On the morning of August 13, the St. Martinville French Table opened with a First Communion prayer that Clayton Melançon’s sister had memorized in French more than 70 years ago. Afterward, participants listened as former Lt. Governor Paul Hardy shared his poem “Parler français.” Although he was unable to attend in person, he sent an audio recording, which Ranger Jolene transcribed and played back for the group.
That evening, Ranger Jolene led the Table chantante, a French singalong outreach event at the Blue Moon in Lafayette. Three newcomers joined for the first time: Lauren Richard, a museum docent from St. Martinville; Dr. Leslie Bary of UL Modern Languages; and Julia Price, a writer.
On August 16, the second day of St. Martinville’s Acadian celebration for La Fête Nationale de l’Acadie took place at Longfellow-Evangeline.
The morning began in the AV room, where visitors explored the history of Acadian brown cotton. Elaine Larcade Bourque shared photographs, family stories, and examples of rare handwoven blankets, which participants could admire and touch.
At noon, the historic cooking program filled the air with the aroma of red beans and rice, drawing visitors to the shady porch. There they experienced— literally—a taste of how the Acadian diet evolved in Louisiana’s changing landscape.
In the afternoon, a traditional bal de maison (house dance) enlivened the newly repaired cypress cabin. Keeping with custom, a neighbor—Caro Randazzo—rode over on horseback and waved a white flag to announce the dance. Inside, the sweet sound of Cajun fiddle music by Rosemary Benoit filled the air, joined by Dr. Chad Huval on guitar and Joshua Johnson on second fiddle. Dr. Ray Brasseur, anthropologist and former Longfellow manager, and Jim Viator took turns on triangle. About fifteen hardy visitors braved a sweltering 113° heat index to enjoy not only the music, but also the musicians’ reflections on tradition. The cabin resonated with smiles, the scent of fresh coffee, and the clean fragrance of cypress wood.
