Embrace Acadiana’s Artistic Haven When Summer Showers Arrive

LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - Well, I'm just going to state the obvious. It has been raining A LOT! Summer is supposed to be the time of year when the kids play outside, we get work done in the yard, and it's when you are most likely to cook and eat outside. Don't worry, Acadiana has a plethora of things you can do when it is raining.

Acadiana Center for the Arts (AcA)

ACA was Founded in 1975 as a community-supported nonprofit organization that fosters art and culture in Acadiana.

AcA supports the creation of new works of art, exhibits, festivals, performances, and public art across an eight-parish region that includes Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion Parishes.

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During your visit you can tour one of their several art exhibits. Drop by the café for a cup of fresh brewed coffee or glass of wine. Or you can catch one of the many shows hosted at the facility.

To learn more click HERE.

Acadian Memorial

On July 28, 1755, British Governor Charles Lawrence signed the  deportation order which set in motion Le Grand Dérangement, or the Great Upheaval. The Acadians were then exiled from their homeland of l’Acadie, and from 1755 until 1763, an estimated one-third of their population perished on their journeys.

While many of the Acadians eventually found their way to Louisiana and reestablished a community, their descendants remained a people in exile until 2003, when Queen Elizabeth II signed a Royal Proclamation declaring July 28 as the official day in which the world would remember the Acadians’ suffering as a result of Le Grand Dérangement.

The Acadian Memorial honors the 3,000 Acadians who arrived in Louisiana in the 18th century depicted by a Robert Dafford mural, a bronze Wall of Names, an eternal flame and garden, a museum, and the Odyssey Quilt.

Each July 28 since the proclamation, the Acadian Memorial hosts a special evening program in reflection and remembrance. 3 pm at 121 South New Market Street. Free. (337) 394-2233 or acadianmemorial.org.

Cajun Fast Track

This hidden gem in Henderson, La. has a little something for everyone in the family. They boast "68,000 square feet of fun" with activities like go karts, mini golf, laser tag, bumper cars, and more.

Cajun Fast Track says that they have the fastest go karts near Lafayette. Their go kart track is completely covered so you can enjoy their 3 different styles of go karts whether it's raining or the sun is out. They have an arcade with more than 50 games. If you have smaller kids, you'll enjoy the Tot Spot which includes: a unique carousel, Bath Time Ducky ride, Kiddie KruIsin', playground equipment, crawl tunnels, slides, see-saws, and more, all on a double padded floor for extra cushion. All rides and play equipment are sanitized several times a day.

If the sun manages to peak out you can head next door to the Prehistoric Park and see all of your favorite dinosaurs as you trek through the Henderson Jungle! Check out their website for hours and pricing information.