• Congrés Mondial Acadien Calendar
• Congrès '99 to open with a flourish
• Priest prepares for French Mass at Southdown
• Bienvenue, y'all: CMA under way
• Acadians honor enduring culture
• Acadian descendents converge on La.
• Bourgeois clan to recognize its historical land 
• Canadian Acadians trek to La.
• Acadian history rescued
• Petition by Warren Perrin
• Genealogy program set at Nicholls
• Congres Mondial is summer gathering for Acadians 

Friday, July 30

Achee/Haché/Hachey/Gallant family reunion, Thibodaux Civic Center, Thibodaux. 

The first day of the reunion features decoration, registration, genealogy and food beginning at 6 p.m. Contact Roland Achee, 274-9935, www.bucksgenealogy.com/achee.htm

Bourgeois family reunion, St. James Boat Club, Lutcher.

Day one of this two-day "grand family reunion" begins at 1 p.m. with the program running from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be live entertainment, Canadian and Louisiana sing-alongs and Cajun dance lessons, Cajun dinner, famous and VIP Bourgeois exhibit and presentations and more. Reservations required. Contact Norman Marmillion, (225) 265-7690 or CreoLaura@aol.com 

Broussard family reunion, Blackham Coliseum, Lafayette. 

Doors open at 8 a.m. and events include humorist Dave Petitjean at the 11:30 a.m. lunch, Warren Perrin speaking on the "Plight of the Cajuns" at 1 p.m. and live music and dancing from 5-8 p.m. Contact Don Louis Broussard, (318) 984-9955, www.beausoleil.org

***

Pré-Congrès/Pre Congrès: Festival des Vins Muscadet, Bienville Wharf-Woldenberg Park, New Orleans.

A 4 p.m. parade from the Bienville Wharf to Woldenberg Park begins the events, which include a painting contest, waiter's race and 8 p.m. concert with Deacon John and the Ivories. Contact Beatrice Germaine, (504) 561-0070.

Saturday, July 31

Achee/Haché/Hachey/Gallant family reunion, Thibodaux Civic Center, Thibodaux. 

Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by 10 a.m. opening ceremonies, genealogy games, noon lunch, 5 p.m. barbecue dinner, a 7 p.m. performance by Renaissance Cadienne and a 8:30 p.m. dance. Contact Roland Achee, 274-9935, www.bucksgenealogy.com/achee.htm

Aucoin/Templet family reunion, Crescent Park, Donaldsonville.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. (pre-registration strongly encouraged for $5). Events coincide with the Journee a La Deuxieme Cote Des Acadienne in Donaldsonville, also being held today (see below). The reunion will also feature genealogy discussions and displays. Contact Myrna Thibodeaux, (225) 665-1898.

Bourg/Bourque/Belliveau family reunion, St. Anne Community Center and Fair Grounds, 4351 La. 24, Bourg.

Doors open at 10 a.m. in the town named for its founders. Events include lunch, two genealogy workshops, Cajun music, door prizes and children's games. Contact Sheryl Collins, (504) 879-2000.

Bourgeois family reunion, Laura Plantation, Vacherie.

The two-day "grand family reunion" continues beginning with a 7:30 a.m. Mass at St. Michael's Church in Convent, followed by a dedication of the Bourgeois Historical Marker in Paulina at 9:15 a.m. Activities at Laura Plantation begin at 10 a.m. and feature Cajun and Canadian live entertainment, tour of the plantation, genealogy exchange, children's games, Bourgeois storytelling and folktale presentation, wine tasting and more. Local actress Nova Phelps Coquille will recreate the mythical Mayor of Bayou PomPom, a character created by her maternal grandfather Walter Joseph Coquille. Reservations required. Contact Norman Marmillion, (225) 265-7690 or CreoLaura@aol.com

Broussard family reunion, Blackham Coliseum, Lafayette. 

The reunion continues with lunch, music and French wedding dancers at the Blackham Coliseum, then moves to the town of Broussard for the unveiling of the plaque to Joseph Broussard dit BeauSoleil, followed by a street dance from 8-11 p.m. Contact Don Louis Broussard, (318) 984-9955, www.beausoleil.org

Henry/Lirette family reunion, East Park Recreation Center, 8533 Park Ave., Chauvin.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Contact Vivian Pellegrin, (504) 594-5449. 

Naquin/Vautour family reunion, Montegut Recreation Building, Montegut. 

Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by a 9 a.m. Mass with music by Chris Naquin. Opening and welcome is at 10 a.m., and the day's events include folklife demonstrations, noon lunch, French storytelling, genealogy and 4 p.m. closing ceremonies. Contact Betty Naquin, (504) 872-0847. 

Thériot/Crochet family reunion, Dularge Elementary School, Thériot. 

The day begins with a 9 a.m. French Mass at St. Eloi Church and registration, followed by Cajun dancing, storytelling, music, cultural demonstrations, arts and crafts, genealogy, living graveyard and comedians. Contact Nadine T. Boudreaux, (504) 473-6053.

***

Acadian Farandole, Laura Plantation, Vacherie.

Laura Plantation hosts its annual centuries-old French country tradition of the farandole, where participants dance in a circle around the Laura Plantation manor house. The event includes music by Tout Les Soir Cajun band, a refresher in Cajun dancing, a Cajun dinner, cold refreshments including "Les Bourgeois" wines (in honor of the Bourgeois reunion being held at the Plantation during the day) and Congres souvenirs. Advance tickets are $15 per person. Hours are 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Contact (225) 265-7690.

Journee a La Deuxieme Cote Des Acadienne, Donaldsonville.

In English, it means "A Day on the Second Acadian Coast." In all languages it means food by Chef John Folse, quilters, Cajun dancers, storytellers, Cajun and swamp pop music and a 5 p.m. bilingual Mass at Ascension Catholic Church. A fais dodo is also planned. Events will be centered on Mississippi Street, Lafitte's Landing at Bittersweet, the American Legion Home, Ascension Parish Library, Historic Donaldsonville Museum and Crescent Park. Contact Myra Thibodeaux, (225) 665-1898 or Carol Aucoin, (504) 252-9436.

Last Veillée, Cut Off Youth Center, 205 W. 79th St., Cut Off.

The event features storytelling in French and English, traditional children's games, traditional Cajun food, ethnic dance groups, castnet throwing contest, traditional boat building, tour of homes and cemeteries and more. Local school bands will perform and there will be a Cheniere Hurricane Centennial Play titled Tant Que Durera La Terre at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Free, but nominal fee charged for play. Contact Wendell Curole, (504) 632-7554.

Rendez-Vous Des Cajuns live radio broadcast and show, Liberty Theater, Eunice.

The live broadcast of Cajun music begins at 6 p.m. and features music by Homer LeJeune and Cajun Swing, T-Broussard and Zydeco Warriers with Mary Jane Broussard and Cajun humorist Leigh Babineaux. Contact (318) 457-6577, www.orion-cs.com/eunice 

Women's Summit (Sommet Des Femmes Acadiennes), Municipal Auditorium, Morgan City. 

The summit is a community gathering of Acadian women and their allies, in French and in English, with round table discussions. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. $10. Registration required. Contact Elaine Clément, (318) 234-8739. 

Sunday, Aug. 1

Achee/Haché/Gallant family reunion, Thibodaux Civic Center, Thibodaux. 

Registration continues at 8 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. French Mass, genealogy luncheon and 2 p.m. closing ceremonies. Contact Roland Achee, 274-9935, www.bucksgenealogy.com/achee.htm

Blanchard family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Henry/Lirette/Surette family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Prejean/Le Breton family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Rodrigue family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Sonnier/Saulnier family reunion, Louisiana Civic Center, Rayne.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by singing and dancing children's groups, Sonnier musicians playing Cajun and other music, genealogy, craft booths, demonstration of cultural customs and food. Contact Floyd Sonnier, (318) 237-7104.

***

Downtown on the Bayou Festival, downtown Houma along Bayou Terrebonne.

Food, live Cajun and zydeco music and a Mardi Gras promenade are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free, but lunch or dinner tickets and admission to the Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum are $12. Contact Diane McCandless, (504) 873-6367,

French Mass, St. Edmond's Catholic Church, Lafayette.

Father Gary Schexnayder will host the French Mass at 2 p.m.

French Mass, Southdown Plantation, The Terrebone Museum, La. 311 and St. Charles Street, Houma 

French-speaking priests from Louisiana and Canada will conduct an 8 a.m. Mass on the plantation grounds. Breakfast will be sold before and after the Mass and there will be doll making and cane syrup making demonstrations following Mass. Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Contact (504) 851-0154.

Opening Ceremonies, Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, Houma.

The ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. with Jo-El Sonnier, Vin Bruce and Waylon Thibodeaux of Louisiana and Bois Joli and Mechants Maquereaux of New Brunswick, Canada. Other performers include L.J. Foret, Couche-Couche and Deuce of Hearts of Louisiana, Sons of Membertou of Nova Scotia and the Canadian Armed Forces Acrobatic Parachute Team. There will also be a ceremonial meeting of the Houma and Mi`kmaq tribes. Contact Vivian Pellegrin, (504) 868-2732.

Monday, Aug. 2

Babin, Broussard, Duplessis, Lanoux, Mire, Sonnier family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

***
 
 

Historical Archaeology in the Early 19th Century, Nicholls State University's Peltier Hall, Thibodaux.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. In English. Contact Lucretia McBride, (504) 580-1852.

"Les Acadiens et la Bonne Terre," Acadian Memorial, 121 S. New Market St., St. Martinville.

Glenn Conrad of the Center for Louisiana Studies will speak on early Acadian landholding in Louisiana at 2 p.m. In English. $2. www.acadianmemorial.org

Theater Festival: La Douce Reunion, Houma Auditorium, 800 Verret St., Houma.

Performed by the Théâtre Cadien of Lafayette, the play concerns Ena "Douce" Doucet Duhon, matriarch of a large Cajun family, who decides to surprise everyone at the next family reunion by giving away her belongings before her death. Unfortunately, her plans only fuel the fires of past disputes. $5. Contact Antoine Leclerc, (318) 234-6166, (318) 237-7694, (888) 526-1999.
 
 

Tuesday, Aug. 3

Bergeron/Caillouet/Gautreaux family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Bourgeois family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

***

Bayou Lafourche Heritage Celebration, LaRose.

The day begins with a 10 a.m. French Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, followed by demonstrations of boat builders of Lafourche, live music and dancing by the Canadian band Bois Joli at 11:30 a.m., food, swimming in the LaRose Regional Park Pool, music by La Bon Vie at 2 p.m., Vin Bruce and Leroy Martin at 5:30 p.m. and Lafourche Cajun Band at 7 p.m. Wendell Curole, director of the South Lafourche Levee District, will speak on the settlements of the Barataria Basin at 1:15 p.m. Brian Cheramie, author of Louisiana Lures and Legends, speak on the "History of Louisiana Duck Carving" at 1:45 p.m. History professor Paul Leslie speaks on "Antebellum Life and Labor" at 2 p.m. and biology professor John Doucet speaks on Acadian genetics at 2:30 p.m. Contact Henri Boulet, (504) 693-7355.

Grosbec and Eulalie, Depot Square, Texas Avenue, Rayne.

This Cajun comedy will be performed from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. by Rayne High School students. Free. Contact (318) 334-2332.

Theater Festival: Retrouvons Nos Racines, Houma Municipal Auditorium, 800 Verret St., Houma.

A two-act play by Renaissance Cadienne, celebrating the bond between the Acadies of Canada, Louisiana and France and re-enacting a 1900 Cajun wedding. $5. Contact Antoine Leclerc, (318) 234-6166, (318) 237-7694, (888) 526-1999.

The March, Acadian Memorial, 121 S. New Market St., St. Martinville.

Louisiana author John Francois will speak on his novel, The March, about an exiled Acadian who fought in the American Revolution at 2 p.m. In English. $2. www.acadianmemorial.org

Twinning Celebration, LaRose and Comeauville, Nova Scotia. 

Officials from Nova Scotia will relate the history and economy of Comeauville, a coastal village located on a "Highway 1" like LaRose, from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Contact Henri Boulet, (504) 693-7355.

Twinning Celebration, Houma and Bathurst, New Brunswick.

The proclamation will be signed at noon at the Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum in Houma. Contact (504) 879-3392.

Twinning Celebration, Assumption Parish and Evangeline Region of Prince Edward Island.

The twinning ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. at the Napoleonville Civic Center in Napoleonville. Contact Sally Blanchard, (504) 252-9655.

Wednesday, Aug. 4

Baudoin family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Jeansonne/Johnson family reunion, Grand Casino Avoyelles, 711 E. Tunica Drive, Marksville.

Registration and social is from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Contact Tommy Jeansonne, (800) 673-0598, Ext. 102. 

Savoie/Savoy family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Theriot/Crochet family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Thibodeau family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

***

Acadian spinning demonstration, Vermilionville, Lafayette.

Acadiana Spinners and Weavers Guild demonstrate their craft from 10 a.m. 5 p.m. By admission.

P.E.I. Children's Day, Pierre Part School, La. 70, Pierre Part.

The day begins with a 10 a.m. French Mass, followed by an art show, 1 p.m. children's French play, 2 p.m. children's art workshops and Cajun storytelling, 2:30 p.m. French play, music by Minor Blanchard at 4:30 p.m., a 5 p.m. French play and 7 p.m. auction of the twinning commemorative painting. A fais dodo starts at 7:15 p.m. with Les Amies Cajun Band. Contact Sally Blanchard, (504) 252-9655.

Ensemble Encore: The Acadian Memorial Multimedia Archive, Acadian Memorial, 121 S. New Market St., St. Martinville.

Carl Brasseaux of the Center for Louisiana Studies will discuss the online archive at www.acadianmemorial.org at 2 p.m. Bilingual. $2. 

La Table Francaise, Acadian Memorial, 121 S. New Market St., St. Martinville.

A French sing-a-long at the Acadian Memorial (Cajun karoake). Listen to or join in on renditions of traditional Cajun folksongs. Lyrics will be provided. Featured singers are from La Table Française, a club where the only rule is that you must speak French or at least try. Their theme song is "Brasse donc le couche couche (Stir the couche couche.)" Free. Contact Jolene Adam, (318) 394-2258, (800) 397-7576. www.acadianmemorial.org

Plaquemine Twinning Celebration and Viens T'amuser au Fais Dodo D'Iberville (Evangeline on the Bayou), Plaquemine and Petit-De-Grat, Nova Scotia.

The 5:30 p.m. twinning ceremony will include food and entertainment at Old City Hall on Main Street in Plaquemine. There will be an 11 a.m. French Mass at St. John Catholic Church, noon opening ceremonies and music by Bill Grass and Bois Joli of New Brunswick. Activities include Cajun dancing, children's events and performances. At 6 p.m. there will be a Mardi Gras Parade on Main Street, followed by gospel music at 6:45 p.m., parade of boats on Bayou Plaquemine at 6:45 p.m., Downtown Live concert at 7:30 p.m. and balloon glow and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Free. Contact Kitty Schwartz, (225) 687-5250.

Theater Festival: Le Temps D'Une Vie, Houma Municipal Auditorium, 800 Verret St., Houma.

A play by Theatre de L'Avant Scene from Quebec. $5. Contact Antoine Leclerc, (318) 234-6166, (318) 237-7694, (888) 526-1999.

Twinning Celebration, Thibodaux and Shippagan.

The twinning ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by a Cajun comedy at Thibodaux High School, 1355 Tiger Drive in Thibodaux. Contact Michael Knobloch, (504) 446-7269.

Un Gote de Culture Lecture, Vermilionville, Lafayette.

Carl Brasseaux of the Center for Louisiana Studies and author of The Founding of New Acadia speaks on "The History of the Acadians" from noon to 1 p.m. An old-fashioned bourre game follows. Free.

Thursday, Aug. 5

Chaisson/Bernard family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Jeansonne/Johnson family reunion, Grand Casino Avoyelles, 711 E. Tunica Drive, Marksville.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by genealogy, noon lunch and 5 p.m. dinner and music by the Moncla Cajun Band at 7 p.m. Contact Tommy Jeansonne, (800) 673-0598, Ext. 102. 

Roy family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Vincent family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

***

Cajun and Zydeco Music and Dance Exhibit, Ellender Memorial Library, Nicholls State University, Thibodaux.

The opening reception of the exhibit is noon with the unveiling of C.J. Knobloch's commissioned wooden carving of Cajun musicians. Cajun artisans will display their crafts from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in front of the library, followed by Cajun musicians Ecouter performing with Cajun dancers at 11:45 a.m. inside. Julie Landry of the Academy of Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau will lecture on the diversity of Cajun and zydeco music from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Ellender Room. Filé performs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Student Union. The exhibit continues until Sept. 15.

Genealogy of the Acadian People, Nicholls State University's Peltier Hall, Thibodaux.

The free genealogy symposium is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Speakers include Stephen White of the University of Moncton, Carl Brasseaux of the Center for Louisiana Studies at USL, John Doucet of Nicholls, the Rev. Donald Hebert of Our Lady of the Assumption Church and Gerald Brault of Bretagne-Acadie. Bilingual. A reception by Nicholls State University and Lafourche Historical Society is at 7 p.m. at the Ellender Memorial Library. Contact Tom Butler, (504) 448-4626 or http://www.nich.edu

Theater Festival: Entre Cousins, Nicholls State University's Talbot Hall, Thibodaux.

The troupe Pierre Part presents a play that continues the story of Florent Blanchard and his family, who have been torn from their homes and separated from each other. Nonetheless, Florent and his family find a way to hold on to their culture. As Florent and Annette find peace in their family, Acadie itself is rebuilt on the theme of this play: united we stand. $5. Hours: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Contact Antoine Leclerc, (318) 234-6166, (318) 237-7694, (888) 526-1999.

Theater Festival: Port LaJoye, Nicholls State University's Talbot Hall, Thibodaux.

Belle Alliance from Prince Edward Island present this play about the Acadian exile. The curtain opens on a ship where disease and death are rampant. Florent Blanchard must care for his family now that his mother has died on board. The Acadians disembark at a refugee camp where the men are forced into indenture on a plantation, and tragedy strikes again. Will Florent find a new home for his family? $5. Contact Antoine Leclerc, (318) 234-6166, (318) 237-7694, (888) 526-1999.

Une Deuxieme Chance: The Acadians of Prince Edward Island, Acadian Memorial, 121 S. New Market St., St. Martinville.

Francophone of the Year Eileen Chiasson Pendergast will speak of the island's Acadian past, present and future at 2 p.m. French with bilingual discussion. $2. www.acadianmemorial.org

Friday, Aug. 6

Baudoin family reunion, Knight of Columbus Hall, Lafayette. 

The family will hold the opening event of their huge reunion program at the Knights of Columbus hall located on the south side of Gloria Switch Road, just about midway between Moss Street Extension and Interstate 49. Participants are asked to bring a covered dish. Hours are 4-8 p.m. Contact Elizabeth Reid, (318) 234-4833. 

Breaux family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Chiasson/Bernard family reunion, Knight of Columbus Hall/American Legion Hall/Lockport Town Hall, Lockport.

Pre-reunion festivities and Mardi Gras Parade is 6:30 p.m. Contact Kevin Allemand (504) 532-6381. 

Doiron family reunion, Breaux Bridge.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by lunch, 1 p.m. opening ceremonies, video presentation, music and lecture by genealogist Stephen White of New Brunswick. Contact J.C. Williams Doiron, (214) 324-3226.

Doucet family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Duhon family reunion, City Park, New Iberia.

Registration begins at 5 p.m. with a Cajun Jam from 5-11 p.m. Contact Dudley Duhon, (318) 984-1907, www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/5800/duhon.htm

Hébert family reunion, Magdalen Square and Abbeville Cultural Center, Abbéville.

Walking tours, videos, children stories by Sheila Hebert Collins and more complement music and dancing. Bands include Kira Viator and The Liquid Lace Band and Second Time Around. Contact Russel Gaspard, (318) 893-2381, www.geocities.com/~timhebert/mondreu.htm

Jeansonne/Johnson family reunion, Grand Casino Avoyelles, 711 E. Tunica Drive, Marksville.

The day begins with a 9 a.m. French Mass in Mansura, then a dedication to the early French and Spanish colonization of Louisiana and their role in the American Revolution. Contact Tommy Jeansonne, (800) 673-0598, Ext. 102. 

Préjean/Lebreton family reunion, Vermilionville, Lafayette. 

Hours and times to be announced. Contact Wayne Préjean, (318) 235-5803.

Richard family reunion, Heymann Center for the Performing Arts, Lafayette.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by 1 p.m. opening ceremonies, slide presentations and music. Contact Eddie Richard, (318) 235-0538, www4.linknet.net/thjri/99_AGEN.htm 

Robichaux/Boucher family reunion, Montegut Recreation Building, Montegut.

Registration begins at noon and continues until 5 p.m. Pre-reunion festivities and Mardi Gras Parade is 6:30 p.m. Contact Ray Robichaux, (504) 594-2312.

Thibodeaux family reunion, Cypress Bayou Casino, 832 Martin Luther King Road, Charenton.

Preregistration and social time will be at the Best Western Acadiana in Lafayette.

Trahan/Léger Day at Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Trahan/Léger family reunion, Rice Festival Building, 717 W. Mill St., Crowley.

Registration and socializing will be from 6-8 p.m. The theme is "Ensemble Encore," or "Together Again." Contact Loubert G. Trahan, (318) 893-2084, www.trahan.org

***

Acadians in Maryland, Acadian Memorial, 121 S. New Market St., St. Martinville.

Gregory Wood, author of A Guide to the Acadians in Maryland in the 18th and 19th centuries, will speak at 2 p.m. Bilingual. $2. www.acadianmemorial.org

Compagnie a la Maison Boucvalt, Vermilionville, Lafayette.

A living history presentation of the old-fashioned card game bourre. $8. 

La Grand Soirée Sur La Côte Acadienne, Oak Alley Plantation, Vacherie. 

Grounds open with artists and crafters at 9 a.m., followed by a culinary presentation by John Folse at 12:30 p.m. Beverly Matherne performs blues poetry at 2 p.m. and there will be music by Les Mechants Maquereaux, Wayne Toups, Hadley Castille and more beginning at 5 p.m. Contact Oak Alley, (800) 442-5539, www.oakalleyplantation.com

Magnolia Sisters Concert, Evangeline-Sliman Theater, 329 E. Main St., New Iberia.

French Cajun and folk music live at the historic theater. $8. Contact Miriam Krepper, (318) 369-2346.

Mardi Gras parade, Montégut Recreation Center, Montegut.

A Mardi Gras tableau follows the parade that begins at 6 p.m. $3 for Tableaux. Contact Gayle Riché, (504) 594-4960.

Spectacle De Musique De La Ville De Rayne, Town Depot Square, Rayne.

The free festival will be from 6 p.m. to midnight and feature music by Lee Benoit and Bayou Stompers, Le Bande Feufollet and Jambalaya Cajun Band. Contact Lyn Guidry, (318) 334-2477.

Twinning Celebration, Montégut/Saulnierville, Nova Scotia. 

The celebration will be at 8:30 p.m. during the tableau following the Mardi Gras parade in Montegut. Contact Gayle Riché, (504) 594-4960. 

Twinning Celebration, Port Allen and Clare, Nova Scotia. 

Music begins at 10 a.m. at the Community Center on North Jefferson Avenue in Port Allen, followed by food booths with Louisiana specialties at 4 p.m. There will be a 6 p.m. parade from Rivault Park to the Community Center, followed by the twinning ceremony at 7 p.m., a performance by La Baie en Joie dance group at 8:15 p.m. and local entertainment at 9 p.m. Free. Contact 346-5670.

Twinning Celebration, St. James and Grand-Digue, New Brunswick.

The ceremony begins at 3 p.m. at Oak Alley Plantation. Contact Julie Ordoyne, (505) 265-7036.

Zydeco de Ville, South New Market Street, St. Martinville.

St. Martin Parish zydeco performers Sha-Me-Noo and the Zydeco Drifters will perform in the street to a Creole beat from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. $1. Contact Rita Lewis, Golden Keys Club, (318) 367-2603.

Saturday, Aug. 7

Arceneaux tour, Carencro.

A tour of two historic Arceneaux homes and St. Martinville leaves at 8:30 a.m. from Evangeline Downs Racetrack in Carencro.

Baudoin family reunion, George Dupuis Center (Brown Park), Lafayette. 

The reunion begins with a welcome by Elizabeth Reid at 9 a.m., followed by an 11 a.m. luncheon, a 2 p.m. performance of children's dancers, auction and 5 p.m. social hour. Contact Elizabeth Reid, (318) 234-4833. 

Bergeron/Caillouet/Gautreaux family reunion, Joe Myhand Park, Addis. 

The reunion begins with an 8 a.m. coffee call, followed by 9:45 a.m. opening ceremonies with Sacha Comeaux, 1998 International Evangeline. Sweet Kathleen and the Vieux Carre Dixieland Band perform at 10 a.m. and humorist Gary Dupuy at 1 p.m. One Accord Gospel Group takes the stage at 1:30 p.m., Oneal Issac at 2:30 p.m. and the Deja Vu Cajun band at 3:15 p.m. A willow tree will be planted in honor of Acadian ancestors. Contact Carrol Bourgeois, (504) 687-4844.

Blanchard family reunion, Assumption High School, Napoleonville. 

The reunion opens with a 9 a.m. Mass at St. Anne Assumption Church at 403 St. Joseph St. in Napoleonville, followed by opening ceremonies, children's activities, Cajun dance lessons and Robert Jardell at 6 p.m. at Assumption High School. Tickets are $8-$10 in advance, $13-$15 at the door, not including lunch. Contact Sally Blanchard, (504) 252-9655, www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/5505/agenda.html

Boudreaux family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Breaux family reunion, Breaux Bridge.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the St. Bernard Gym in Breaux Bridge. A 9 a.m. Mass follows at St. Bernard Church. At 10:15 a.m., there will be a presentation to the statue of Scholastique Picou Breaux and the Founders Festival begins at 11 a.m. with lunch, music, Cajun humor and genealogy. Contact Marie Jeannette Breau Zeringue, (318) 233-8996, http://members.tripod.com/~BREAUXduMONDE

Chiasson/Bernard family reunion, Knight of Columbus Hall/American Legion Hall/Lockport Town Hall, Lockport.

Festivities will be held at all three halls and include arts and crafts, genealogy, meals and live music. Bands performing at the Knights of Columbus Hall are Car Cruisers, 9-11 a.m.; Rendezvous, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Pierre Foret, 1-3 p.m. and Cajun Tou Jours, 3-5 p.m. Performing at the American Legion Hall are the Hoffman Jazz Band, 9-11 a.m.; Pott and Debbie Folse, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Vin Bruce, Cotton Guidroz, Harry Anselmi and Ebdon Barrios, 1-3 p.m. and Deuce of Hearts, 3-5 p.m. Contact Kevin Allemand (504) 532-6381.

Cormier family reunion, Rayne Civic Center, Rayne. 

Registration begins at 11 a.m., followed by a 1 p.m. opening ceremony. There will be a genealogy lecture, the showing of the films Evangeline and Acadie Liberte, Cajun dance lessons and a 8 p.m. fais dodo. $35 family, $25 individual. Contact La Famille Cormier, (318) 896-6062, www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/5800/corm.htm 

Doiron family reunion, Breaux Bridge.

Registration continues at 9 a.m., followed by lunch, family group photo, and a 3 p.m. closing ceremony. Participants will gather at Mulate's in Breaux Bridge at 6 p.m. Contact J.C. Williams Doiron, (214) 324-3226. 

Doucet family reunion, Yambilee Building, Opelousas 

Registration begins at 9 a.m. followed by opening ceremonies at 11:30 a.m. Food and music follow with Don Fontenot at 2 p.m., Carol Doucet at 5 p.m. and Cajun humorist Danny Guidry at 6 p.m. The Cajun dance will be from 7-11 p.m. Contact Richard Doucet, (318) 684-6400. 

Duhon family reunion, City Park, New Iberia.

Registration continues at 9 a.m., with 10 a.m. opening ceremonies, entertainment, arts and crafts and genealogy to follow. Closing ceremonies will be at 5 p.m. Contact Dudley Duhon, (318) 984-1907, www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/5800/duhon.htm

Foret/Forest family reunion, American Legion Hall, La. 56, Chauvin.

Contact Ronnie P. Forest Sr., (504) 594-7687.

Gaudet/Samson family reunion, Iberville Parish Civic Center, Plaquemine.

Registration begins at 10 a.m., followed by an 11 a.m. opening ceremony Mass, noon lunch, 1:15 p.m. lecture on "French Acadian Lifestyle in Retrospect 1852-1857," 2 p.m. genealogy presentation and 2:30 p.m. music. Contact Kearen St. Germain, (225) 660-1882 or (800) 259-2221.

Gaudet/Samson family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Giroir/Girouard family reunion, Morgan City Municipal Auditorium, Morgan City. 

Registration begins at 9 a.m., followed by 10 a.m. opening ceremonies, 11:30 a.m. lunch, genealogy programs and presentations, 6 p.m. Mass at Sacred Heart Church and a Cajun dance at 7:30 p.m. Contact Fr. Frank Giroir, (504) 737-2915.

Giroir/Girouard family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Gravois/Allain family reunion, Vacherie Elementary School, Vacherie.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by genealogy, music, games, food and refreshments from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the school located at 13440 La. 644 in Vacherie. Bands include Bill Menge's Band at 10 a.m. and Sauce Piquante at 1 p.m. Contact Roland Gravois, (504) 393-1264, http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/RGravois/reunion.htm

Guidry/Petitpas family reunion, Houma Civic Center, Houma.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by a 9:40 a.m. French Rosary at St. Francis de Sales Church and a 10 a.m. French Mass. Lunch and welcome is at noon with presentations at 1:30 p.m., Cajun dance lessons at 4 p.m., music at 6 p.m. and closing ceremonies at 10 a.m. Contact Daniel "Chuck" Guidry, (504) 851-6544, http://cajunnet2.cajunnet.com/~niecee/Guidry/

Hébert family reunion, Magdalen Square and Abbeville Cultural Center, Abbéville.

An 8:30 a.m. giant egg omelet parade and omelet cooking start off the events, which include music by the Fatras Show Band, Ronney Mayard and the Riverfront Revue and an art exhibit by Chestee Harrington. Closing ceremonies are at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church. Contact Russel Gaspard, (318) 893-2381, www.geocities.com/~timhebert/mondreu.htm

Jeansonne/Johnson family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Lanoux/Mire/Babin/Duplessis family reunion, Gonzales Civic Center, Irma Boulevard, Gonzales.

Opening ceremonies begin at 9 a.m., followed by an open house, 1 p.m. lunch with the "World Famous Gonzales Jambalaya," art show, 4 p.m. Mass at St. Theresa Catholic Church and an evening dance. Contact Pie Lanoux, (318) 647-2750.

Maillet family reunion, Mari Center of the Grand Casino Avoyelles, Marksville.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by a 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Washington Street. The reunion resumes at the casino with lunch, the "Story of the Acadians" by Irene Maillet-Belley, president of the Maillet Association of New Brunswick and an appearance by author Antonine Maillet. Music by the Dupuy Brothers is at 5 p.m. with music for dancing by Philip Meche at 9 p.m. $10 per family or $5 for individuals, plus $10 for dinner. Non-members can attend for a higher fee. Contact Connie Maillet, (318) 334-7473, www.maillet.org 

Martin family reunion, St. Martinville High School, 762 N. Main St., St. Martinville.

Registration begins at 9 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. trip to the Acadian Memorial, an 11:30 a.m. lunch, 1:30 p.m. opening ceremonies, 3 p.m. French Mass, 4 p.m. genealogy and 9 p.m. fais dodo at the Evangeline Oak Tree. Contact Reid Martin, (318) 394-3217.

Mouton family reunion, Vermilionville and other sites in Lafayette.

The day begins with a 10 a.m. Mass at St. John Cathedral, 515 Cathedral St., in Lafayette. At 11 a.m., there will be a memorial service for Jean and Alexandre Mouton in the cemetery behind the church and at the statue of Gen. J. Aldred Mouton on Jefferson Street. From noon to 3 p.m. there will be tours of the Alexandre Mouton House, Charles Homere Mouton House and Jean Sosthene Mouton House, followed by music and dancing at Vermilionville. The reunion begins at 5 p.m. Contact Edward P. Mouton, (318) 235-8561.

Pitre family reunion, Cut Off Youth Center, La. 1, Cut Off.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. with opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. and coffee and beignets at 10 a.m. Les Cajun Bon Temps perform at 10:30 a.m., Prairie Ronde Ramblers at 1:30 p.m. and La Touche Cajun Band at 6 p.m. There will also be a noon lunch, a 1 p.m. jam session (bring instruments), a 3 p.m. family round-up and a 5 p.m. Mass and supper. Music and dancing continue until 10 p.m. Contact Loretta Jambon, (504) 532-2907. 

Poirrier/David family reunion, Oak Alley Plantation, Vacherie.

Doors open at 9 a.m. to games, Cajun entertainment, craftpersons and demonstrators, food and genealogy. Contact John Poirier, (318) 942-2021.

Richard family reunion, Heymann Center for the Performing Arts, Lafayette.

Registration continues at 10 a.m., followed by music, a 4 p.m. bilingual Mass, dinner and dancing by the Jambalaya Cajun Band. Contact Eddie Richard, (318) 235-0538, www4.linknet.net/thjri/99_AGEN.htm 

Robichaux/Boucher family reunion, Montegut Recreation Building, Montegut.

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and follows with noon opening ceremonies, music by Cajun Bon Temps, the Shady Oak Dancers and Singers, Toni Spahr Dancers and a 5 p.m. French Mass at Sacred Heart Church. Contact Ray Robichaux, (504) 594-2312.

Rodrigue family reunion, Our Lady of Prompt Succor Parish Hall, 529 La. 20, Chackbay.

Registration is 9 a.m., followed by a 12:30 p.m. lunch, 1:30 p.m. dance and 4 p.m. Mass. Contact Gaston Rodrigue, (504) 633-7630.

Rogers-Roger/Caissie family reunion, Gheens Community Center, La. 654, Gheens.

The welcome is 9 a.m., followed by a 9:15 a.m. prayer and introduction by emcee Vernon Roger. The day includes an 11 a.m. lunch with live music, a 1 p.m twinning ceremony, genealogy exchange, 5 p.m. music and dancing and a 7 p.m. closing ceremony. Contact Carrol Rogers, Jr., (504) 537-7480.

Roy family reunion, Cajundome, Lafayette.

Registration begins at 9 a.m., followed by genealogy, a noon lunch, entertainment and a 4 p.m. Mass. Contact Rod Roy, (504) 633-7630.

Savoie/Savoy family reunion, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Academy of Sacred Heart, Grand Coteau. 

Music, Cajun humorists, Renaissance Cadienne and more are featured entertainment. Contact Dale Savoie, (318) 984-1414, www.savoie/org

Thibodeaux family reunion, Cypress Bayou Casino, 832 Martin Luther King Road, Charenton.

Opening ceremonies begin at 10 a.m., followed by an 11:30 a.m. genealogy lecture by Stephen White, a noon buffett, entertainment and 4:30 p.m. closing ceremonies. Contact Shirley T. LeBlanc, (318) 981-3289.

Trahan /Léger family reunion, Rice Festival Building, 717 W. Mill St., Crowley.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. followed by films, lunch, theater, Cajun humorist L.C. Boudreau and his Lonesome Bayou Band. The day concludes with a presentation by Renaissance Cadienne, a demonstration of accordion making and playing by Randy Falcon and music by Lee Benoit at the 7 p.m. dance. Contact Loubert G. Trahan, (318) 893-2084, www.trahan.org

***

Cajun Music Festival, Cajun French Music Association, Baton Rouge Chapter, Community Center, Port Allen.

In addition to nonstop music, there will be Cajun dance lessons, performances by Les Danseurs de la Capitale de Baton Rouge, an adult Cajun dance troupe, and Les Joie de Vie, a children's dance troupe. Bands include Hunter Hayes and The Children's Band, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Les Amis Cajun Band, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Rodney Thibodaux and Tout Les Soir, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Ivy Dugas, Jackie Caillier and Cajun Cousins, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. $5 adults, children 11 and under admitted free. Contact Cary Fontenot, 344-7350.

Congres Activities, Port Allen 

Coffee and beignets will be served at 8 a.m. at the Holy Family KC Hall with La Baie en Joie dancers. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. there will be free motorcoach tours of Port Allen. At 6 p.m. there is an artillery salute near the Community Center, followed by Golden Eagles sky diving at 6:30 p.m. and pony and carriage rides until 9 p.m. Contact 383-7971.

Evangeline reunion, St. Martin Parish, St. Martinville.

Local residents who worked on the 1929 film starring Delores Del Rio and Roland Drew, will meet at 11 a.m.

Founder's Festival, City Park and Parc du Pont Breaux, Breaux Bridge.

The focus is on traditional arts such as net making, rosary making, Cajun music, Cajun cooking demonstrations and Cajun dancing. There will also be works of contemporay artists in the community. The festival will take place in City Park, where the city's founder's statue is located: Scholastique Picou Breaux, an Acadian woman. 

La Chorale Acadienne du Sud-Ouest de la Nouvelle-Écosse concert, St. Martin de Tours Church, 103 S. Main St., St. Martinville.

La Chorale of Pubnico of Nova Scotia will sing in French at the 4 p.m. Mass, followed by a public concert in French at 5:30 p.m. Contact (318) 394-7334.

La Vie Du Bayou a Montegut Festival, Montegut recreation center area, Montegut.

Antique displays, arts and crafts, Cajun music and more will be offered. There will be a French Mass at 5 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Contact (504) 594-4960.

Longfellow-Evangeline State Commemorative Area 65th Anniversary, 1200 N. Main St., St. Martinville.

There will be an 11 a.m. performance by Nova Scotia's Chorale Acadienne du Sud Ouest and 1:30 p.m. concert by Tout d'un Coup. Activities include folklife demonstrations and a 1 p.m. demonstration of alligator skinning. Contact Suzanne Laviolette, (888) 677-2900, (318) 394-3754.

Rendez-Vous Des Cajuns live radio broadcast and show, Liberty Theater, Eunice.

The live broadcast of Cajun music begins at 6 p.m. and features music by Christine Balfa and Friends, La Bande Feufollet and New Brunswick's Dominique Dupuis and "Image Band." Contact (318) 457-6577, www.orion-cs.com/eunice

Reve Acadien Workshop, Opelousas Museum, 329 N. Main St., Opelousas.

A music program conducted by Hadley Castille, who traces Cajun music back to its roots in France. Free.

St. James Historical Society Heritage Day, Lutcher.

Crafts, live demonstrations of perique tobacco, music and food are planned on the St. James Historical Society Heritage Museum grounds in Lutcher. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact Laurie Bourgeois, (225) 869-9752.

St. Martinville Kiwanis Fais-Do-Do, South New Market Street, St. Martinville.

Performers include Belizaire of Paris, from 6 p.m. to midnight. $1. Contact Susan Carpenter, (318) 394-7408 

Sunday, Aug. 8

Arceneaux family reunion, Evangeline Downs Racetrack, Carencro. 

The reunion begins with an 8 a.m. Mass, followed by welcome, breakfast, history lectures, discussions, music and lunch. Thomas Arceneaux, designer of the Louisiana Acadian flag, will be honored. Contact Robert Arceneaux, (318) 233-4061.

Breaux family day, Vermilionville and Acadian Cultural Center, Lafayette. 

Cormier family reunion, Rayne Civic Center, Rayne. 

The reunion continues with an 8 a.m. bilingual Mass, film showings, music, genealogy lectures and 4 p.m closing ceremonies. Contact La Famille Cormier, (318) 896-6062, www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/5800/corm.htm 

Doiron family activities, Breaux Bridge and Lafayette.

Activities include a visit to the Acadian Village from 10 a.m. to noon, the St. Bernard Catholic Church and No. 1 cemetery in Breaux Bridge from noon to 12:30 p.m. and the St. Martinville Cemetery and Acadian Memorial in St. Martinville from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Contact J.C. Williams-Doiron, (214) 324-3226. 

Doucet family reunion, Yambilee Building, Opelousas. 

The day is dedicated to genealogy from noon to 5 p.m., but Cajun Jammers will entertain from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Closing ceremonies will be at 5 p.m. Contact Richard Doucet, (318) 684-6400.

Duhon, d'Eons and d'Entremont family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Hébert and Maillet families day, Acadian Village, Lafayette. 

Martin family reunion, St. Martinville High School, 762 N. Main St., St. Martinville.

The day begins with genealogy at 10 a.m., then a visit to the Longfellow-Evangeline State Commemorative Area. Contact Reid Martin, (318) 394-3217.

Richard family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Trahan /Léger family reunion, Crowley.

The day begins with a 9:30 a.m. Mass at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Crowley, followed by an 11 a.m. dedicaton of the reunion monument in Crowley's Levy Park. Contact Loubert G. Trahan, (318) 893-2084, www.trahan.org

***

Cajun Music Festival, Cajun French Music Association Fais Dodo, Baton Rouge Chapter, Community Center, Port Allen.

In addition to nonstop music, there will be Cajun dance lessons, performances by Les Danseurs de la Capitale de Baton Rouge, an adult Cajun dance troupe, and Les Joie de Vie, a children's dance troupe. Bands include John Richard and the Deja Vu Cajun Dance Band, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Helen Boudreaux and The Wall of Fame Children's Band, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Mitch Reed and The Mamou Prairie Band, 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. $5, children 11 and under admitted free. Contact Cary Fontenot, 344-7350.

French Mass, Brusly.

A French Mass in honor of Acadian visitors will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Brusly. After Mass, there will be a petit dejeuner communautaire, or community breakfast. The Brusly Centennial Committee is sponsoring a genealogical exhibit and tour of the cemetery.

Journée du Patrimoine Cadien/Cajun Heritage Day, St. Philomena Church and School, La. 1, Labadieville. 

The festival begins with beignets at 8:30 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. French Mass, exhibits, lunch, live Cajun music and a tour of the historic church and cemetery. 

La Vie Du Bayou a Montegut Festival, Montegut recreation center area, Montegut.

Antique displays, arts and crafts, Cajun music and more will be offered. There will be a French Mass at 9 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Contact (504) 594-4960.

Lioness Club Chariot Parade/Parade des chariots, St. Martin de Tours Church Square, Main Street, St. Martinville.

The traditional "Chariot Parade" begins at 7:30 p.m. The story is that when a St. Martinville boy visited New Orleans, he was fascinated by the streetcars with their electric lights. Upon his return, he made a streetcar out of a shoebox and placed a candle inside. At dusk he pulled his chariot through town to show everyone what he had seen on his trip to the City. Soon all the children began making chariots. The tradition continues today with an annual chariot contest and foot parade. Free.

Longfellow-Evangeline State Commemorative Area 65th Anniversary, 1200 N. Main St., St. Martinville.

There will be a 11 a.m. performance by Nova Scotia's Chorale Acadienne du Sud Ouest and 1:30 p.m. concert by Tout d'un Coup. Activities include folklife demonstrations and a 1 p.m. demonstration of alligator skinning. Contact Suzanne Laviolette, (888) 677-2900, (318) 394-3754.

Re-enactment of the Arival of the First Acadians at Saint James, St. James Catholic Church, 6613 La. 18, St. James.

In addition to the re-enactment of the Acadian arrival, there will be a dedication of the Acadian Monument, a dedication of Assumption of Our Lady Statue, a French Mass and a flag raising ceremony. Hours are 8 a.m.-till. Contact Julie Ordoyne, (504) 265-7036.

Monday, Aug. 9

Arceneaux family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Doiron family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Martin family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Mouton family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

***

Chorale Acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse, St Joseph Parish Family Center, Rayne.

The free performance by a choir from Nova Scotia is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Genetics of the Acadian People, McNeese State University, Lake Charles.

Sponsored by the LSU Medical Center's Molecular and Human Genetics Center, the symposium focuses on the role of genes in disease and disorders with the Acadians. The free event is from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Participants must register in advance. Bilingual. Contact Judy Laborde at (504) 568-6117 or http://www.acadian-cajun.com/genetics.htm

Journée de la Musique Acadienne et Cadienne/Acadian & Cajun Music Day, The Historic Strand Theatre, 432 N. Main St. Jennings.

Entertainment includes Les Amies Louisianaises, Nancy Tabb Marcantel, Nova Scotian Dance Troupe La Baie en Joie and Blakie Forrestier and the Cajun Aces including the Blackie Forrestier Dancers. Hours: 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. $7. Contact (318) 821-5500.

L'art Louisianaise exhibit opening, Vermilionville, Lafayette.

The opening of the art exhibit, "Acadie Nord et Sud," from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. features artists Phillip Gould and Dolores Breau. Free.

Les Acadiens a Nantes, Acadian Memorial, 121 S. New Market St., St. Martinville.

Gerard Braud, author of De Nantes a la Louisiane, will speak. French with bilingual discussion at 2 p.m. $2. www.acadianmemorial.org

Nantes Day in St. Martinville, St. Martinville.

More than half of the 3,000 Acadian exiles who settled in Louisiana arrived in 1785 from France. Most of them departed from the city of Nantes, where many Acadians had sought work in the prosperous port. At 6 p.m. Maryannick of Nantes, descended from the Acadian Guillaume Trahan, will give voice to songs in French about L'Acadie et La Brétagne in a cabaret style concert. French. $5 admission includes hors d'ouevres. Cash bar provided. Contact Jolene Adam, (318) 394-2258, (800) 397-7576.

Theater Festival: Lâche pas la patate, USL, Lafayette. 

Caroline McGee of New York presents a play by Allan Graubard. Caroline McGee, Acadiana native and Cajun expatriate, returns home to confront herself, her history and her heritage. By turns humorous and enlightening, Lâche pas la patate chronicles the lives and struggles of three Cajun women from the dawn of the 20th century to its yearlong finale. $5. Contact (318) 234-6166, (318) 237-7694, (888) 526-1999.

Tuesday, Aug. 10

Cormier, Gravois, Guidry and Petitpas families day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

***

Academic Studies of the Acadian People, Student Union, USL, Lafayette. 

The conference begins at noon and includes speakers Doninique Ryon, Yves Cormier, Louise Peronnet and Martine Marquillo. French. There is a poetry lecture in the evening. Contact Mathé Allain, (318) 482-6811.

French Candlelight Rosary, Rayne High School Stadium, 1208 North Polk, Rayne.

Songs in French by the St. Joseph Church Choir, presentation of flags and French Rosary are from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Free. Contact Jeannette Leger, (318) 334-2477.

Helene Boudreaux in concert, Maison Duchamp, corner of Main Street and Evangeline Boulevard, St. Martinville.

Award-winning singer/songwriter and Helen Boudreaux will offer original Cajun compositions and traditional songs, mostly in French with country/western spice, accompanied by her rhythm guitar and Pete Bergeron on the fiddle from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. $5, includes hors d'oeuvres. Cash bar provided. Contact Jolene Adam, (318) 394-2258, (888) 397-7576.

Theater Festival: Retrouvons Nos Racines, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

A two-act play by Renaissance Cadienne, celebrating the bond between the Acadies of Canada, Louisiana and France and re-enacting a 1900 Cajun wedding. $5. Contact Antoine Leclerc, (318) 234-6166, (318) 237-7694.

Twinning Celebration, Scott, La., and Memramcook, New Brunswick. 

The ceremony is from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Scott Lions Club, 445 Lions Club in Scott, and includes food, joke telling, music by Jambalaya Cajun Band and Dominique Dupuis (from Memramcook). Contact Hazel Mayer, (318) 233-1130. 

Une Sérénade en français/Soirée Comédie Cadienne, Rice Theater, 323 North, Crowley. 

Cajun Comedy Night followed by the Nova Scotia choir, La Chorale acadienne du Sud-ouest de la Nouvelle-Écosse, begins at 7 p.m. Contact Julie Romero, (318) 788-4100, (318) 788-4103.

Wall of Names, Acadian Memorial, 121 S. New Market St., St. Martinville.

Jane G. Bulliard, chairman of the Wall of Names Committee, will speak. English with bilingual discussion. $2. www.acadianmemorial.org

Wednesday, Aug. 11

Benoit family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Bertrand family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Daigle family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Pitre family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

***

Academic Studies of the Acadian People, Student Union, USL, Lafayette. 

Speakers include Andre Magord, Maurice Basque, Neil Boucher, Carl Brasseaux, Michel Valliere, Ronnie Gilles LeBlanc and Barry Ancelet. French. Contact Mathé Allain, (318) 482-6811.

Bouctouche Day/Journée de Bouctouche à St-Martin, St. Martinville. 

At the Acadian Memorial: Genealogist Stephen White speaks on new information at 10 a.m., Bouctouche: Grant Petit Havre and St. Martinville: Home of Evangeline and Birthplace of Acadiana, will be from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. with Jean Clovis Collette telling the story of Bouctouche, New Brunswick, and Mayor Eric Martin telling the story of St. Martinville. At 3:30 p.m. representatives of Louisiana Native American and the Mi`kmaq will speak on Our Native Allies: The Mi`kmaq and the United Houma Nation. $2.

Fête de Culture or Celebration of Culture, Vermilionville, Lafayette.

Live music, Cajun food, dancing and awards are planned for this "old-fashioned evening" and "celebration of the Acadian culture" from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Hosted by Jim Olivier, the event includes music by Lee Benoit Cajun Band. Free.

Journées portes ouvertes au Musée des Opélousas, Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center, 329 N. Main St., Opelousas.

Reception will provide music, history, genealogy, a historic home tour and visiting with local French-speaking people from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Contact Sue Deville, (318) 948-2589, (800) 424-5442.

La Petite Boucherie Street Festival, South New Market St., next to the Acadian Memorial, St. Martinville. 

The St. Martinville Jaycees are sponsoring La Petite Boucherie with music from Jr. Flores and the Bayou Boys from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. with a guest appearance by Dominique Dupuis of New Brunswick. A hog communal butchering begins at 7 p.m. Contact Tom McHugh, (318) 394-5565. Free.

Les Amies Louisianaises concert, Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center, 329 N. Main St., Opelousas. 

The quartet from Lake Charles performs Cajun songs in French in four-part harmony from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Contact Sue Deville, (318) 948-2589, (800) 424-5442.

Theater Festival: Soiree de la Comedie Francoamericaine, Bayou Bijou, USL, Lafayette. 

Le Monde d'à Côté of Maine presents two pieces. First, Un Jacques Cartier Erant, a one-act play by Grégoe Chabot. The French explorer comes back to earth during modern times to see what has happened to New France, which he founded nearly six centuries ago. Unfortunately, through a bureaucratic foul-up in heaven, he winds up in New England. He is lucky enough, however, to find himself in a bar in the French-speaking section of a mill town, where he gets an earful from the regulars. In the second work, Les Trois Anges, a group of guardian angels wants God to give them another assignment. They are frustrated and want out of watching over Francophones because the members of this group have either assimilated themselves too quickly or not quickly enough, or speak awful French, depending on the individual. Contact Antoine Leclerc, (318) 234-6166, (318) 237-7694, (888) 526-1999.

Twinning Celebration, Church Point/Pointe-de-l'Église.

A courir du Mardi Gras begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by food, genealogical tour of Acadia Parish cemeteries, a 10:30 a.m. twinning celebration, music and a noon concert by the choir of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. 

Carole Guidry, (318) 684-3030. 

Thursday, Aug. 12

Babineaux/Granger family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Comeaux family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Granger family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Guilbeau/Brasseaux family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

***

Academic Studies of the Acadian People, Student Union, USL, Lafayette. 

Speakers include Denis Bourque, Gerald LeBlanc, Mathe Allain, David Cheramie, Claude Teboul, Didier Moreau, Dean Louder, Jeanne Mance Cormier and Jacques Henri. There will be a showing of Evangeline in the evening. In French. Contact Mathé Allain, (318) 482-6811.

Author lecture, Acadian Memorial, 121 S. New Market St., St. Martinville.

Nova Scotia author Betty Boudreau Vaughn will speak at 10 a.m. about growing up in St. Mary's Bay, an Acadian region of Nova Scotia. Her novel is I'll Buy You An Ox. Donation suggested. www.acadianmemorial.org

Conference sur l'Immersion en Education, French Immersion in Louisiana, USL Alumni Center, Lafayette.

Topics to be discussed are French as a second language and the future of French immersion. Le Theatre de l'Immersion will perform. Hours are 2-5 p.m. Free. Bilingual. Contact Del Guillory, (318) 989-8316.

Economic Ties Between Acadian Communities, Hilton and Tower, 1521 Pinhook Road, Lafayette.

Government and business officials from Louisiana, Canada and France will gather to discuss the economic future of their respective Acadian communities and the development of business ties between them. Bilingual. $35. Contact Philippe Gustin, (318) 291-5474.

Evangeline: The Musical in Concert, Heymann Performing Arts Center, Lafayette. 

A broadway-style concert based on the poem Evangeline and local legends begins at 8 p.m. Proceeds to benefit the Acadian Memorial. In English. $15-$40. Contact Kathy Gerami, (318) 394-7024.

Grand opening of the Cultural Resource Center, Vermilionville, Lafayette.

The grand opening of the cultural center will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and include a book release party by Amanda LaFleur. Free.

Theater festival: Sans-Atout, Bayou Bijou, USL, Lafayette. 

Le Monde d'à côté from Maine presents this drama in three acts by Grégoire Chabot beginning at 7 p.m. The story of a retired Francophone couple, Gérard and Juliette, is presented mainly through monologue, revealing the minor triumphs and major disappointments of these French speakers who have never quite been able to "make it" in the dominant culture, despite their scrupulous adhesion to the mainstream's formula for success. Contact Antoine Leclerc, (318) 234-6166, (318) 237-7694, (888) 526-1999.

The Return of Acadians to the Maritimes, Acadian Memorial, 121 S. New Market St., St. Martinville.

This lecture is by the Centra Acadien of the University of St. Anne in Nova Scotia at 2 p.m. Bilingual. $2. www.acadianmemorial.org

Twinning Celebration (10th anniversary), Carencro/Dieppe.

The New Brunswick delegation will cook traditional dishes from Acadie like fricot, poutine, rappie pie and pancakes with maple syrup. The Carencro group will cook all local favorites. There will also be arts, crafts, music and dance. Opening ceremonies kick off with the Parade des Enfants or Children's Parade. Contact Cynthia Perdue, (318) 896-7040. 

Une Fête Sur La Prairie Acadienne, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Second Street, downtown Eunice.

Nova Scotia's Premier Russell MacLellan will introduce Blou, an Acadian band from Nova Scotia, who have labeled their brand of music Acadico, a blend of "Aborginal, Irish, bluegrass, rock, Cajun and zydeco." The festival also features Jo Jo Reed and the Happy Hill Zydeco Band at noon, Blou from Nova Scotia at 3:30 p.m., Mark and Ann Savoy with Grammy winner Michael Doucet at 6 p.m. and Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys at 8 p.m. A narrative stage featuring local storytellers, cooks and crafts people will be at the Liberty Center and an exhibit on the history of the Prairie Cajuns is in the Jean Lafitte Cajun Cultural Center. Contact (318) 457-7389.

Friday, Aug. 13

Babineaux/Granger family reunion, Rayne Civic Center, Rayne. 

Registration begins at 2 p.m., followed by Cajun music at 7 p.m. Contact Nolan Babineaux, 261-7909.

Benoit family reunion, KC Council Hall No. 1286, 720 St. John St., Lafayette.

The reunion begins with an 8 a.m. Mass at St. John the Evangelist Cathedral in Lafayette, followed by 9 a.m. registration, programs, lunch and music and dancing with the Cajun Musicians. Lunch is $5-$9. Contact Ruby Melançon, (318) 232-4558.

Boudreaux family reunion, Cyr-gate Community & Recreation Center, City Park, New Iberia.

Registration begins at 9 a.m., followed by 11 a.m. opening ceremonies, noon lunch, films, genealogy and a lecture by author Betty Boudreau Vaughan of Nova Scotia at 2 p.m., Renaissance Cadienne performs at 4 p.m. and Lanny Boudreaux and Ses Musiciens du Bayou Lafourche perform at 6:30 p.m. Contact Charles R. Boudreaux, (281) 361-3172.

Dupuis family reunion, Maison de Ville, 100 N. Main St., St. Martinville.

Registration begins at 7 p.m. Contact William Wade Dupuis Jr., (318) 332-4800.

Dupuis family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette. 

Landry Day at Acadian Village, Lafayette. 

Leblanc family reunion, Erath.

Registration begins at 6 a.m. at Erath City Hall and continues all day. A bilingual tour of the area leaves at 7 a.m. Open house of Erath merchants, the genealogy center and the Acadian Museum begins at 9 a.m. The fais dodo will be from 7 p.m. to midnight in downtown Erath. Contact Presley LeBlanc, (318) 937-8160. 

LeJeune family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Melancon/Melanson family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Simon family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Vincent family reunion, Kaplan Recreation Center, East Mill Street, Kaplan.

Hours and times to be announced. Contact Charles Vincent, (318) 643-7890.

***

Academic Studies of the Acadian People, Student Union, USL, Lafayette. 

Speakers include Dominique Ryon, Barry Ancelet, Richard Guidry, Louise Peronnet and Martine Marquillo. French. Contact Mathé Allain, (318) 482-6811.

Cajun French Music Association's "Le Cajun" Music Awards Ceremony and Festival, Blackham Coliseum, Lafayette.

The weekend festival features 19 hours of music, including a visit by the French band Belizaire, Cajun cuisine and an awards ceremony. The theme this year is "Celebration du Couisin et Cousines!" in honor of Congres. The awards show kicks off at 7 p.m. Friday with Erin Daigle singing "America the Beautiful" and Les Amies Louisianaises singing the National Anthem in French. $6 per day, $15 for all three. Contact (800) 346-1958. 

Célébration de Jumelage Lafayette-Moncton-Poitiers, Lafayette City Hall, 705 W University, Lafayette.

Events include an exchange of gifts at 10:45 a.m., lunch at the City Club and a reception by Louisiana Trial Lawyers at Don's Seafood. Free.

Downtown Alive! concert, Jefferson and Lafayette streets, Lafayette. 

Music by Canadians Blou, Marc Boudreau and Amis and Suroit begins at 6 p.m. Contact Wayne LeJeune, (318) 291-5474.

"The Grand Pre National Historic Site," Acadian Memorial, 121 S. New Market St., St. Martinville.

Barbara LeBlanc will tell the story of the park. Bilingual. $2. www.acadianmemorial.org

La Trial, Federal Courthouse, 800 Lafayette St., Lafayette.

Joseph Broussard dit BeauSoleil vs. the Queen of England in a mock trial begins at 3 p.m. This is the trial centering around the Petition filed by Lafayette attorney Warren Perrin, seeking to obtain an apology from Her Majesty The Queen of England for the Deportation of the Acadians and an Official end to the Acadian Deportation. This trial will be in French. There will be short presentation before the trial by Dr. Barry Ancelet describing the deportation and history of the petition. Lawyers and judges will participate in hearing the mock hearing. Contact Jean Hernandez III, (318) 896-3836.

Theater Festival: La Douce Réunion, Crowley Rice Theater, Crowley.

Performed by the Théâtre Cadien of Lafayette, the play begins at 7 p.m. Ena "Douce" Doucet Duhon, matriarch of a large Cajun family, decides to surprise everyone at the next reunion by giving away her belongings before her death. Unfortunately, her plans only fuel the fires of past disputes. Contact Antoine Leclerc, (318) 234-6166, (318) 237-7694, (888) 526-1999.

Zydeco de Ville, South New Market Street, St. Martinville.

St. Martin Parish zydeco performers Sha-Me-Noo and the Zydeco Drifters will perform in the street to a Creole beat from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. $1. Contact Rita Lewis, Golden Keys Club, (318) 367-2603.

Saturday, Aug. 14

Babineaux/Granger family reunion, Rayne Civic Center, Rayne. 

Registration begins at 9 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies at 10 a.m., a music jam session at 1 p.m., Cajun humorist Murray Conque at 2:30 p.m., speakers from Canada and a 4 p.m. closing ceremony. Contact Nolan Babineaux, 261-7909, www.vermilion.org/babineaux

Bertrand family reunion, Knight of Columbus Hall, 226 W. Elm St., Crowley.

Registration begins at 10 a.m., followed by 11 a.m. opening ceremonies, lunch, films, Cajun dancing and an evening meal at 5:30 p.m. Contact Ella Bertrand Sonnier, (318) 783-4115. 

Boudreaux family reunion, Cyr-gate Community & Recreation Center, City Park, New Iberia.

The day begins with a 9 a.m. welcome by Mayor Ruth Fontenot of New Iberia, followed by author Betty Boudreau Vaughan of Nova Scotia at 2 p.m., a 4 p.m. bilingual Mass, a 5:30 p.m. dinner and 6:30 p.m. closing ceremonies. Contact Charles R. Boudreaux, (281) 361-3172.

Bourg/Bourque family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Comeaux family reunion, Student Union Building, USL, Lafayette. 

Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by a welcome message by Rheal Comeau, live Cajun music, noon lunch, a 2:15 p.m. performance by Renaissance Cadienne, a 5 p.m. dinner with Cajun humor and a 7 p.m. fais dodo. Contact Danny Comeaux, (318) 783-7031.

Daigle family reunion, Morgan City Civic Auditorium, Morgan City.

The reunion will be from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. with music, Cajun dance lessons, a French Mass, jambalaya supper, crafts, children's activities and an evening dance. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with a gumbo lunch at noon and a jambalaya dinner at 5 p.m. Les Amis Cajun Band performs from 7 to 10 p.m. (a dance open to the public, by separate admission). Contact Larry Daigle, (504) 785-2136, www.net-connect.net/~kingb/

Dugas family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Dupuis family reunion, Maison de Ville, 100 N. Main St., St. Martinville.

The day begins with a 7 a.m. Mass at St. Martin de Tours, followed by a welcome by William Wade Dupuis, family photo, 10 a.m. parade, 11 a.m. Native American performance, 11 a.m. lunch, 5 p.m. meal and 6 p.m. dance. Closing ceremonies are at 10 p.m. Genealogy events at the Acadian Memorial Building include 9:30 p.m. concert of the Tower of Bells at St. Martin de Tours, 10:30 p.m. Tintamare and 11 p.m. official CMA closing Mass at St. Martin de Tours. Contact William Wade Dupuis, Jr., (318) 332-4800.

Guilbeau(x)/Brasseaux family reunion, George Dupuis Recreation Center, 1234 West Pont des Mouton Road, Lafayette.

The day begins with an 8 a.m. Mass at St. Peters Catholic Church in Carencro, followed by activities at the Dupuis Center. Registration is 9 a.m., opening ceremonies at 9:45 a.m. and music begins at 10 a.m. with Matthew Courville. Cajun humorist Murray Conques, storyteller Rodney Guilbeaux and musician Sheryl Guilbeau with the Cormier French Band will perform. Contact Carrol Guilbeau, (318) 896-6868. 

Guillot family day, Acadian Village, Lafayette.

Landry family reunion, Vermilionville, Lafayette.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by Cajun music and dancing, a buffet lunch and genealogist Steven White of the University of Moncton, New Brunswick. Contact Frances Landry, (318) 937-5424, www.landryfamily.com/reunion.htm

Leblanc family reunion, Erath. 

Registration begins at 6 a.m., followed by the 7 a.m. Walk-a-Thon in City Park, an 8 a.m. Cajun breakfast and 9 a.m. opening ceremonies. Thre will be a "pioneers of Erath" dedication, twinning ceremony, presentations by Renaissance Cadienne and author Sheila Hebert Collins, among others, and a 7 p.m. closing Mass. Contact Presley LeBlanc, (318) 937-8160. 

Lejeune/Young family reunion, American Legion Home Post 15, La. 90 West, Crowley.

Registration begins at 9 a.m., following by 10 a.m. opening ceremonies. The reunion includes a jambalaya lunch, reunion group photo, music by Nonc Allie Young, Rodney LeJeune, Les Amies Louisianaises, Jackie Callier, Ivy Dugas and the Cajun Cousins and a performance by the Tee-Mamou Children's Mardi Gras, concluding at 6 p.m. Preregistration required. Contact Annette Huval, (318) 269-1921, http://lejeune-young.com/

Melancon family reunion, Opelousas, La. 190 East. 

Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by French Mass at 9 a.m. Activities include live Cajun music, Cajun dance lessons, lunch, lectures, children's games, Louisiana crafts and genealogy. Contact Fred Melancon, (318) 837-5379, cajun-goods4u@hotmail.com

Simon family reunion, Northwest Community Center, Eunice.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. Mass, genealogy seminar, noon lunch, family activities, 5 p.m. dinner and a 6 p.m. performance at the Liberty Theater. Contact Curley Simon Jr., (318) 984-2281. 

***

Cajun French Music Association's "Le Cajun" Music Awards Ceremony and Festival, Blackham Coliseum, Lafayette.

The weekend festival features 19 hours of music, including a visit by the French band Belizaire, Cajun cuisine and an awards ceremony. The theme this year is "Celebration du Couisin et Cousines!" in honor of Congres. Saturday's activities include a showcase of young talent, Robert Jardell and Pure Cajun, Belizaire at 2 p.m., Kevin Naquin and the Ossun Playboys, Christine Balfa and Balfa Toujours and Jimmy Aguillard and Les Etranger. $6 per day, $15 for all three. Contact (800) 346-1958.

Journée du Marché Cadien-Creole/Cajun-Creole Market Day, St. Martinville.

Activities will be all day and night with food, arts and crafts and music on Evangeline Boulevard. At 10 a.m. there will be a parade, followed by "Meet the Acadians," a community panel to discuss Acadian identity at 2 p.m. at the Acadian Memorial. At 4 p.m. there will be scenes from La Maison Duchamp in English and La Famille Duchamp in French at 5 p.m. Music includes Sha-Me-Noo and the Zydeco Drifters at 5 p.m. and the Magnolia Sisters at 8 p.m. At 10 p.m. there will be bells on the square, followed by a 10:30 p.m. Tintamarre and a 11 p.m. closing Mass at St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church. Downtown St. Martinville restaurants will be open late for a midnight community breakfast and Nathan Williams and the Zydeco Cha Cha Band will perform from 12:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Contact Jolène Adam, (318) 394-2258 

Origins & Development of Cajun Fiddling, Opelousas Museum, 329 N. Main St., Opelousas.

Hadley Castille and musicians explore the various trends and influences of the Cajun fiddle and its development on a musical journey through the decades. Contact Sue Deville, (318) 948-2589.

Rendez-Vous Des Cajuns live radio broadcast and show, Liberty Theater, Eunice.

The live broadcast of Cajun music begins at 6 p.m. and features music by Paul Daigle and Cajun Gold, Robert Jardell and Pure Cajun and Cajun humorist Danny Guidry. Contact (318) 457-6577, www.orion-cs.com/eunice 

Salon du Livre du Congrès Mondial Acadien: Lecture et Signature de Texte, Congrès Mondial Acadien Book Fair: Reading & Book signing, Lafayette Main Public Library, 301 W. Congress, Lafayette.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact Michelle Broussard, (318) 332-0673.

Sunday, Aug. 15

Fête de l'Assomption et Fête Nationale des Acadiens

Bertrand family reunion, Knight of Columbus Hall, 226 W. Elm St., Crowley.

The day begins with a 9 a.m. Mass, followed by brunch, films and the 2:30 p.m. closing ceremony. Contact Ella Bertrand Sonnier, (318) 783-4115. 

Boudreaux family reunion, Cyr-gate Community & Recreation Center, City Park, New Iberia.

Participants will meet at 11:30 a.m. at the Piccadilly's in New Iberia. Contact Charles R. Boudreaux, (281) 361-3172.

Comeaux family reunion, Student Union Building, USL, Lafayette. 

Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. French Mass, an 11 a.m. lunch and 1 p.m closing ceremonies. Contact Danny Comeaux, (318) 783-7031.

Dugas/Guillot family reunion, Evangeline Downs Racetrack, Carencro.

The reunion begins with a 9 a.m. Mass, followed by music by Johnny Allen and a 10:45 a.m. Dugas and Guillot genealogy presentation. Stephen White, genealogist of the University of Moncton, will speak at the noon lunch with music by Cajun Born. Closing ceremonies will be at 5 p.m. Contact Ken Dugas, (318) 989-0228. 

Leblanc family day, Village Acadien, Lafayette.

Simon family reunion, Northwest Community Center, Eunice.

Contact Curley Simon Jr., (318) 984-2281. 

Vincent family reunion, Kaplan Recreation Center, East Mill Street, Kaplan.

Hours and times to be announced. Contact Charles Vincent, (318) 643-7890.

***

Cajun French Music Association's "Le Cajun" Music Awards Ceremony and Festival, Blackham Coliseum, Lafayette.

The weekend festival features 19 hours of music, including a visit by the French band Belizaire, Cajun cuisine and an awards ceremony. The theme this year is "Celebration du Couisin et Cousines!" in honor of Congres. Sunday's bands include Don Fontenot and Les Amis de la Louisiane, Jackie Caillier and Cajun Cousins and Rodney Thibodeaux and Tout Les Soir. $6 per day, $15 for all three. Contact (800) 346-1958.

"Cri Du Bayou" Closing Concert, Cajundome, Lafayette.

Zachary Richard is the master of ceremonies at the closing concert which features performances by Balfa Toujours with Alphonse "Bois Sec" Ardoin, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, Bruce Daigrepont, Feux Follets, Geno Delafose and French Rockin' Boogie, Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys and Waylon Thibodeaux of Louisiana and Blou and Suroit of Canada. The concert begins at 7 p.m.

Fête Nationale des Acadiens / National Day of the Acadians, Acadian Memorial, 121 S. New Market St., St. Martinville.

The National Day of the Acadians begins with a 6:30 a.m. flag raising at the St. Martinville City Hall. The Acadian Memorial begins its open house at 7 a.m. and Jean-Marie Nadeau offers a bilingual discussion at 2 p.m. Contact Jolene Adam, (318) 394-2258, (800) 397-7576. www.acadienmemorial.org

French Mass, St. John the Evangelist Cathedral, Lafayette.

The Solemn Mass begins at 2 p.m. with the Archbishop of Moncton and the Bishop of Lafayette. Contact Keith DeRouen, (318) 234-6166.

Tintamarre, Depot Square, Texas Avenue, Rayne.

A noisy parade of Acadian pride is free. Contact (318) 334-2332.