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Mardi Gras events set for Prairie Acadian Cultural Center

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, February 28, 2025
It is like old times at the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center as a series of Mardi Gras programs are planned Sunday through Tuesday. The programs were a staple of the downtown Eunice celebration until the Center closed in 2019 due to air conditioning problems.
Kimberly Culotta, of the Atchafayala Basinkeepers speaks at the Feb. 19 St. Landry Parish Council meeting. (Photo Harlan Kirgan)

Kimberly Culotta, of the Atchafayala Basinkeepers speaks at the Feb. 19 St. Landry Parish Council meeting. (Photo Harlan Kirgan)

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Parish Council OKs Atchafalaya Basinkeepers pipeline resolution

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, February 28, 2025
The St. Landry Parish Council approved a resolution proposed by the Atchafalaya Basinkeepers to pipe sand from the Basin to Terrebonne Parish. The Council had to add the item to its Feb. 19 agenda with a unanimous vote. St. Landry Parish borders the Atchafalaya Basin’s west side.

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St. Landry Parish marriage licenses

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, February 28, 2025
The following people obtain marriage license from the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court Office. Wednesday, Feb. 19 Harvey Menard Luneau and Barbara Lin Wilkinson, both of Palmetto. Thursday, Feb. 20 Woody Allen Naquin and Alexus Jena Arclese, both of Opelousas. Joseph Raymond Lanclos Jr.
News notes items

News notes items

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News notes

Myra Miller
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Rotary Club seeks nominations The Eunice Rotary Club is accepting nominations for the 2024 Citizen of the Year Award.
The crowd during the 2024 Mardi Gras at Walnut Avenue and 2nd Street in Eunice.

The crowd during the 2024 Mardi Gras at Walnut Avenue and 2nd Street in Eunice.

Eunice Mardi Gras schedule

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
The Eunice Cajun Mardi Gras Festival in Eunice has announced its Mardi Gras schedule. The Mardi Gras festivities is a five-day celebration.

Security enhanced for the Eunice celebration

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Eunice Mayor Scott Fontenot said security is being enhanced for the upcoming five-day Mardi Gras celebration. “We’re preparing to keep our patrons safe for our festival the best way that we can,” he said.

5-day party to start

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
The premiere time to be in Eunice starts Friday and continues through Tuesday as the Cajun Prairie celebrates Mardi Gras. The five-day Cajun Mardi Gras Festival may draw up to 14,000 people for a free authentic Cajun experience.
The crowd during the 2024 Mardi Gras at Walnut Avenue and 2nd Street in Eunice.

The crowd during the 2024 Mardi Gras at Walnut Avenue and 2nd Street in Eunice.

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Mayor: Everything is coming together for a Mardi Gras party

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
When the five-day Eunice Mardi Gras celebration was announced at the February city council meeting, Mayor Scott Fontenot said everything is coming together. “They’ve got the best band lineup you can imagine as far as Cajun French music goes,” he said.
Barricades were up around the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center. The Center is scheduled to reopen at noon Friday. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

Barricades were up around the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center. The Center is scheduled to reopen at noon Friday. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

Prairie Acadian Cultural Center to reopen Friday

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
The National Park Service announced the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve will resume regular programming at the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice. Programs planned include the following. Noon, Friday, kickoff. 12:30 pm Friday, Cooking demonstration featuring Michelle Brown.
From left are KVPI General Manager Mark Layne, Heritage Manor activity director and Rotarian Pat Duplechin, and Rotary President Bob Manuel. (Ville Platte Gazette photo by Tony Marks)

From left are KVPI General Manager Mark Layne, Heritage Manor activity director and Rotarian Pat Duplechin, and Rotary President Bob Manuel. (Ville Platte Gazette photo by Tony Marks)

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Swamp Pop defined a generation in South Louisiana

TONY MARKS / The Ville Platte Gazette
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
What do alligators, big blue diamonds, and red wine have in common? They are all subjects of songs from a musical genre known as Swamp Pop that defined a generation in South Louisiana. Mark Layne, the general manager of KVPI in Ville Platte, presented a history of the music at Tuesday’s (Feb.