Several historic structures have been moved and settled along the Vermilion River in Lafayette to make up Vermilionville, the Cajun and Creole Folklife and Heritage Park that represents the lifestyle of Acadian settlers from 1765 to 1890. Visitors will walk through these doors and be transported back in time as they make their way around the extensive property, enjoying Cajuns and Creoles speaking French in period costume while making age-old crafts. You can also listen to live music in the pavilion that’s big enough for everyone to dance — and it’s expected so don’t be shy! (If you want to see a video of this fabulous fun, check out my Facebook page here.)
There’s even La Cuisine de Maman (Mama’s Kitchen) restaurant that serves up traditional Cajun and Creole dishes, including their house specialty of sausage and andouille gumbo. And if you want to learn how to make our fabulous cuisine, classes are offered.
Vermilionville also sponsors special events throughout the year, such as the Earth Day celebration, mock Cajun weddings, a traditional Cajun Mardi Gras and the Creole Culture Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Sunday, June 12. There’s also live music and Cajun jams on the weekends.
Vermilionville is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Below is local musicians Wayne “Lil Wayne” Singleton and Michael “Zydeco Mike” Chaisson and their sons playing in the Zydeco Jam at last year’s Creole Culture Day.
