Summoning Literature Lovers and Other Events Across Louisiana
New Iberia
Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of over 30 novels, is the Great Southern Writer featured at New Iberia’s 9th annual Books Along the Teche Literary Festival (April 4-6). Events honoring New Iberia author James Lee Burke include Readers’ Theatre from the James Lee Burke book, ‘‘The New Iberia Blues,’’ Dave’s Haunts and Jaunts Mystery Bus Tour and the Dave Robicheaux walking tour. Unique to the region’s literary leanings: Storytelling Traditions in Acadiana led by Barry Jean Ancelet and Darrell Bourque, Traiteurs: The Traditional Cajun French Folk Healers in the 21st Century led by Mary Perrin, T-Boy’s boat tour of Bayou Teche and a Saturday night fais-do-do culminating with Sunday’s Acadiana Symphony concert held in the shade of massive live oaks.
Opelousas | AI Game Changer for St. Landry
An innovative new charter school recently started construction on a pioneering, state-of-the-art educational facility in Opelousas. The ground-breaking 42,000-square-foot Helix Artificial Intelligence & Medical Academy (Helix AIM) will offer an immersive STEM-based education with a unique focus on artificial intelligence and healthcare. Opening in the fall, Helix AI and Medical will initially serve students in kindergarten through fifth grade, with plans to expand to sixth through eighth grades. The school’s cutting-edge curriculum will feature project-based leadership development and preparing students for the future AI demands of the workforce.
Opelousas | Inaugural Drone Pilot Program
The demand for certified drone pilots continues to rise across industries, from agriculture to emergency response and real estate. The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center recently debuted its inaugural FAA Part 107 unmanned aircraft certification course in Opelousas. The pioneering initiative aims to equip youth with the skills and credentials needed to operate small drones for commercial purposes while also enhancing their entrepreneurial potential, thus opening doors to myriad emerging industries. Led by a distinguished team of certified pilots, the cohort was established with the nonprofit Hope for Opelousas organization. The certification program is the first initiative under Precision Agcademy operating under the umbrella of SU Ag Center’s Youth Development Program. To inquire about enrollment, contact Dr. Charity Schaffer at charity_schaffer@suagcenter.com or call 225-222-4136.
Lafayette | Sports Medicine Center Upgrade
A new 31,000-
square-foot expansion of Ochsner’s orthopedics and sports medicine center is currently underway (4212 W. Congress St.). Estimated at $19 million, the comprehensive upgrade will add a 17,000-square-foot modernization to the existing orthopedic facilities and a 14,000-squre-foot expansion for physical therapy and sports medicine services. The state-of-the-art facility will be equipped with cutting edge technology. New radiology, triage and treatment rooms will be housed in a sleek, modern environment featuring aluminum composite panels and expansive glazing to reflect the facility’s commitment to innovation.
Agenda
April 4-6 | Scott Boudin Festival
Boudin aficionados and music lovers gather in Scott to enjoy live music and a dizzying array of boudin offerings from Acadiana’s top purveyors. Enter the boudin eating contest for prizes.
April 10-12 | Louisiana Railroad Days Festival
The family-friendly, no-alcohol event is celebrated by many participating local businesses, clubs, churches and schools. Enjoy the parade, carnival rides, food, music and children’s activities in DeQuincy’s historic Railroad Museum Park.
April 12 | Vermilion Parish Student Arts Expo
The Acadiana Center for the Arts’ inaugural event showcases myriad downtown street activities, including live painting demos, hands-on art activities and a students’ art market featuring artwork by students from pre-K to 12th grade.
April 9, 11-13 | New Iberia Spanish Festival
Celebrate the founding of the city by the Spanish in 1799 with Fiesta Flamenco, paella/tapas/jambalaya cookoff, children’s cookoff and a Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Peter’s Catholic Church.
April 23-27 | Festival International de Louisiane
Over 90 music acts including Black Uhuru of Jamaica; YAGÓDY, one of Ukraine’s top talents; Chicago’s 30-member choreographed rock ‘n roll marching band, Mucca Pazza and Brooklyn’s Red Baraat, a pioneering party band that gets crowds dancing with Punjabi rhythms and hip-hop.
May 2-4 | Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival
Sign-up for the dancing contests and feast on crawfish prepared in every imaginable way. Then party at the crawfish races, crawfish eating contests, crawfish étouffée cook-off, cooking demos, Cajun dance lessons and festival parade.
May 2-12 | The Louisiana Pirate Festival
Celebrate the legends of pirate Jean Lafitte. The festival begins with cannon fire, followed by pirates capturing the mayor and forcing him to walk the plank. Costume contests, games and carnival rides, arts and crafts are some of the many attractions.
May 8-10 | Boggy Bayou Festival
Held as a fundraiser for the Prairie ManorNursing Home, the fest features pageants, a parade, food, crafts, live music and kids’ activities including the recently introduced mutton busting, which translates to children riding sheep.
May 22-25 | Jambalaya Festival
In the Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales, professional chefs and home cooks gather for the jambalaya cook-off and mini-pot cookoff. The car show brings a lineup of classic cars, hot rods and custom builds.
April 12-December 20 | Acadiana Center for the Arts’ 50th anniversary celebration
The public is invited to contribute personal memories and experiences for a new publication that will serve as a tribute to the people, programs, artists and performances throughout Acadiana; slated for a fall release.
