history, business, information

St Landry Parish Events

JULY-AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2008

Tues., Thurs. & Sat.–Farmer’s Market. Opelousas. 828 E. Landry St. (Pavilion by Mikey’s Doughnuts). Garden veggies, fruits, jellies & more! Tues, Thurs & Sat 7-11 AM. Sponsored by St. Landry Farmer’s Assn. (337) 948-0561.

Wed. & Sat.–Farmers’ Market & Market Days. Eunice. S. 2nd St. (Main Street). Garden veggies, fruits, baked goods, arts, crafts & more! 3:30-5 PM on Wed & Sat. Sponsored by Eunice Main St. Program. (337) 457-6503.

Wed., Thurs., Fri. & Sat.–Live Thoroughbred Horse Racing @ Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino. Opelousas. 2235 Creswell Lane Ext. Enjoy this fast-paced show of 10 races/night in the 1st entertainment complex in America designed to combine horse racing & casino gaming. Post time 6:20 PM. Special races on Labor Day, Sept. 1. (337) 594-3000.

Sat.-Coteau Ridge Farmer’s Market. Arnaudville. Jack Hardy Lot, Hwy. 31. Locally raised meats, plants, herbs, flowers, baked goods, canned goods, fruits & veggies. 7:30AM-12noon. Parking at Town Market Centre. (337) 754-5316.

July 1-Aug. 30–The Sydney & Walda Besthoff Collection comes to Acadiana Exhibit. Opelousas. Opelousas Museum of Art, 106 N. Union St. In honor of OMA’s 10 year anniversary, the most renowned contemporary art collection in private hands will be on display for the first time in Acadiana. The Besthoff’s are best known for their unique collection of fine contemporary & photorealist art. OMA will feature approx. 45 selections of paintings & indoor sculpture. Suggested donation. Tues-Fri 1-5 PM & Sat 9 AM-5 PM or by appt. (337) 942-4991.

July 1-Aug. 30 – Photographs of Butterflies by Robert Baxter. Opelousas. Opelousas Museum & Interpretive Center, 315 N. Main St. These photographs were inspired after Hurricanes Katrina & Rita. Also, learn about the history and culture of the Opelousas area from prehistoric times to the present. Main Exhibit Room, Civil War Room, The Geraldine Smith Welch Doll Collection, Louisiana Video Collection Library and the SW LA Zydeco Music Festival Archives. Mon-Fri 9 AM-5 PM; Sat 10 AM-3 PM. Groups by appt. (337) 948-2589.

July 1-Sept. 30 – Eunice Depot Museum. Eunice. 220 S. CC Duson St. Learn about the history of Eunice & also see exhibits on the Bicentennial Wagon Train & Civil War artifacts. Tues–Sat. 9AM-5PM..Free admission. (337) 457-6540.

July 3-Poet, Valentine Pierce/Open Mic. Grand Coteau. Casa Azul, 232 MLK Dr. New Orleans poet, Valentine Pierce will read original poetry, followed by Open Mic of poetry & music. This free event will be from 7-9PM. Free black beans & rice. (337) 662-1032.

July 4–Fireworks on the Prairie. Eunice. Eunice Recreation Complex. Bring your lawn chairs & celebrate Independence Day! Spectacular fireworks display begins at 9 PM. Free admission. No ice chests please. (337) 457-7389.

July 4–Fireworks on the River. Krotz Springs. Nall Park, 562 Front St. Come out & join this Independence Day Celebration with the entire family! JC Melancon & band will perform from 6:30-8:30 PM with Patriotic music following! Fireworks display at dusk! Hot dogs & cokes. No bottles please-lawn chairs allowed. (337) 566-2322.

July 4-5, 11-12, 18-19 & 25-26-Nu Nu’s Nighlite Concert Series. Arnaudville. Town Market, 1013 Neblett (Hwy. 31). Doors open at 7 PM & music starts promptly at 8:30 PM. $10 donation gets you music, dancing, dinner & a cleverly lit smoke-free environment. www.towmarket.homestead.com or (337) 754-9898.

July 5–The 18th Annual Lebeau Zydeco Festival. Lebeau. Immaculate Conception Church Grounds, Hwy. 71 S., ½ mile from Stelly’s Truckstop. There will be food, including BBQ, boudin & backbone dinners & drinks sold. Live musical entertainment featuring Leon Chavis & The Zydeco Flames, Keith Frank & The Soileau Zydeco Band; Lil’ Nathan & The Zydeco Big Timers, Roddie Romero & The Hub City All Stars, Step Rideau & The Zydeco Outlaws, Brian Jack & The Zydeco Gamblers! 11AM-until. Adults $10; Children under 12-$5. No ice chests/glass permitted. (337) 623-5909/4362.

July 5, 12, 19 & 26-Rendez-Vous des Cajuns Live Radio and TV Show. Eunice. Liberty Theater, 200 W. Park Ave.: Cajun & Zydeco bands perform live in a Cajun-style “Grand Ole Opry” show. 6-7:30PM; Adults $5, Under 12 $3. July 5-Sheryl Cormier & Cajun Sound; July 12-Howard Noel, Jr. & Cajun Boogie & Fricassée Cajun Band; July 19-Melange & Wilson Savoy & Cajun Silver; July 26-Cypress Bottom Boys & Jamie Berzas & Cajun Tradition. (337) 457-7389.
July 5, 12, 19 & 26–Live Music at the Courtyard at Nick’s. Eunice. 123 S. 2nd St. Admission $5. (337) 457-4921.

July 6, 13, 20 & 27–Jam Session @ Tom’s Fiddles. Arnaudville. 204 Fuselier Rd. Event held 11AM-1:30PM every Sun. An "organic" jam that provides a platform for musical artists. Food & iced tea served by donation. (337) 754-5528.

July 10 – Opelousas-Eunice Public Library Performing Arts Series presents Hobey Ford; Golden Rod Puppets. Eunice & Opelousas. 10 AM-Liberty Theater, 200 W. Park Ave, Eunice and 2 PM-South Park Teen Ctr, 1524 S. Market St., Opelousas. The Rainbow Bridge & other tales told thru use of shadow & rod puppets. Free. Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult. Performances approx 45 mins. (337) 948-3693/457-7120.

July 11, 18 & 25-Opelousas Music & Market Series. Opelousas. Farmer’s Market Pavilion, Vine & Landry Sts. Features live Cajun/Zydeco music. 5:30–8:30PM. (Music at 6PM). Free. No ice chests. (337) 948-5227/948-6263.

July 14-18–2008 Summer Culture Fun Days. Eunice. Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, 250 W. Park Ave. For children ages 9 & 10. Includes a field trip to Camp Coushatta, presentations, programs, story telling, displays, films, hands-on activities & games will be presented, showcasing the diverse cultural influences on the Prairie Acadian folk life & environmental transitions. Free Registration-limited to 20 children! 8:30 AM-12 PM. (337) 457-8490.

July 17 & 18–Rhythm of Life Summer Concert presented by Eunice Community Concert Band & Choir. Eunice. Liberty Theatre, 200 W. Park Ave. Outstanding area musicians provide visitors and locals alike the opportunity to enjoy a delightful evening of great music. 7 PM. Adults $5, Children under 12-$2. Art exhibit by Fine Arts Council of Eunice in lobby. (337) 457-1776.

July 18–Opelousas-Eunice Public Library Performing Arts Series presents Kuniko Yamamoto. Eunice & Opelousas. 10 AM-Liberty Theater, 200 W. Park Ave, Eunice and 2 PM-South Park Teen Center, 1524 S. Market St., Opelousas. Japanese storyteller & mime. Free. Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult. (337) 948-3693/457-7120.

July 18- Arnaudville Potluck Dinner. Arnaudville. Town Market Centre, 1013 Neblett (Hwy. 31). "....if you can't bring a dish, just bring your fork." And, if you’re a musician, bring an instrument. 5-8PM. (337) 754-9898.

July 19-Seven Mile Yard Sale. Arnaudville to Grand Coteau. Hwy. 93 East.Expect great food, fun & terrific treasures to buy & sell! Look for the red balloons. 7AM-4PM. (337) 298-7998/662-3058.

July 19-Wood Stork/Wading Bird Event. Krotz Springs. South Farm, Sherbune Wildlife Management Complex on LA 975 approx. 3 miles south of LA Hwy. 190. Wood storks & other wading birds can be viewed in this area as they are drawn to feed in the South Farm’s water management units. 7AM-12noon. (337) 585-0853.

July 19–Louisiana Orphan Train Society: History Continues Through the Generations. Opelousas. LA Memorial United Methodist Church, 585 E. Bellevue St. The Society will host its annual gathering from 12noon-4PM. A short program will be followed by refreshments. Please RSVP with donation. (337) 942-7845.

July 20- Poet Ken Waldman. Grand Coteau. Casa Azul, 232 MLK Dr. Reading & book signing by fiddling poet, Ken Waldman. 1PM. (337) 662-1032.

July 24-Poetry Reading/Open Mic. Grand Coteau. Casa Azul, 232 MLK Dr. The ULL poets group will read, followed by Open Mic of poetry & music. This free event will be from 7-9PM. Free black beans & rice. (337) 662-1032.

July 26- La Table Francaise. Arnaudville. Town Market, 1013 Neblett (Hwy. 31). An informal gathering where visitors can practice their Creole-Cajun French while enjoying coffee & pastries and good company from 9 am-12 pm on the last Saturday of the month. Free. (337) 754-7724.

July 30-Opelousas La Table Francaise. Kajeune’s, 2979 S. Union St. Grab a cup of coffee & share conversation & fun with other French speakers. 7:30-8:30 AM on the last Wed. of the month. (337) 948-5227.

Aug. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30-Nu Nu’s Nightlite Concert Series. Arnaudville. Town Market, 1013 Neblett (Hwy. 31). Doors open at 7 PM & music starts promptly at 8:30 PM. $10 donation gets you music, dancing, dinner & a cleverly lit smoke-free environment. www.towmarket.homestead.com or (337) 754-9898.

Aug. 1-30–The Sydney & Walda Besthoff Collection comes to Acadiana Exhibit. Opelousas. Opelousas Museum of Art, 106 N. Union St. In honor of OMA’s 10 year anniversary, the most renowned contemporary art collection in private hands will be on display for the first time in Acadiana. The Besthoff’s are best known for their unique collection of fine contemporary & photorealist art. OMA will feature approx. 45 selections of paintings & indoor sculpture. Suggested donation. Tues-Fri 1-5 PM & Sat 9 AM-5 PM or by appt. (337) 942-4991.

Aug. 1-30-Photographs of Butterflies by Robert Baxter. Opelousas. Opelousas Museum & Interpretive Center, 315 N. Main St. These photographs were inspired after Hurricanes Katrina & Rita. Also, learn about the history and culture of the Opelousas area from prehistoric times to the present. Main Exhibit Room, Civil War Room, The Geraldine Smith Welch Doll Collection, Louisiana Video Collection Library and the SW LA Zydeco Music Festival Archives. Mon-Fri 9 AM-5 PM; Sat 10 AM-3 PM. Groups by appt. (337) 948-2589.

Aug. 1-Sept. 30 – Eunice Depot Museum. Eunice. 220 S. CC Duson St. Learn about the history of Eunice & also see exhibits on the Bicentennial Wagon Train & Civil War artifacts. Tues–Sat. 9AM-5PM..Free admission. (337) 457-6540.

Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30- Rendez-Vous des Cajuns Live Radio and TV Show. Eunice. Liberty Theater, 200 W. Park Ave.: Cajun & Zydeco bands perform live in a Cajun-style “Grand Ole Opry” show. 6-7:30 PM; Adults $5, Under 12 $3. Aug 2-Prairie Cajun Fiddlers & Scotty Pousson & the Pointe au Loop Playboys; Aug. 9-Goldman Thibodeaux & The Lawtell Playboys & Travis Benoit & Allons Danser; Aug. 16-Wilson Savoy & Friends & Horace Trahan & Huval/Doucet; Aug. 23-Corey Ledet & his Zydeco Band & Sheryl Cormier & Cajun Sound; Aug. 30-Errol Jenkins & Louisiana Tradition & Choupique. (337) 457-7389.

Aug. 2-The 3rd Annual Zydeco King & Queen Ball. Opelousas. North Park Teen Center, 1524 S. Market St. The Southern Development Foundation in Opelousas presents the Ball as a Cultural event to experience. King & Queen chosen to reign over Southwest Zydeco Festival. Live music & contests. 9 PM-until. $10 admission. (337) 942-2392.

Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30– Live Music at the Courtyard at Nick’s. Eunice. 123 S. 2nd St. Admission $5. (337) 457-4921.

Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31–Jam Session @ Tom’s Fiddles. Arnaudville. 204 Fuselier Rd. Event held 11AM-1:30PM every Sun. An "organic" jam that provides a platform for musical artists. Food & iced tea served by donation. (337) 754-5528.

Aug. 7-10 & 14-16– The Opelousas Little Theatre presents Wit. Opelousas. Opelousas Little Theatre, next to Donald Gardner Stadium, behind Central Fire Station. 7 PM & 2 PM (Aug. 10) performances. A powerful play by Margaret Edson about a university professor who is dying of ovarian cancer & becomes an object of study in an experimental treatment. Admission $10/person-sold at door or at Sebastien-Dupre Fine Jewelry, (337) 948-4367.

Aug. 15 Arnaudville Potluck Dinner. Arnaudville. Town Market Centre, 1013 Neblett (Hwy. 31). "....if you can't bring a dish, just bring your fork." And, if you’re a musician, bring an instrument. 5-8PM. (337) 754-9898.

Aug. 27-Opelousas La Table Francaise. Kajeune’s, 2979 S. Union St. Grab a cup of coffee & share conversation & fun with other French speakers. 7:30-8:30 AM on the last Wed. of the month. (337) 948-5227.

Aug. 28–Zydeco Festival Parade Lines & Jam Session. Opelousas. S Park (S. Market St.) & Slim’s Y Ki-Ki, Hwy. 182 N. Join the kick-off parade at 5PM at S. Park & then head over to Slim’s for a jam session, kicking off the Zydeco Festival weekend! 8 PM-Until. Free admission. (337) 232-7672 or www.zydeco.org.

Aug. 29–Zydeco Festival Kick-off Dance. Opelousas. Slim’s Y Ki-Ki, Hwy. 182 N. Continue your Zydeco Fest weekend with live music! Music 9:30 PM-Until. $10 Admission. (337) 232-7672 or www.zydeco.org.

Aug. 30–Zydeco Breakfast. Opelousas. Courthouse Square, 118 S. Court St. Start your day with a great Zyedco-themed breakfast, then go to the Zydeco Festival! 8-10:30AM. Live music! Free. Sponsored by City of Opelousas. (337) 232-7672.

Aug. 30-La Table Francaise. Arnaudville. Town Market, 1013 Neblett (Hwy. 31). An informal gathering where visitors can practice their Creole-Cajun French while enjoying coffee & pastries and good company from 9 am-12 pm on the last Saturday of the month. Free. (337) 754-7724.

Aug. 30 – The 26th Annual Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Festival. Plaisance. Zydeco Festival Grounds, 457 Zydeco Rd off of Hwy. 167 N. 15 non-stop hours of live, spicy music, culture, food & craft demonstrations. Adults $10, Children under 10-$2; Limited pre-sale tickets available. Gate opens at 7 AM; Heritage Stage at 9 AM and Main Stage-10:30AM-1AM. (337) 232-7672 or www.zydeco.org.

Sept. 1-30 – Eunice Depot Museum. Eunice. 220 S. CC Duson St. Learn about the history of Eunice & also see exhibits on the Bicentennial Wagon Train & Civil War artifacts. Tues–Sat. 9AM-5PM..Free admission. (337) 457-6540.

Sept. 5-6-Lebeau Trailride. Lebeau. 103 Lebeau Church Rd. Plenty of food & fun for everyone. Keith Frank & The Soileau Zydeco Band-4PM-Sat. Fri-7PM-12AM & Sat 11AM-9PM. (337) 623-5259/945-2480.

Sept. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 & 26-27-Nu Nu’s Nightlite Concert Series. Arnaudville. Town Market, 1013 Neblett (Hwy. 31). Doors open at 7 PM & music starts promptly at 8:30 PM. $10 donation gets you music, dancing, dinner & a cleverly lit smoke-free environment. www.towmarket.homestead.com or (337) 754-9898.

Sept. 6-The 9th Annual Atchafalaya Catfish Festival. Melville. Civic Center, 1105 First St. Join the town of Melville as they celebrate their annual festival. Food, a parade, live music & more. 10 AM-10 PM. (337) 623-4226.

Sept. 6, 13, 20 & 27-Rendez-Vous des Cajuns Live Radio and TV Show. Eunice. Liberty Theater, 200 W. Park Ave. Cajun & Zydeco bands perform live in a Cajun-style “Grand Ole Opry” show. 6-7:30PM; Adults $5, Under 12 $3. Sept. 20-Tribute to Hank Williams, Sr (tickets-$12-reserved seating). (337) 457-7389.

Sept. 6, 13, 20 & 27–Live Music at the Courtyard. Eunice. 123 S. 2nd St. Admission $5. (337) 457-4921.

Sept. 7, 14, 21 & 28–Jam Session @ Tom’s Fiddles. Arnaudville. 204 Fuselier Rd. Event held 11AM-1:30PM every Sun. An "organic" jam that provides a platform for musical artists. Food & iced tea served by donation. (337) 754-5528.

Sept. 10-Dec. 20. – Acadiana Eyewitness: Photography of Freddie Herpin Exhibit. Opelousas. Opelousas Museum of Art. 106 N. Union St. Photographer, Freddie Herpin, has been associated with The Daily World newspaper for over 20 years. His archive spans generation & OMA will present a series of his most ambitious photos. Tues–Fri 1-5 PM, Sat. 9 AM-5 PM. Suggested donation: Adults $3, Children free. (337) 942-4991.

Sept. 12, 19 & 26-Opelousas Music & Market Series. Opelousas. Farmer’s Market Pavilion, Vine & Landry Sts. Features live Cajun/Zydeco music. 5:30–8:30PM. (Music at 6PM). Free. No ice chests. (337) 948-5227/948-6263.

Mid-Sept. – The Eunice Players Theatre presents, All the Great Books, Abridged. Eunice. Eunice Little Theatre S. 2nd St. Join the Players for this classic play. Wed-Sun 7 PM & Sun 2 PM. $12-Tickets (337) 457-3330.

Sept. 19-Arnaudville Potluck Dinner. Arnaudville. Town Market Centre, 1013 Neblett (Hwy. 31). "....if you can't bring a dish, just bring your fork." And, if you’re a musician, bring an instrument. 5-8PM. (337) 754-9898.

Sept. 24-Opelousas La Table Francaise. Kajeune’s, 2979 S. Union St. Grab a cup of coffee & share conversation & fun with other French speakers. 7:30-8:30 AM on the last Wed. of the month. (337) 948-5227.

Sept. 27-The 15th Annual National Public Lands Day. Krotz Springs. Indian Bayou Parking Area, 667 W. Atchafalaya Levee Rd., approx. 11 miles South of town on LA 105. Local volunteers are given the opportunity to help maintain trails & place bird houses along scenic Indian Bayou in support of the very lands they use to recreate. 7AM-3PM. (337) 585-0853.

Sept. 27- La Table Francaise. Arnaudville. Town Market, 1013 Neblett (Hwy. 31). An informal gathering where visitors can practice their Creole-Cajun French while enjoying coffee & pastries and good company from 9 am-12 pm on the last Saturday of the month. Free. (337) 754-7724.

Sept. 27-Washington Steamboat Days. Washington. Main St. Pavilion. Live music, food & antique shopping encouraged! 10AM-5PM. (337) 826-3627 or www.townofwashingtonla.org.

Sept. 28-Berchmans BASH Family Day & BBQ Competition. Grand Coteau. 1821 Academy Rd. Join St. John Berchmans Scool for their 2nd annual Family Day & BBQ Contest. Live entertainment & games for the children. Anyone willing to compete in the contest is welcome to register. 10AM-4PM. (337) 662-5275 (ext.3046)/www.sshcoteau.org.