• Congrès to end on sweet note de resistance
• Cajun roots celebrated in southern Louisiana
• Guilbeaux pray, play
• Catching the Cajun Flavor
• Simon family took route through France to reach Louisiana
• Melancons gather in Opelousas
• St. Martinville hosts Congres activities 
• Acadian festivities unite scholars 

     "It's been back to back activities," Mayor Eric Martin said. "We've had real good
     turnout today but we've seen big numbers throughout the Congres."

     Saturday kicked off with a 7 a.m. Mass at St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church,
     known as the Mother Church of the Acadians. Opening ceremonies for the Dupuis
     family reunion took place at 9 a.m. and the Parade of Festivals got underway on
     Main Street at 10 a.m. 

     Other activities taking place included a forum at 2 p.m. at the Acadian Memorial, a
     short play entitled Scenes from the Maison Duchamp held at La Maison Duchamp at
     4 p.m., Sha-Me-Noo in concert at 5 p.m. followed by the Magnolia Sisters at 8 p.m.

     At 11 p.m. was the Congres French Closing Mass at St. Martin de Tours. Martin
     noted that there were 32 priests and an archbishop from Canada officiating at the
     ceremony. When those attending the Mass walked out at 12 a.m. they witnessed a
     fireworks display and danced to the tunes of Corey and the Hot Peppers, he said.

     "We always wanted a big dose of tourists so we could show them what we have,"
     Martin said. "New Orleans claims they're Cajun but they're really not. We're
     authentic Cajun, and so many of those that were here for Congres have said 'We're
     coming back.'"

     Martin said the city's gift shop has made $6,500 in the 12 days of the Congres
     whereas it normally takes in $1,500 a month. Additionally, he said the Acadian
     Memorial usually sees about 450 visitors a month but has been seeing almost 300 to
     400 a day.

     Janice Bourque and Gladys Bourque Coy were in the area for their family reunion.
     The pair said they attended a get together of the Bourques, Guillots, Dugas' and
     Robicheauxs at Acadian Village in Lafayette then headed to St. Martinville for the
     evening.

     "We're here for the party," Bourque said. "We brought some Mardi Gras beads to
     give to the Canadians after the Mass. They can bring them (beads) home with them.
     And after Mass, we're going to dance."

     Sunday's Congres activities in St. Martinville include a 6:30 a.m. flag raising at city
     hall followed by an open house at the Acadian Memorial at 7 a.m. At 2 p.m.
     Jean-Marie Nadeau will offer a bilingual discussion at the memorial.