Acadian Memorial Heritage Festival & Wooden Boat Congrès

Acadian Memorial Foundation, Inc.

St. Martinville. Come take part in welcoming the Acadians to Louisiana, along with food, music, arts and crafts, theater, demonstrations and workshops, at the 10th annual Acadian Memorial Heritage Festival and Wooden Boat Congrès! The Festival takes place in Evangeline Oak Park on Bayou Teche in downtown St. Martinville from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Enjoy traditional Cajun food and crafts, while watching demonstrations of how they are cooked and crafted from local chefs and artisans. Gumbo, fried fish, jambalaya and cracklindemonstrations continue throughout the Festival beginning at 9 a.m. While having a bite, wander through vendors and artisans who turn wood of Louisiana trees into boats, bowls and musical instruments while others reflect their beauty in paintings and offer other hand crafted items.

THE ACADIANS ARRIVED BY BOAT, SO IT IS FITTING THAT THE DAY BEGINS WITH A PARADE OF WOODEN BOATS, similar to those that might have been used by the Acadians. The WOODEN BOATS WILL ALSO BE ON DISPLAY, along with an antique car exhibit. Come join us in honoring Madame or Monsieur Bateau!

The re-enactment of the Acadian arrival in Louisiana takes place at 1:00 with members of the Gravois and Babineaux, the families being honored at this year’s festivities, in the place of honor. Welcoming them to the banks of the Teche will be members of Louisiana native American tribes, as well as laCompagnie Franche Troupe de la Marine, the royal Frenchpeacekeeping force in North America.

Warning: bring your earplugs, the royal navy’s canon will be announcing the beginning and the end of the Festival and lunch at noon!!

It wouldn’t be an Acadian festival without French. Enjoy historic vignettes, learn danses rondes (round dances) and other surprises with members of Théâtre Cadien, all in French! Traditional music provided by Chere Mom Cajun Family Band of Zachary, Louisiana.

Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site joins us with artifacts and explanations of the traditional life of trappers on the Bayou Teche, including children’s games.

At 2:00, Cheri Armentor will offer a puppet show. And with the arrival of Easter, we will of course be pâquer-ing eggs.

The Acadian Memorial along with the Museum of the Acadian Memorial and the African American Museum will be open and free of charge.

The Festival is free of charge, and food, drinks and crafts will be available for purchase. Come join us!!

For more information, call 337-394-2258 or write us at info@acadianmemorial.org or visit us at our web site at www.acadianmemorial.org