Catholic Church, but especially for the Diocese of Lafayette.  It is the Feast of the Acadians who settled here in 1765.  The Acadians originally sailed to Nouvelle-Écosse (Nova Scotia) under the star of Our Lady of the Assumption and again during the Grand Dérangement. The Acadian flag, both Canadian and Louisiana Acadian, highlights the centrality of Our Lady of the Assumption for the Acadian people. The gold star on a white field represents “Our Lady of the Assumption”, Patroness of the Acadians. When the first settlers departed France for the New World, the Virgin Mary was highly revered. It was a period of great devotion to the Virgin. The King of France, Louis XIII, and Pope Pius XI declared the Virgin Mary the patroness of the kingdom, (Patronne de Royaume) and Patroness Saint of all the Acadians in Canada, Louisiana and elsewhere. On August 15, 1638, France and her colonies were consecrated to Mary under the title “Our Lady of the Assumption”.

    Fr. Michael Champagne, CJC, the organizer of the unique event explains that during Fȇte-Dieu du Teche “the Blessed Sacrament will be fixed on an altar on the lead boat under a canopy, with a pair of adorers in adoration between the towns visited. Another boat will carry the statue of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  The Eucharistic Procession will stop and disembark at makeshift altars along the Bayou Teche for recitation of the Rosary and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. For those who are unable to participate by boat, all are invited to join for Mass at St. Leo the Great in Leonville at 8 am and then to drive and gather at any of the planned stops along the banks behind the various churches along Bayou Teche. Priests will be available at each stop for Confessions.”

    Bishop Douglas Deshotel will begin the day with a French Mass of the Assumption at St. Leo the Great in Leonville at 8:00 AM. Bishop Deshotel notes, “I have been edified by the devotion and participation of so many priests, deacons, religious and lay faithful.  I think such a public Eucharistic celebration is an excellent manifestation of the new evangelization that we so desperately need.”  Bishop Glen Provost, a native son of the Diocese of Lafayette and bishop of Lafayette’s daughter diocese, the Diocese of Lake Charles, reflecting on Fête-Dieu du Teche says, “Let us remember that the Acadians and French who first settled in our area were Catholic, and in the case of the Acadians were expelled from Nova Scotia primarily because they were Catholic.    It is our history we remember.   It is our faith we celebrate.    It is our Lord we adore and worship.”  In his homily at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church last year he quoted Lafayette’s second bishop, Bishop Maurice Schexnayder who prophesied, “The waters of the Teche will be drained to the ground before the people of Acadiana lose their Catholic Faith.”

    Itinerary for Centennial Eucharistic Boat Procession on Bayou Teche

    Thursday, August 15, 2018

    (Feast of the Assumption of Mary)

    8:00 a.m.        Holy Mass in French with Bishop John Douglas Deshotel, D.D. at St. Leo the Great Church, Leonville

    9:00 a.m.        Procession from St. Leo’s to Leonville boat landing

    9:30 a.m.        Boat Procession departs

    10:20 a.m.      Arrive at Arnaudville and disembark for Rosary and Benediction

    11:45 a.m.      Arrive at Cecilia and disembark for Rosary and Benediction

    1:35 p.m.        Arrive at Breaux Bridge and disembark for Rosary and Benediction

    3:15 p.m.        Arrive at Parks and disembark for Rosary and Benediction

    4:45 p.m.        Flotilla arrives at St. Martinville; Procession to Notre Dame de Perpetuel Secours for Benediction

    5:00 p.m.        Procession from Notre Dame to St. Martin de Tours Church for Benediction

    5:30 p.m.        Procession down Main Street to Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel for Solemn Vespers & Final Benediction

    6:00 p.m.        Solemn Vespers and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament

    ** Confessions will be available at all stops in Mobile Units along the Procession

    Boat Registration

    To register a boat for the procession, send an email to fetedieuduteche@gmail.com  or download a registration form at http://www.fetedieuduteche.org/registration19.pdf Once the registration form is completed and waivers signed, either mail them to 103 Railroad Avenue, St. Martinville, LA 70582 or scan the completed forms and email them to the above email address as an attachment.  The boat coordinator will contact you with details. The procession will travel at about 8 mph and thus only motorized vessels are allowed.  Catholic schools are encouraged to send their students or a representative group to be present at the opening French Mass in Leonville with Bishop Deshotel, one of the stops along the procession, but especially to participate in the final foot procession in St. Martinville.

    Additional Information

    For more information, visit the website www.fetedieuduteche.org or Fete-Dieu du Teche on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CommunityofJesusCrusified/ or contact Fr. Michael Champagne, CJC by telephone at (337) 394-6550 or email at fetedieuduteche@gmail.com

    ###

    Fifth Annual Fête-Dieu du Teche Eucharistic Boat Procession2019-09-12T15:11:33-05:00
    10 Apr 2019

    Lt. Gov. Nungesser – Civil Rights Trail

    2019-09-12T15:11:34-05:00
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    April 10, 2019
    LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR NUNGESSER ANNOUNCES MEETING SCHEDULE TO HELP SHAPE THE LOUISIANA CIVIL RIGHTS TRAIL
    BATON ROUGE, La. – Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser has announced a series of statewide meetings over the next several months to help identify locations for the new Louisiana Civil Rights Trail. This trail will help tell the overarching story Louisiana played in the Civil Rights Movement.

    Nine meetings are scheduled across the state in April and May. These gatherings are designed to get valuable input from citizens across Louisiana, to identify and interpret historic events, physical structures, and locations that helped shape Civil Rights history.

    “We got the ball rolling late last year when we gathered citizens, stakeholders, civic leaders, and lawmakers in Baton Rouge to begin the initial process of sharing ideas in the development of the Louisiana Civil Rights Trail,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “That meeting was the foundation to this next step of traveling across Louisiana in order to get a full appreciation of the potential important stories, people, and locations in our state that highlight an important time in our history.”

    The statewide meetings will provide an overview of the project, discuss the nomination process and criteria, as well as answer questions attendees may have.

    “I encourage all interested parties to participate in this very important process with our statewide meetings. Information from these initial meetings will be vital in moving forward with the Louisiana Civil Rights Trail,” added Lt. Governor Nungesser.

    Louisiana Civil Rights Trail Statewide Meeting Schedule

    Monday, April 22 – New Orleans
    Small Center
    1725 Baronne Street
    New Orleans, LA 70113
    10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
    Monday, April 22 – Hammond
    Tangipahoa Parish African American Museum
    1600 Phoenix Square
    Hammond, LA 70403
    2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    Monday, April 29 – Lafayette                     
    Clifton Chenier Center
    220 West Willow Street
    Lafayette, LA 70501
    10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
    Monday, April 29 – Opelousas
    St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission
    978 Kennerson Road (exit 23 off I-49)
    Opelousas, LA 70570
    2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    Tuesday, April 30 – Alexandria
    Kent House
    3601 Bayou Rapides Road
    Alexandria, LA 71303
    10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
    Monday, May 6 – Thibodaux
    Jean Lafitte Wetland Acadian Center
    314 St. Mary Street
    Thibodaux, LA 70301
    10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
    Tuesday, May 21 – Monroe
    NE Louisiana Delta African American Museum
    1051 Chenault Park Road
    Monroe, LA 71203
    10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
    Tuesday, May 21 – Shreveport
    Valencia Recreation Center
    1800 Viking Drive
    Shreveport, LA 71101
    3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    Wednesday, May 22 – Lake Charles
    SW Louisiana Economic Development Alliance
    4310 Ryan Street
    Lake Charles, LA 70605
    2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

    Contact information:
    Jennifer Berthelot
    Louisiana Office of Tourism
    225-342-8142
    Julio Guichard
    Office of the Lieutenant Governor
    225-342-7009

    —LouisianaTravel.com—
    Lt. Gov. Nungesser – Civil Rights Trail2019-09-12T15:11:34-05:00

    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)

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