THROUGHOUT THE DAY~ FESTIVAL HOURS: 9:45AM-3PM • free admission to the Acadian Memorial & the Cultural Heritage Center • antique car exhibit • wooden boat display • antique toys & games • free boat rides • arts, crafts, and book vendors • live Cajun music •
16th Annual Acadian Memorial Heritage Festival & Wooden Boat Congrès – Opening Reception
Date(s): Friday, March 17, 2023 Time 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Venue: Acadian Memorial & Evangeline Oak Park, 121 South New Market
The opening ceremony of the Festival will be held on the Friday evening and encompasses recognition of honored families, the L’Ordre du Bon Temps Grand Masters, the Acadian Memorial Foundation Members, and an art exhibition entitled “Acadian Heritage Portrait Series” by Ceci O’Keefe Neustrom.
Each year, two “families” exiled from Acadie/Nova Scotia, Canada who sought refuge in Louisiana are honored during the Festival. This year’s honorees are from the Blanchard and Vincent families.
The L’Ordre du Bon Temps (Order of Good Times), is the first Social Club in North America, established in 1606 at Port Royal, Acadia, by Samuel de Champlain. In 2006, the Acadian Memorial established a local Chapter of the Order and inducted its charter members and its first Grand Master. The tradition continues to promote the history and culture of the Acadian forefathers.
Refreshments will be served.
16th Annual Acadian Memorial Heritage Festival & Wooden Boat Congrès
Date(s): Saturday, March 18, 2023 Time 9:45 am – 3:00 p.m.
Venue: Evangeline Oak Park and surrounding area
Address: S. New Market Street
City: St. Martinville State: Louisiana Zip: 70582
The Saturday event showcases Acadian history, culture, music and traditions. Several of the planned entertainment includes the wooden boat procession along the Bayou, and the “Re-enactment of the Arrival of the Acadians” to St. Martinville on the Bayou Teche by representatives of the Blanchard and Vincent families. Special guests include the International Acadian Festival of Plaquemines, Louisiana’s Queen Evangeline and her Princesses.
Many free activities will include genealogy assistance, a French language table for all levels (even non-French speakers), access to the Acadian Memorial & Acadian/African Museums. Also a French acting troupe named, “Theatre Cadien” will recount the historical story of an Acadian family’s memories as seen on the mural of “The Arrival of the Acadians to Louisiana.”, bringing the mural to life.
Concessions will include jambalaya, cracklins, boudin, fried fish, sweets, and beverages.
Craft, art, book booths will also be onsite. $25