Lt. Gov. among 200 guests at center's grand opening

     More than 200 guests were on hand Monday for the grand opening of the new St. Landry Parish Visitors information Center at exit 23 on I-49. Guests were able to get a first look at the new center, which provides information on parish attractions and promotes the use of natural resources and salvaged materials through its environmentally-friendly design.

Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne

    Those resources include a 1,500-gallon, galvanized cistern, to collect rain for watering plants, and a wind turbine, which helps power rooms in the center. The new facility is the only such “green” visitor center in Louisiana.

    “It’s a great testament to the ingenuity and foresight of the people of this parish to make this happen,” said Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne, a guest speaker at the grand opening.

   Cajun and Creole musicians held an acoustic jam session, which also kicked off the center’s new series, First Fridays with a Little Lagniappe.  The monthly series, which continues through September, will feature local artists, musicians, storytellers, writers and more. A complete schedule will be announced soon.

Zydeco musicians Lil Wayne Singelton
and Goldman Thibodeaux

    The new center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Travel counselors are available to direct tourists into the parish to experience its rich music, food, history, culture and outdoor life.

     The 4,600-square foot center features exhibit and display areas for tourist information, a meeting area, public restrooms and administrative offices for the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission.

    For more information, call (337) 948-8004 or visit www.cajuntravel.com. Follow the center on Twitter @StLandryParish or on Facebook at St. Landry Parish – It’s Gumbo for Your Soul.