NEWS AROUND TOWN
Opelousas Spice & Music Festival Receives LAFF Award for Best Festival Poster
(Baton Rouge, LA) - The Opelousas Spice & Music Festival was recently honored with a Marketing Award as Best Poster – Festival Division I title for the 2009 festival season by the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals. Read more >> View Poster - pdf
Fiddle Mania to Turn Downtown Opelousas into Exhibit
(Opelousas, LA) – Decoratively painted fiddles will waltz their way to downtown Opelousas this spring, part of a project called Fiddle Mania. The project is similar to the Pelicans on Parade in Lafayette, Louisiana and Catfish for Kids in Shreveport, Louisiana. Read more >>
La Table Française to Focus on Origin of Mardi Gras
(Opelousas, LA) – The Wednesday, January 27, La Table Française in Opelousas will feature special guest, Larry Miller, who will talk about the origins of Cajun Mardi Gras in contrast to the New Orleans Mardi Gras. The event is scheduled from 7:30 – 8:30 am at KaJeune’s Diner, located at 2979 South Union Street in Opelousas. Read more >>
City Branding Sessions Planned for Opelousas
(Opelousas, LA) - The City of Opelousas is looking to sharpen its identity and is welcoming public input on the project. More specifically, the Office of Tourism is looking to develop a cohesive brand that reflects the city's image. Read more >>
FEBRUARY BLACK HISTORY EXHIBIT BY LARRY KIP HAYES AND AGNES ST. AMAND AT OPELOUSAS MUSEUM & INTERPRETIVE CENTER
In recognition of Black History Month, the Opelousas Museum & Interpretive Center will feature an exhibit by Louisiana Folk Artists, Larry Kip Hayes and Agnes St. Amand. The exhibit is scheduled from February 1 through March 31, 2010. A Business after Hours in coordination with the Opelousas-St. Landry Chamber of Commerce is also scheduled for Thursday, February 11, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Read more >>
Mardi Gras Schedule
“Design a Mardi Gras Mask Workshop”- Designed for children ages 8 to 12 years, this workshop allows kids to celebrate Mardi Gras in a unique and creative way. Led by artist and St. Landry Parish Talented Arts instructor, Jerome Ford, Children will design a Mardi Gras mask using pieces of Louisiana trees and other natural materials. Read more >>
OPELOUSAS OFFICE OF TOURISM ANNOUNCES CHRISTMAS DECORATING CONTEST TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY, DEC. 16
(Opelousas, LA) – The City of Opelousas is inviting residents and business owners to show off their Christmas spirit by entering the annual Christmas Decorating Contest. Read more >>
HADLEY CASTILLE & GRAND-DAUGHTER SARAH JAYDE WILLIAMS TO SERVE AS 2009 OPELOUSAS CHILDREN’S CHRISMAS PARADE GRAND MARSHALLS
Opelousas, LA — The committee for the 2009 Opelousas Children’s Christmas Parade is pleased to announce that this year’s Grand Marshall’s will be acclaimed Acadiana fiddlers Hadley Castille and Sarah Jayde Williams. The parade, which is scheduled for Thursday, December 10, 2009, will begin at 6 p.m. at St. Landry Catholic Church on Union & Main Street, rolls through downtown Opelousas and ends on Creswell Lane. Read more >>
City of Opelousas Hopes to Find Missing Contest Winner
(Opelousas, LA) City of Opelousas Special Project Manager Darryl Wagley says the City is issuing its first “missing person” alert. That’s because the final winner in the ‘Name the Event Center’ Contest has yet to be found. Read more >>
City of Opelousas Presents ‘Lighting of the Village’ Friday, December 4
(Opelousas, LA) - The City of Opelousas marks a delightful start to the holidays with its annual ‘Lighting of the Village’ scheduled for Friday, December 11, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., at Le Vieux Village located at 828 E. Landry St., Opelousas. The official lighting of the historical village has been a favorite holiday activity of both children and adults, offering a family friendly environment. Read more >>
TALKING HISTORY REENACTMENT TOUR SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, NOV. 7TH IN OPELOUSAS
(Opelousas , LA ) – For the second year in a row, the Louisiana Endowment of Humanities has awarded a grant to Opelousas Tourism towards its Talking History…A Historical Re-enactment Tour. The historical tours, which are scheduled for Saturday, November 7, are free and open to the public. Read more >>
OPELOUSAS MAIN STREET HOSTS CULTURAL EVENTS FOR NOVEMBER MAIN TO MAIN EVENTS
(Opelousas, LA) – Opelousas Main Street, Inc. is pleased to be a part of Louisiana Main to Main initiative by offering a host of culturally entertaining events in November. Opelousas Main Street, Inc., with support from the City of Opelousas, will host its 3rd Annual French Friday on Main Street on November 6, 2009 from 6:00 – 11:00 p.m. The event, which will be held at 105 North Main Street will spotlight Cajun and Creole cultures with music by Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys and Geno Delafose & French Rockin Boogie. French Friday will also feature Cajun and Creole food, a silent auction featuring French and Louisiana themed items, free Zydeco dance lessons and an Art Walk. Read more >>
Back in Time Restaurant in Downtown Opelousas Receives Louisiana Main Street Façade Grant
(Opelousas, LA) – Opelousas Main Street is announcing that Wanda Juneau, owner of Back in Time Restaurant & Gift Shop, has been awarded a Louisiana Main Street Rehabilitation Façade Grant. The $2500 matching grant award will go towards repair and restoration of the buildings interior. Read more >>
OPELOUSAS TOURISM SETS SAFE HALLOWEEN
(Opelousas, LA) – Join the City of Opelousas as Opelousas Tourism hosts its Annual Safe Halloween for Kids at Le Vieux Village. On Thursday, October 29, 2009 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., ghost and goblins of all kinds will invade the houses at Le Vieux Village in their annual search for Halloween treats. The City of Opelousas and Mayor Donald Cravins Sr. want people to be safety conscious at all times, but particularly at Halloween when more children are out on our local streets. There will be a costume contest for children, face painting, fun jumps and even more activities to make this a very special evening for the children of Opelousas said Mayor Donald Cravins, Sr. Read more >>
OPELOUSAS HISTORIC DISTRICT GRAND OL’ GARAGE SALE SET FOR NOVEMBER 7TH
(Opelousas, LA) – Explore Louisiana’s third oldest city and search for fabulous finds at the First Annual Opelousas Historic District Grand Ol’ Garage Sale. The event is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, from 8 am to noon. A guide, that will include a roster of participating homes, businesses, non-profits, etc., will be printed and available to shoppers during the sale. Participants in the garage sale will be identified with a star on the guide. Read more >>
OCTOBER 23rd MUSIC & MARKET TO FEATURE Corey “Lil Pop” Ledet and Sweet Potatoes
(Opelousas,LA) – The City of Opelousas welcomes music artist Corey “Lil Pop” Ledet and his Zydeco Band and pays tribute to the sweet potato at the Friday, October 23rd edition of Music & Market. Read more >>
J.J. CAILLIER FEATURED AT OCTOBER 16TH MUSIC & MARKET IN OPELOUSAS
(Opelousas,LA) - Music & Market will feature J.J. Caillier and the Zydeco Knockouts on Friday, October 16, 2009. The event takes place at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion in Opelousas from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. with music beginning at 6:00 p.m. Read more >>
OPELOUSAS MUSIC & MARKET CONTINUES FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9TH IN DOWNTOWN OPELOUSAS WITH TERRY & THE ZYDECO BAD BOYS
Opelousas –Music & Market continues Friday, October 9, in Opelousas with the energetic Zydeco sounds of Terry & the Zydeco Bad Boys and the flavorful taste of “mustard greens.” In addition, this Friday’s event will offer attendees a scenic venue as Music & Market moves downtown around the historical Courthouse Square for a special downtown edition. Read more >>
LIL’ BUCK SINEGAL FEATURED TO PERFORM AT MUSIC & MARKET SERIES OCTOBER 2ND (Opelousas,LA) - Music & Market will feature Li1’ Buck Sinegal on Friday, October 2, 2009. The event takes place at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion in Opelousas from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. with music beginning at 6:00 p.m. Read more >>
MUSIC & MARKET CONTINUES FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 WITH GERARD DELAFOSE & THE ZYDECO GATORS
(Opelousas,LA) - Music & Market will feature Gerard Delafose & the Zydeco Gators on Friday, September 25, 2009. The event takes place at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion in Opelousas from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. with music beginning at 6:00 p.m. Read more >>
A NEW SEASON OF MUSIC & MARKET KICK OFF FRIDAY, SEPTEMEBER 11th IN OPELOUSAS
August 24, 2009 (Opelousas,LA) — A new season of Music & Market gets underway Friday, September 11, in historical Opelousas and continues every Friday through October 23rd. The event will feature Louisiana music artists as well as fresh homegrown vegetables for purchase direct from local farmers. Read more >>
Opelousas Launches Contest to Name City’s New Civic Center
(August 12, 2009) – Opelousas Mayor Donald Cravins today announced a community wide contest in which St. Landry Parish residents are invited to submit names for the City of Opelousas’ future event center. While construction on the facility is scheduled to be completed at the end of the year, city officials are turning to the community for the center’s name. Read more >>
CITY OF OPELOUSAS HOSTS 8th ANNUAL ZYDECO BREAKFAST
(Opelousas, LA) - The City of Opelousas and Opelousas Main Street team up to host the 8th annual Zydeco Breakfast on Saturday, September 5, from 8 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. under the oak trees surrounding the historical St. Landry Parish Courthouse. Read more >>
Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Festival Media Kick-Off Scheduled for Friday, August 7 in Downtown Opelousas
(Opelousas, LA) - A performance by Zydeco sensation Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble plus food samplings of snap beans will highlight the Zydeco Festival Media Kick-Off, the official start of this year’s 27th Annual Original Southwest Zydeco Festival. The event which is sponsored by the City of Opelousas and Southern Development Foundation, takes place Friday, August 7, 2009, from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. on the St. Landry Parish Courthouse Square in downtown Opelousas. Read more >>
Opelousas Spice & Music Festival Announces Cook-Off Winners
(Opelousas,LA) - The Spice and Music Festival is proud to announce the winners of the 5th annual cook-off contest. Contestants were judged using several criteria which determined the first, second and third place winners. The contestants were asked to cook 2 lbs. of red beans and rice and added their own ingredients of spices and herbs. Read more >>
OPELOUSAS SPICE & MUSIC FESTIVAL PRESENTS FIDDLE JAM WITH HADLEY CASTILLE & FRIENDS
(Opelousas, LA) – Join international acclaimed fiddler Hadley Castille and a special line-up of friends on Saturday, June 6, for a Fiddle Jam in Opelousas. Born and raised in Pecaniere, a community near Opelousas, Louisiana, Castille began singing and playing fiddles when he was 11-years old. Read more >>
LEON CHAVIS AND "OKRA" FEATURED AT THE MAY 29 MUSIC & MARKET
(Opelousas, LA) – The sounds Leon Chavis & the Zydeco Flames and okra will blend together for the Friday, May 29th, Music & Market in Opelousas. The free outdoor concerts are held at the Wilbert Guillory Memorial Farmer’s Market Pavilion located on the grounds of the Opelousas Tourist Center between Vine & Landry Streets. The event is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., with music beginning at 6:00 p.m. Read more >>
Music & Market Continues May 22 with Horace Trahan & the New Ossun Express
(Opelousas ,LA) – The sounds of Cajun and Zydeco music and the flavors of homegrown vegetables reunite in Opelousas this Friday, May 22, for Music & Market. The outdoor event takes place from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., with music beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Wilbert Guillory Memorial Farmer's Market just off Interstate 49 in Opelousas. Horace Trahan & the New Ossun Express is the featured performer for Friday. Read more >>
Opelousas Main Street Offers Redevelopment Incentive Grant Opportunities
(Opelousas, LA) - Opelousas Main Street is soliciting Redevelopment Incentive Grant applications from downtown building and/or business owners. The Opelousas Main Street program is able to offer two types of competitive grants – a $10,000 grant for major projects and a $2,500 grant for minor projects. Read more >>
May 15th Opelousas Music & Market to Feature Jamie Bergeron & the Kickin’ Cajuns on the Courthouse Square
(Opelousas, LA)— Music & Market welcomes Jamie Bergeron & the Kickin Cajuns on Friday, May 15th, on the Courthouse Square in Opelousas. The event is scheduled from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., with music beginning at 6:00 p.m. Read more >>
23rd Annual Zydeco Extravaganza Returns to Evangeline Downs Casino
Opelousas, LA - The latest installment of the famed Zydeco Extravaganza will be held at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino on Sunday, May 24th, 2009. This year’s festival boasts local cuisine from various vendors, an indoor and outdoor stage and some of the biggest names in Zydeco music today. Read more >>
RUTH FRUGE' OF KINDER CROWNED 2009 OPELOUSAS SPICE & MUSIC FESTIVAL QUEEN(Opelousas, LA) - Ruth Fruge', a 18-year-old Bethel Christian School Senior, was crowned the 2009 Spice & Music Festival Queen on Saturday, May 2 at Magnet Academy of Cultural Arts in Opelousas. Read more >>
May 8th Music & Market to Feature Lil Nathan & the Zydeco Big Timers
(Opelousas, LA)— Music & Market welcomes Lil Nathan & the Zydeco Big Timers on Friday, May 8 at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion in Opelousas. The event is scheduled from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., with music beginning at 6:00 p.m. Read more >>>
May 1, 2009 - MUSIC & MARKET MAY 1st TO FEATURE DONNA ANGELLE & THE ZYDECO POSSE
(Opelousas, LA) - Music & Market welcomes Donna Angelle & The Zydeco Posse on Friday, May 1, in Opelousas. The outdoor event, which is held at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion in Opelousas, is scheduled from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., with music beginning at 6:00 p.m. Read more >>
May 1, 2009 - LSU Design Week Heads to Opelousas Main Street LSU Interior Design Students to Shape the Design of a Historic Building on Main Street
(Opelousas, LA) - Students in LSU’s Art & Design School will express their creative talents as they offer design plans for the former Leonce Roos building located on North Main Street during an evening exhibition on Friday, May 1st at 5:30 p.m. Read more >>
April 24th Downtown Opelousas Music & Market to Feature Heritage Mural Dedication and Zydeco Music
(Opelousas, LA)— The City of Opelousas will dedicate a new mural, "The Past, Present & Future of Zydeco,” on Friday, April 24th at 5:30 p.m. at 105 N. Main St. in downtown Opelousas. The event is being held in conjunction with the Friday evening Music & Market series which will feature music by Same Ol 2 Step. Read more >>
Music & Market April 17 to Feature Don Fontenot et Les Amis De La Louisiane
(Opelousas, LA)—The City of Opelousas welcomes Cajun band sensation Don Fontenot et Les Amis De La Louisiane to the Farmer’s Market Pavilion on Friday, April 17th for Music & Market. Meanwhile, blackberries will be the featured agriculture product. Read more >>
'Fifty Years of Commercial Art' Exhibit to Open at Opelousas Museum & Interpretive Center
(Opelousas, LA) – "50 Years of Commercial Arts," by noted Opelousas artist J.A. Allen, will open with a preview reception on Wednesday, April 8, 2009, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Opelousas Museum & Interpretive Center, 315 North Main Street, Opelousas, LA. The exhibit runs until June 1, 2009. Read more >>
Music & Market Zydeco Ray & Creole Night Riders - Friday, April 3, 2009
(Opelousas, LA) - Music & Market welcomes Zydeco Ray & the Creole Night Riders to the Friday, April 3rd edition of the spring series. The event takes place at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion in Opelousas from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. with music beginning at 6:00 p.m. Read more >>
Music & Market Kick Off Scheduled for Friday, March 27, 2009
(Opelousas, LA) — A new season of Music & Market gets underway Friday, March 27 in historical Opelousas and continues every Friday through May 29th. The event will feature the best in Cajun and Zydeco musical entertainment and the freshest homegrown vegetables for purchase direct from local farmers. Read more >>
