Prairie Acadian Cultural Center reopened Wednesday

By Harlan Kirgan on Wednesday, October 16, 2019

    The air conditioning issues that forced the closure of the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center are resolved, and the center re-opened Wednesday.
    The center will present a new schedule of programs on Saturdays, including the live Cajun and zydeco music show Rendez-vous des Cajuns.
    Rendez-vous des Cajuns was on hiatus due to temporary closure since August. Until further notice, the center will be open 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays; Wednesday-Friday hours will remain 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    The Prairie Acadian Cultural Center of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve is located at 250 W. Park Ave., Eunice. More information is available at 337-457-8490 or at www.nps.gov/jela.
    The revised program schedule at the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center is as follows. All programs are free and open to the public.
    On Fridays
    9:30 to 11 a.m. La Table Francaise (Cajun French conversation).
    On Saturdays
    1 to 2 p.m. Acadiana with Kids, formerly the Explore & Restore program.
    2 to 3 p.m. Cajun French Conversations.
    3 to 3:30 p.m. Ranger Talk.
    4 to 5 p.m. Cooking Demonstration.
    6 to 7:30 p.m. Rendez-vous des Cajun with live Cajun and zydeco music.
    “We’re happy to be open again so we can share Louisiana food, music, and culture,” said Supervisory Park Ranger Angela Rathle. “The National Park Service will host Rendez-vous des Cajun and pay for the bands so that the show can go on and the public can enjoy it with no admission charge.”
    The Prairie Acadian Cultural Center is managed by the National Park Service as part of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. The center features exhibits interpreting the culture of the Acadians who settled the prairies of southwest Louisiana. Folklife demonstrations include foodways presentations, Cajun music, dancing, quilting and other handmade crafts. The center is open 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and, until further notice, on Saturday 11:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. The center is closed on all federal holidays but open on Mardi Gras. Admission to the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center is free and all activities and demonstrations are free and open to the public.