Lafayette
Cirque on Ice
Cirque du Soleil is venturing into uncharted territory when they bring Cirque du Soleil Crystal: A Breakthrough Ice Experience to the Cajundome October 5-8. The troupe is pushing the boundaries again by combining outstanding skating and sliding with remarkable acrobatic feats that defy the imagination. Cirque has 1,300 performing artists from 50 different countries. cirquedusoleil.com
Acadian Triumph
Nova Scotia’s new lieutenant-governor recently took office, the province’s first Acadian to represent the Crown centuries after the Expulsion. Arthur LeBlanc, sworn in as the 33rd lieutenant-governor at Province House, said the deportation of his ancestors is a dark period in Nova Scotia’s history but the Acadians are a resilient people.
Delcambre, Gueydan, Morgan City, New Iberia, Mamou
Dancing Time
The Delcambre Shrimp Festival celebrates the shrimping industry Aug. 16-20 with delicious local creations made with big, luscious shrimp fresh from the docks plus a boat parade, pageants and a lively fais-do-do. Head to the “Duck Capital of the World” for the Gueydan Duck Festival Aug. 24-27 and enter the duck and goose calling contest, cooking contests and the duck dash, then enjoy the great food, live bands and a parade. Pass a good time Labor Day weekend at Morgan City’s Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival Aug. 31-Sept. 4 featuring zydeco, Cajun and country music. Live music is the highlight of the Mamou Cajun Music Festival Sept. 15-16, which includes the adorable youth pageants (ages 0-12) at the Mamou Skating Rink Recreation Center. New Iberia’s Sugar Cane Festival Sept. 20-24 kicks off with Farm Fest at the Shadows, and includes car, flower, art and photography shows, sugar cane exhibits, a 4H livestock show and sale, sugar cookery contests, a carnival and bands that will surely get you on your feet.
Lake Charles
Roll of the Dice
It’s a good time to go gambling in style and maybe work in a little golf vacation. Golden Nugget (which has a beautiful 18-hole golf course on its $700 million property) recently opened its new 350-room hotel tower with each room measuring over 500 square feet, enhanced with oversized tubs and large walk-in showers. L’Auberge Casino Resort also completed a multi-million-dollar renovation of its 10 luxury Garden Suites (which come with private VIP check-in), and also added the new L Bar, an elegant spot with hand-crafted cocktails. Meanwhile, Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel in Vinton is undergoing a $45 million expansion, including the new Rosewater Grill and Tavern, which is now open; work continues on the new 167 guest rooms and suites. Isle of Capri recently finished renovating the snazzy concert venue as well.
