'Original' Zydeco Festival now set for Oct. 1

    Zydeco festivals are held throughout Louisiana, the United States and even in England and France. But the one that started it all, the Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival, celebrates its 29th year Oct. 1 in Plaisance.

Zydeco Festival dancers

    This landmark festival was originally scheduled for Sept. 3, but was cancelled after heavy rains from Tropical Storm Lee. The fun now kicks off at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 and continues past midnight at Zydeco Park, located seven miles north of Opelousas on Highway 167 (I-49, exit 23). 

    The festival’s music lineup includes: 

•     10:30 a.m. – Dikki Du & Zydeco Krewe 
•     Noon – Step Rideau and the Zydeco Outlaws 
•     1:45 p.m. – J. J. Caillier and the Zydeco Knockouts 
•     3:30 p.m. – Nathan Williams and the Zydeco Cha Chas 
•     5:15 p.m. – Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie 
•     7:30 p.m. – J. Paul Jr. and the Zydeco Nubreedz 
•     9 p.m. – Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band 
•     11 p.m. – Lil Nate and the Zydeco Big Timers 

     The first-ever Allons Roulee bike ride, which was originally set for Sept. 3, has been rescheduled to Sept. 17. The ride features 25- and 50-mile courses, leaves at 7 a.m. Saturday from the St. Landry Parish Courthouse Square in downtown Opelousas. The Krewe de Velo, a local group of cycling enthusiasts, leads the ride that rolls through scenic landscapes and historic sites throughout St. Landry Parish. 

      For more festival information, call (337) 942-2393 or visit www.zydeco.org. For information on Allons Roulee, call (337) 948-5227 or visit www.cityofopelousas.com.