Downtown merchants hear upcoming events

BY STEVE BANDY, THE DAILY IBERIAN

A myriad of upcoming events, including a Main Street promotional program in the historic downtown area, was discussed when members of the Downtown Merchants Association met Tuesday at Lagniappe Too Restaurant.

Jane Braud, city of New Iberia representative to the committee and Main Street manager, also told committee members that the next Art Walk will be held Oct. 18 with a number of businesses and local and area artists planning participation.

The local Main Street program will participate in the Louisiana Main-to-Main program, Braud said. A statewide initiative of the lieutenant governor's office, the local observance will be held the weekend of Nov. 3 and will feature a Civil War encampment re-enactment at Shadows-on-the-Teche. The encampment will last through Sunday.

Also on tap for the Saturday events will be a "Red Dot" tour of more than 50 historic sites in the downtown area, Braud said.

"We'll have trolleys and walking tours," Braud said. "The historic buildings/businesses will be designated by a red dot and 'tourists' will be encouraged to stop at those places to learn about the history."

Merchants will be encouraged to remain open.

The day will culminate with a Louisiana Crossroads performance by Jo-El Sonnier from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Sliman Theater.

Fred Comeaux, representing the Iberia Performing Arts League, reminded everyone of the current IPAL production of "Bull in a China Shop." Friday and Saturday performances will be held Sept. 14, 15, 21 and 22, beginning at 7:30 p.m. each day. Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. are scheduled for Sept. 16 and 23.

All performances are at the Essanee Theater at 126 Iberia St. Tickets are $10 per person and are available at Delaune's Pharmacy, Paul's Flower Shop, Acc/ntrics or at the door.

Comeaux said IPAL is planning "Playing Doctor" for November and December and will round out the season with the musical "Little House of Horror" at dates to be announced.

Paul Schwing, chairman, also noted the following events on tap in New Iberia:

  • Sept. 15: Les Cadiens du Teche Cajun Music Festival, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Cyr-Gates Community Center.

  • Sept. 21: Shadows Evening Under the Oaks, 7 p.m. at the Sliman Theater.

  • Sept. 26-30: Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival and Fair.

  • Oct. 13-14: Cajun Food Festival and World Championship Gumbo Cookoff.

  • Nov. 11: Veterans Day ceremony, 6 p.m., Bouligny Plaza.

  • Nov. 26, New Iberia Christmas Parade, 6 p.m.

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