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| The Jambalaya News - Participate in the Great Acadian Awakening |
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| 08/11/2011 |
by: The Jambalaya News |
Do you have a heart for promoting the arts or making a difference? Do you speak French or have Cajun heritage? Does your heart skip a beat when you hear “Boudin Wars?” If so, get involved in the Great Acadian Awakening event, Oct. 11, at the Lake Charles Civic Center.
The Great Acadian Awakening is a multifaceted event featuring everything from boudin to art, genealogy to culinary arts and music, including Cajun music and the Zydeco Experience of Grammy winner Terrance Simien.
“This event is something to be truly passionate about,” said Angie Manning-Istre, communications manager at the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“It’s a celebration of who we are in Southwest Louisiana. We are inviting local volunteers to get involved, from French speakers to greeters to Cajun families with history to display aspects of their heritage and genealogy. Familial displays could be anything from family trees or old photographs to actual artifacts or recipes that have been handed down for generations, possibly dating back to the deportation.”
There will be activities from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center, with the opening ceremonies being held at 11 a.m. in the Exhibition Hall. The Boudin Wars kick off at 5 p.m., and everyone in the community is invited to taste boudin for free and vote for their favorite.
“The Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail is a huge hit for visitors and travel writers who enjoy authentic experiences. This is a chance for the stops along the boudin trail to battle it out in a friendly competition,” said Shelley Johnson, executive director of the bureau.
Musical performances will feature the Acadian Cowboys, Lesa Cormier & the Sundown Playboys, Chris Miller & Bayou Roots and Grammy winner Terrance Simien. There will be a French Wine Experience and food and art vendors.
For those looking to learn French, there will be Cajun French lessons. Or, check out a Cultural Coffee Corner for people who would like to practice speaking French with other French speakers. Stephen White, celebrated authority on Acadian history, will be the guest historical speaker, complementing the displays and workshops by the Southwest Louisiana Genealogy and Historical Library.
Earlier in the day, storyteller and musician Papillon will deliver a special performance, along with Terrance Simien’s famed Creole for Kids in the Rosa Hart Theatre. These performances start at noon and are completely free for the visiting public.
Entry and access to the festivities and music at the Great Acadian Awakening are free. Tickets to the French Wine Experience are $25, including wine and hors d’oeuvres by La Truffe Sauvage.
The Great Acadian Awakening is part of a four-city event, beginning in New Orleans, traveling to Houma, on to Lake Charles, and ending in Lafayette. Canadian tours will be following the event, and it will be a true exchange between the Acadian and Cajun cultures.
For a complete schedule of events and information on participating, log onto www.visitlakecharles.org/GRA. To volunteer or participate, contact Angie Manning-Istre at aistre@visitlakecharles.org or call (337) 436-9588.
Source: The Jambalaya News
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