Locals among group readying for Congress Mondial Acadien

RAYNE - Groups are forming to represent Louisiana at Congres Mondial Acadien 2019 (World Acadian Congress).
Many people from the Acadiana region are preparing to join fellow French-speaking visitors and enthusiasts of Acadian heritage in Canada Aug. 10-24.
Acadia Parish is no different. A delegation representing Louisiane-Acadie, Rayne Historical Association, Acadia Parish Tourist Commission, American Journal of French Studies, and author Viola Fontenot met recently at Maison Daboval in Rayne to finalize plans to assist Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser in Canada by representing Louisiana and inviting people of the francophone world to come and visit Louisiana.
Members of Louisiane-Acadie and volunteers will be sharing various media pieces of what life is and was like in south Louisiana.
Some of the program activities being shared from Acadia Parish include Mervine Kahn Documentary (producer/director, Bart Wild), A Cajun Girl’s Sharecropping Years (author, Viola Fontenot), video of a boucherie and Mardi Gras (Cadien Toujours), and video and items representing Acadia Parish (Acadia Parish Tourist Commission) and virtual presentation by Wade Falcon featuring a brief history of early Cajun Music.
Vacajun brand of Branch is sending authentic Mardi Gras costumes and items that promote and encourage people to practice their French language and customs. Mrs. Karen Thibodeaux said that she is proud to assist the group with their endeavor and hopes that her items will bring joi de vie (joy of life) to many.
If you have a story, art, poetry, book or other interest that is significant to the French speaking culture and/or life in Louisiana please consider submitting an entry to be presented in Canada. Contact Katherine Stagg (gs4life59@aol.com or (337-250-6672) if you or your company are interested in submitting a short video Businesses that would like to send promotional items for your business should contact her also. An address will be provided for you to mail your materials.
Moncton, Canada, is the site for Congress Mondial, being held from Aug. 10 – Aug. 24.
The excitement of sharing the Acadian culture is in preparation for Le Grand Reveille Acadian (The Great Acadian Awakening) in October 2020. The francophone world will be invited to “Feed their Soul” in Louisiana.