Welcome to Acadia Parish
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Acadia Parish is rich in history, from the discovery of Louisiana’s first oil well in Evangeline (1 & 2), to Iota’s annual Mardi Gras chicken run and Folklife Festival (3), to Crowley’s beautiful Historic District featuring stately Victorian homes (4), to Robert’s Cove German heritage featuring the Roberts Cove German Heritage Museum and pilgrimage church, Waldfahrtskappelle (5 & 6), to Rayne having a hopping good time with their many frog sculptures and murals (7), we promise residents and visitors a great time!
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Come pass a good time in Acadia Parish.
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011
THE CROWLEY POST-SIGNAL
A message from Crowley Mayor Greg Jones Dear Friends:
Crowley Mayor Greg Jones
Welcome to Crowley, Louisiana, where we like to say, “Life is rice and easy!” Located in the heart of Cajun country, Crowley has a wide array of distinctive cultural opportunities to explore. You will love our cooking, music and dancing as well as learning about our architecture and the local rice industry. For over a hundred years, Crowley has been a world leader in the rice industry and has given us the title of “Rice Capital of America”. We have grown up with rice farming, milling, packaging, shipping and cooking. The journey of this commodity from field to shelf is a fascinating one. We offer several interactive sources to learn about it including the Rice Interpretive Center located at Crowley City Hall and the Rice Trail, a driving tour through rice country. The highlight is the annual International Rice Festival, one of the largest and oldest agricultural festivals in Louisiana. We also invite you to visit our historic commercial
district on North Parkerson Avenue. A must see on your tour is The Grand Opera House of the South, a 19th century entertainment venue recently restored and once again home to live, cultural performances. In addition, you will find a tribute to a local music legend, J.D. Miller, at Crowley City Hall and learn about the early recording industry in Louisiana. Crowley is a great community filled with friendly neighbors, a strong educational and business environment, and an all around excellent quality of life. There are many interesting sites to see throughout the city and parish that I know will make your travels memorable. If we can be of any assistance to you, please call 337783-0824 or stop by the new Crowley City Hall at 425 North Parkerson Avenue. You can also learn more about us at our website www.crowley-la.com. Enjoy Acadiana! Sincerely,
Greg A. Jones
A taste of the past, rebuilt for the future BY HOWELL DENNIs NEWS EDITOR
For the past three years since I moved to Crowley I’ve watched as The Grand Opera House of the South went through its final construction work, its grand opening, and the continued improvements. I’ve written about many of the shows that have come and gone but in all honesty I’m sorry to say that I really haven’t gotten to see as many as I’d have liked. However, last week I was fortunate enough to see the play ‘Grease’ which was wonderfully performed by 28 young actors from public and private schools across Acadia Parish. I also think it may have been the first time I found myself looking around the Opera House and truly admiring its genuine beauty and nostalgic feel. What a place to watch a performance! It was almost as if the venue itself was an
integral part of the show. As I cheered for the actors and everyone else associated with the play, I felt as though I could close my eyes and picture the Opera House full of ghosts from the Roaring 20’s cheering alongside me. Only I’m sure the air conditioning is slightly better these days. The mostly wooden interior with its masterfully designed, original ceiling, the old-time beauty of the stage and the box seating on each side makes one feel as though he has traveled straight back to that time when all men wore top hats and the women carried parasols. In short, it is a sight that words cannot properly describe. Some places simply need to be seen by the naked eye to be truly appreciated. I did some reading on the history of the Opera House and I wonder if David Lyons, the man who built it in 1901, is looking down proudly at what his brainchild has
become. What was described as ‘a beautiful little playhouse’ by the Daily Signal when it originally opened can be described these days with many, many more adjectives. After all, how many places can be called ‘cozy, yet majestic’ which is exactly what I was thinking as I surveyed my surroundings. When the Opera House reopened it got its fair share of publicity but now I’m wondering if it actually got enough. Last week after attending the play, I spoke to my friends and family about how nice of an experience it was and kind of surprised to find out that many of them really weren’t that familiar with south Louisiana’s gem. While the term ‘a hidden treasure’ sounds nice, it would be a shame if the Opera House remained as such. Yes, it has been honored by several statewide publications, however, this isn’t a place just for Crowley
or Acadia Parish for that matter. It’s for the entire state. The Grand Opera House of the South is a stage for all proven (Aaron Neville is coming in August) and up and coming performers from around the world and while it draws patrons from cities across the state, I still feel as though it hasn’t gotten the recognition it demands as a true, historic taste of south Louisiana. If the proven dedication and commitment of those who worked so hard to get The Grand Opera House of the South so beautifully renovated and running strong again are any indication it shouldn’t take long.
Landmarks and some history of Acadia Parish
SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011
THE CROWLEY POST-SIGNAL
Hidden jewels may surprise visitors Acadia Parish is known for several landmarks and events. Among the most obvious are the International Rice Festival in Crowley and the grave of “The Cajun Saint” in Richard. However, there are several other attractions that many outside the Acadia Parish are unaware of or simply haven’t been exposed to. The following is a list of such sights that while they may be unknown to outsiders, hold a place in the heart of all resi-
dents of Acadia Parish. CROWLEY - The parish seat of Acadia Parish, which was founded by brothers C.C. and WW. Duson in the early 1800s, has a unique history involving not only the rice industry, but several other attractions that range in age from the turn of the century to attractions that are made unique by the citizens of Acadia. Here is a partial list of some sights that tourists may want to take some time to visit upon their next
Acadia Parish Courthouse
The Grand Opera House of the South
trip to Acadia Parish. - The Grand Opera House of the South - the building which was a popular venue for entertainment at the turn of the century has recently been renovated and has become one of Crowley’s true gems as well as a place to attract popular entertainers from around the world. The renovation of the 22,000 foot sight has been nothing short of impressive and has already played host to several international stars. All this while not losing the early 20th century feel. Executive Director Kim Gattle was recently awarded for her efforts involving the Opera House and the venue should draw popular entertainment acts for years to come. Located at 505 N. Parkerson Ave in Crowley, they can be contacted at 785-0440. - The Crystal Rice Plantation - The restored Acadian Cottage was built by the late rice pioneer Frances Wright in the early 1800s. The plantation features several attractions including Salmon Wright Jr.’s Antique Car Museum and the Blue
The Crystal Rice Plantation
Rose Museum, which contains several collectables such as china, crystal and furniture which can serve as a look back to the history of Acadians and Creoles whose rich culture has contributed to Louisiana’s unique history. The Crystal Rice and Heritage Farm is located at 6428 Airport Road in Crowley and may be reached by phone at 783-6417. - The Rice Theatre - This theatre SEE LANDMARKs, PAGE 4
Crystal Rice Plantation Heritage Farm, Est 1890 Agriculture Tour Farming of Rice & Crawfish
Restored 1848 Acadian/Creole Cottage
6428 Airport Road, Crowley, LA 70526 337-783-6417, fax: 337-783-1923
Classic Cars Collected by Salmon Wright, Jr
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011
THE CROWLEY POST-SIGNAL
LANDMARKS: Historic district featuring attractions, ‘Cajun Saint’ FROM PAGE 3
located on North Parkerson Ave. a short distance down the road from city hall has featured many musical performances, plays, stand up acts, and the monthly “Night at the Rice” which features several entertainers from the area. It is also feature prominently on KATC’s news broadcast when they show their backdrop of downtown Crowley during their nightly weather broadcast. The Historic Rice Theatre is located at 323 N. Parkerson Ave. in Crowley
The Rice Theatre
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N OPE URS O 4H
and may be reached by phone at 783-0824. - The Crowley Historic District recently having received an award for the impressive streets decorated with homes, some dating back from as far as the late 1800s. The neighborhood serves as a good place for an out-of-towner to take an afternoon drive and view the old homes which gives Crowley some of its appeal. - The Gallery - located at 222 N. Parkerson Ave., The Gallery displays original creations by local artists. Visitors may stop in to visit and view creations such as painting, hand crafted jewelry, Cajun crafts, mosaics, woodcrafts, pottery and much more. The Gallery also helps the youth of Crowley by putting on several art classes each year. - Crowley’s City Hall - Aside from being the governmental building which houses the mayor and other city officials, city hall is also home to the J.D. Miller museum, which celebrates the life and times of renowned Crowley musician/ writer, as well as the Ford Museum which
displays old cars some of which date back to the 1920s.
Crowley’s City Hall at Christmas
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The grave of Charlene Richard
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RICHARD - The Grave of Charlene Richard (Known as the Cajun Saint.) The story of her suffering and her dedicating her pain to people who are in need is legendary. Thousands of people every year make the trip to Richard’s grave to pray and make requests of the Lord.
CHURCH POINT - “The Buggy Capital of the World.” The Daigle brothers established the town in 1843 and it was the location of the first chapel in the parish. The town hosts the Buggy Festival, which is held annually on the first weekend of June. Aside from the food, music and pageants, The Grand Buggy Parade is the highlight of the weekend.
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Le Vieux Presbytere
Le Vieux Presbytere - This building was once Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Rectory, which the diocese of Lafayette donated to the town. The Presbytere is one of the last structures in south Louisiana made with fold craft of mud wall construction. ROBERTS COVE - The town’s popular Germanfest isn’t the only attraction of this heavily German-influenced area. Kelly Hundley and his impressive collection of John Deere items along with what may be the best cooking in the parish are always a
ESTHERWOOD Estherwood Elementary - Built in 1892, the school originally consisted of only a principal and two teachers, yet today it has been changed to house about 200 students. Estherwood Elementary was the first school in the parish credited to establish the first kindergarten as well as the first to be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges. - Other Estherwood points of interest include the Estherwood Manor and the Hoyt home “Jasmine Lawn.” MERMENTAU - The village of Mermentau, also known as the Old Spanish Trail, is located about 15 miles west of Crowley on Highway 90. It was first settled by Attakapas Indians in the late 1700s. The village was also once known as a refuge for smugglers and pirates after the Louisiana Purchase. Mermentau officially became a village in 1899. SEE LANDMARKS, PAGE 5
SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011
THE CROWLEY POST-SIGNAL
LANDMARKS: Mercantile museum, Mardi Gras, murals, Frog Fest FROM PAGE 4
IOTA - Once known as a summer resort, Iota is the home of Point aux-Loups, which was an early health spa. The town is very well known for it’s Tee-Mamou/Iota Mardi Gras with it’s unique traditions. Iota Mercantile Museum - The Iota Mercantile and Museum is housed in the oldest building in Iota. Built in 1906, it even withstood the fire of 1912. For the people residing in Iota and the surrounding
Iota Mercantile Museum
area, the museum stands as a commemorative collection of Iota’s citizens of the past as well as a place for current locals to gather for meetings or hold events. RAYNE - “The Frog Capital of the World” is home to the Frog Festival which has experienced massive growth since its inception. The festival includes many attractions such as frog jumping contests, carnival rides and much more. The city of Rayne dates back to the 1800’s when the railroad came to town and was actually named Pouppeville before being switched
St. Joseph Cemetery
The Mural Capital of Louisiana, Rayne
to Rayne after an engineer who laid the tracks. - St. Joseph Cemetery - This cemetery actually gained fame by being in Ripley’s Believe it or Not for being the only cemetery where the grave sites are lined up north to south as opposed to east to west like all other cemeteries. There are several rumors as to why the cemetery was built as such with perhaps the most colorful be-
ing that during the Civil War the southern casualties wanted to be buried with their backsides facing towards the north. - The Mural Capital of Louisiana Rayne is also known for the many murals that decorate the sides of buildings and other structures around town. Many of them depict Rayne’s favorite amphibian, frogs.
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Rides, music and amphibians
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011
THE CROWLEY POST-SIGNAL
Rayne’s Frog Festival fun
RAYNE – The Frog Festival offers something for everyone with continuous music, including Cajun, Zydeco, country, swamp pop and variety bands. Each year crowds gather. In fact, they fill every space as far as the eye can see! The Frog Festival offers musical entertainment featuring many of the areas top bands performing continuously for three days. The crowds come for the frog racing and jumping, the queens, the excitement of constant music of all varieties, and throughout the Festival, some of the best food found anywhere in Louisiana. Food booths at the
Frog Festival offer the crowds a wide variety from which to choose, ranging from the usual barbecue hamburger to Cajun and seafood specialties and many other sandwiches and snack foods. Even as the sun sets, the carnival rides keep going to thrill kids of all ages at the Frog Festival. Kids love the frogs-real and stuffedand enjoy learning a lot in the Chil-
dren’s’ Tent where musicians, as young as four and not over 18, are given the opportunity to play traditional Cajun fiddle and accordion music. They also love the frogs and can hardly wait for the exciting frog racing and jumping contests held each year at the Rayne Frog Festival. You can bring your own frog or rent one!
The Crowley queens and the International Rice Festival queen stops to pose for a picture while enjoying the activities at the Rayne Frog Festival. Teen Miss Crowley, Carlie Lormad, won first place in the frog jumping contest. Among the local queens in attendance were, from left, Lormand, Teen Miss Crowley; Andre Lyons, 74th International Rice Festival Queen; Kayla Kebodeaux, Miss Crowley and Taylor Daigle, Junior Miss Crowley.
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Crowley’s art scene
Monthly galas, community projects showcase local artists CROWLEY – It isn’t just museums and mysterious grave sites that keep visitors coming back to Acadia Parish, it is also its art scene that continues to grow and flourish with the help of The Gallery in Crowley. Located at 222 N. Parkerson Ave. in Crowley, right inside the heart of the city’s historic district, The Gallery helps showcase local talent and is constantly getting involved in community projects to promote the arts. The art showcased in The Gallery, which recently celebrated its 30th year, is typically created by local artists, but they have also brought in
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011
GALLERY: FROM PAGE 6
artists from across the state over the years. Their most recent gala featured Crowley native Doll-E Monroe. Her show also featured a saxophonist and a vocalist. It was followed by a musical performance at the Historic Rice Theatre. When The Gallery isn’t hosting galas, which it holds at the beginning of each month, they are holding workshops for various age groups, from children through senior citizens, and participating in other citywide events. Simply put, there is always something going on at The Gallery. But, for the tourists, they always have art showing in a variety of media. The Gallery is open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday thru Friday, and the first and third Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. They can be reached online at http://www.crowleyartgallery.com/, via e-mail at gallerythe@ SEE GALLERY, PAGE 9
THE CROWLEY POST-SIGNAL
Le Vieux Presbytere - A slice of Church Point’s history Le Vieux Presbytere (1887) is a one-and-one-half story frame bousillage residence located across from the church square in the small rural French Catholic community of Church Point in northeastern Acadia Parish. Despite two moves and significant alterations, the building retains the characteristics which establish its architectural significance and, thus, is eligible for the National Register. The history of this property began in 1883 with the establishment of the new Roman Catholic parish of the Sacred Heart of Mary in Church Point. Father Auguste Vincent Eby, a 27-yearold native of France, was appointed by the archbishop as pastor. In 1887, Father Eby, having successfully completed construction of a new church, turned his attention to the question of a presbytere (pastoral residence). In that year, as documented in his annual report to the archbishop, he had the nominated building constructed. It was a square, tripped roof structure 40 feet by 40 feet, with an eight foot gallery all around. According to one Monsignor Bienvenu, as reported in a 1954
church history, the presbytere was of “adobe” construction. This, of course, was an incorrect reference to the building’s bousillage walls. The plan consisted of a central hall downstairs with multiple rooms on each side and a second, narrower central hall in the upper half-story with a single room on each side. French doors provided access from the gallery into the hall and the rooms. The bousillage walls featured heavy timbers with French joinery style angle braces. Significantly, the upper story rooms were constructed of bousillage as well. In 1995, the church donated the deteriorating presbytere to the town of Church Point on condition that it be removed from the church square. The 1950 wings were removed and the original building was relocated to a donated piece of property across the street from the church square. The other 1950 alterations (gallery enclosure, floor plan changes, cupola addition, etc.) remain in place. An effort is currently underway to secure funds to restore the building to its original appearance.
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THE CROWLEY POST-SIGNAL
The International Rice Festival - Acadia’s largest celebration The International Rice Festival is an annual festival held during the third weekend in October in Crowley celebrating rice. The event is Louisiana’s oldest agricultural festival, and one of the state’s largest. The first festival was held on October 5, 1937 as the National Rice Festival; it was renamed the “International Rice Festival” in 1946 when the festival was resumed after a hiatus during World War II. Since the festival’s beginnings, over seven million people have attended the annual event. There are two parades each. The first
Andre Lyons was crowned as the 74th International Rice Festival Queen.
is on Friday, Children’s Day, and is the Children’s Parade (this year’s Children’s Marshal was Edward Dartez). The second is on Saturday and is the Grand Parade (led by 2010’s Grand Parade Marshal Randy E. Falcon). There is a rice cooking contest, rice eating contest, farmers’ banquet and the Queens’ Ball. There is also entertainment continuously from early morning to midnight and an arts and crafts exhibit, which is held adjacent to the festival grounds and also on Parkeson Ave. The Rice Festival is generally regarded as Crowley’s signature event of the year. While there are dozens of festivals in south Louisiana, the Rice Festival is one of the few that actually shuts the city down. Government offices, schools and most businesses close down on the Friday of the festival weekend. This past year when two ‘80s cover bands band, the Molly Ringwalds and
Jr. King and Queen for the 2010 festival were Kyler Wingate, left, of Branch Elementary and Alaina Claire Miller of Iota Elementary.
the Chee Weez, as well as popular Cajun and Zydeco artists Travis Matte and Wayne Toups, who drew a huge crowd that could easily have been comprised of 100,000 people or more, and many others. And as each photo taken at the festival shows there is no event associated with the Rice Festival that doesn’t draw a crowd. Aside from the music, other traditional events include the crowning of the International Rice Festival Queen (this year the title was passed from 2009’s Queen Amber Comeaux to reigning Queen Andre Lyons). There are also a Jr. King and Queen that are crowned each festival. A rice eating contest, an accordion and fiddle competition, a rice threshing demonstration, a poker run, and a classic car show are just a few of the other events that entertain the crowds. Another aspect of the Rice Festival that differentiates it from some of the
other festivals in south Louisiana is the fact that, unlike other well-known festivals such as the Crawfish and Boudin Festivals, it is completely takes place in several different locations in Crowley. There is no fenced in park or confined area that people have to pay to get into. It is one of the only free festivals in Louisiana. So those who have yet to attend their first International Rice Festival may want to set aside the third weekend of October this year, which will mark the 75th anniversary of the festival. It is a Louisiana celebration in the truest sense of the word.
Each area school is well represented in the Children’s Parade, but the high school bands perform during both parades. Typically, the students will wear spirit shirts to march in on Friday and the full band uniform on Saturday.
Leon Chavis was one of the many performers to take the Rice Festival stage this year.
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Miller Stadium - shrouded in baseball history Miller Stadium, which was constructed in 1948, is known to area residents as being one of the nicest ballparks in south Louisiana. The park was home to the Crowley Millers minor league baseball team which existed from 1948 to 1957. Led by pitcher
Rusty Walters, who won 30 games, the team won the Gulf Coast League pennant in 1950. During the 1952, 1953 and 1954 seasons, the Millers drew over 100,000 fans. When the league folded in 1958, in no small part due to Hurricane Audrey, the park was purchased by the city of Crowley and is used by their recreation department. The stadium was completely renovated in 1997.
THE CROWLEY POST-SIGNAL
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GALLERY: FROM PAGE 7
bellsouth.net or by phone at 337-7833747. The Gallery, sponsored by the Crowley Art Association, was created to display the works of local artists to the community of Acadiana. The Gallery, is a unique facility, available for viewing to the general public at no charge.
At January’s gala, Doll-E Monroe showcased her paintings and helped bring in more forms of art to make the evening special.
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011
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Roberts Cove - proud The mystery of St. Joseph Cemetery of German heritage Town’s Germanfest celebration a big draw
ROBERTS COVE – Come celebrate German-style at the Annual Roberts Cove Germanfest. Germanfest features traditional Cove German foods such as sausage, potatoes, sauerkraut and desserts; and also highlights German cultural activities, folklore, music, dancing and other great food and drinks. Festival goers will enjoy the Roberts Cove German Heritage Museum, which exhibits artifacts from many ancestors. Exhibits change from year to year so that you can experience the different items, traditions and crafts handed down from generation to generation. Visit the folklore tent and learn a little about the history of Roberts Cove; and see demonstrations of crafts handed down from ancestors. A favorite attraction at the festival is the rice threshing demonstrations which shows a re-enactment of the threshing dinner, sack sewing and shock assembly. Other attractions include an Antique Tractor Club displaying antique tractors, the Blacksmith Association demonstrating old time blacksmith skills, Kinder Land, a
“kid friendly” festival with free games and activities. Festival goers are also invited to visit the gift shop with available items such as hand crafted gifts, German hats, pins, T-shirts, German cookbooks, aprons, steins, canned fruits and vegetables, and much more. Germanfest is a fun event for all which allows the community of Roberts Cove to showcase its German culture and raise awareness of a German community in Louisiana that has maintained its heritage for over a century in this predominately French area. Follow the signs from Interstate 10, exit 87 from approximately three miles. For more information about the Roberts Cove Germanfest, visit the website at www.robertscovegermanfest.com.
THE POST-SIGNAL / Howell Dennis
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tom says that graves should be placed in an east-west direction so that the bodies face the rising sun. For years, St. Joseph Cemetery was the only known cemetery to have their graves face this unique direction. Though their have been many stories as to why the cemetery was constructed in such a way the actual truth is unknown.
Christian custom says graves should be placed in an east-west direction so the body is facing the rising sun, but the graves in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Rayne face north-south.
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RAYNE – The St. Joseph Cemetery, located next to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rayne, may not look any different than most cemeteries at first glance. However, it is the north-south direction that the graves are facing that gives it a unique distinction that has earned it recognition from Ripley’s Believe It Or Not and The Guiness Book of World Records. Christian cus-
pe’tit Bon Ap
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The Church Point Buggy Festival Crowley’s Carnival d’ Acadia, Iota’s - Good times for a good cause Tee Mamou continues to grow CP ancestors used buggies for transportation
2011’s Mardi Gras preparations are underway
CHURCH POINT – The Church Point Buggy Festival is a great familyoriented fun time including Cajun and Zydeco music and dancing, carnival rides, antique buggies on display, arts and crafts from the region, the main parade, the Buggy Queen pageants and events for the entire family. The festival, which will celebrate its 29th year in 2011, is celebrated in early June and is a treat for old car enthusiasts. The festival was originally organized by the ASMLF, Acadia St. Landry Medical Foundation, a non-profit organization, as a fundraiser in support of the Acadia St. Landry Hospital. The event has through the years not only allowed the hospital to remain open, but has allowed the hospital to add several new departments. A festival to highlight buggies was chosen as a mean for fundraising because Church Point, whose ancestors had used buggies for their main means of transportation into the 1950s, is known as the Buggy Capital of the World. The festival was first held in 1981 and has since donated over $440,000 to the Acadia St. Landry Hospital, civic organizations and to the city of Church Point for park improvements. Two scholarships are also offered each year, one to a graduating high
Crowley’s 11th annual Carnival March 8 until the streets are cleared at d’Acadia and Iota’s Tee Mamou Iota 5 p.m. Throughout the day, Cajun and Mardi Gras Folklife Festival will have Zydeco bands play on the main stage featuring the only raised dance floor in the later starts this year as the 2011 Mardi area. Another stage features the area’s finGras season is just now getting underway est young musicians playing Cajun music. throughout the state. The festival also offers the most delicious In Crowley, the action will begin at Cajun foods and a variety of Cajun crafts. 2 p.m. Sunday, March 6. The first day’s The highlight of the day is the arrival of carnival festivities will last until 10 p.m. the Tee Mamou Courir de Mardi Gras The following two days will also be filled riding through town in the Mardi Gras with activities as well, including live wagon. music, games, rides, a costume contest and a parade. The parade will, of course, feature the newly crowned King Cimmer LVI and Queen. The new royalty will be crowned at the Krewe of Town Revelers’ ball that same weekend. Carnival d’Acadie concludes on Mardi Gras day 2011. In Iota, the Tee MamouIota Mardi Gras Folklife Festival is scheduled to celebrate its 24th anniversary. The event is held annually in Part of Carnival d’Acadie’s fun is the rides and downtown and is slated for an games, but it is only part of Crowley’s three day Mardi 8:30 a.m. kick off on Tuesday, Gras celebration.
school senior, and the other to the festival queen. School programs and students are also beneficiaries of the festival’s proceeds.
At this year’s festival, new royalty was once again crowned. They were, from left, Senior Queen Carolyn Bertrand, Miss Queen Hannah Carriere, Teen Queen Kaylen Guillory and King Earl Bertrand. Church Point’s Buggy Festival is held the first full week in June (Thursday and Friday night and all day Saturday and Sunday).
Crowley A rt AssoCiAtion And GAllery Welcomes all visitors to Acadia Parish
Come by and visit the Gallery Large selection of paintings by over 40 artist. Art galas, events and classes for all. Support the Arts of Acadiana. Purchase $1 raffle tickets for our monthly art item. Mon. - Fri. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.crowleyartgallery.com
222 N. Parkerson Avenue • Crowley 337-783-3747 email: gallerythe@bellsouth.net
The Tee Mamou-Iota’s Mardi Gras Folklife Festival happens each year on Mardi Gras day. The most famous part of the festival is the Mardi Gras run. Iota does their run in two parts, the first is with children and typically happens before the day of Mardi Gras. The adult run happens on Mardi Gras day.
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011
THE CROWLEY POST-SIGNAL
Where in Louisiana, Acadiana or Acadia Parish can you find...???
Louisiana’s largest and oldest Agricultural Festival (celebrated the 3rd weekend in October)
The story of the world’s oldest grain, Model T’s, music and the history of a place “Where Life is Rice & Easy”
A complete history of the oldest grain!!!
The answer is...
425 N. Parkerson Avenue • P.O. Box 1463 Crowley, Louisiana 70527-1463 Call Tourism Coordinator 337-783-0824 Toll Free 866-665-4642 www.crowley-la.com
The home of the Crowley Motor Co. opened in 1920.
The heart of the Cajun Prairie Mardi Gras celebration, “d’Acadie”
Compliments of
Mayor & Board of Aldermen, City of Crowley