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  • Explore Uganda: Popular Things to See and Do

    Explore Uganda: Popular Things to See and Do

    Tourism in Uganda has many components and tourist attractions in addition to the presence of parks and national parks in the same Uganda is characterized by beautiful lakes, since Uganda is located in the heart of the African continent bordered by the countries of Sudan, Kenya, Rwanda , Congo and also Tanzania Tourism in Uganda has a special impression for those who visit it from travelers and tourists where In 2012, it was named the best tourist destination

    One of the main reasons to visit Uganda is that the country is known for its sunny climate which requires heavy clothing only on some cool nights in the mountains, as is the case in western and eastern Uganda

    Ugandans’ smiles are as warm as their sun, the locals are among the most welcoming tourists in the region, and you’ll probably feel it from the moment you set foot in the country

    Uganda is an ideal destination for those looking to save money, the cost of living in Uganda is lower than its neighbors, giving travelers more spending power to discover all that Uganda has to offer

    Most Ugandan adults are reasonably fluent in English, so there is no need to learn Buganda or French before traveling to the country. Tribal and cultural identity is also important to Ugandans and they are keen to share their history with visitors.

    Uganda is an amazing tourist destination with incomparable natural beauty; Including the splendor of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, one of the world’s greatest treks, featuring the world’s largest volcanic caldera; Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa; Not to mention the mighty Nile River, the second longest river in the world, so a visitor to this country will surely find everything he is looking for

    Uganda is made up of various ethnic groups from the central, southern, eastern, western and northern parts of the country, each with their own language, customs and grammar. More than 50 languages are spoken in Uganda, and it is this cultural diversity that provides travelers with an authentic and enjoyable experience. Being a multi-ethnic country with multiple cultures and traditions, Uganda has more than 50 tribes spread across its regions. Surprisingly, all these tribes have different customs, beliefs and foods, as well as traditional dress and specific dances

    Wildlife in Uganda

    Although Uganda is home to the Big Five (lion, tiger, rhino, buffalo, elephant), it has a unique fauna with species of lions, Nile crocodiles and more than 1000 species of birds, including some rare species. And it’s no wonder, as Uganda’s wetlands and savannahs are important habitats for some of the world’s most exciting birds and wildlife. The best places to see wildlife in Uganda are Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park, respectively.

    And when it comes to wildlife, Uganda is home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Its 10 national parks and several game reserves are also home to elephants, hippos, zebras, lions, leopards, and more than 1,000 species of birds. Perhaps one of the best places to see Uganda’s other wildlife is Queen Elizabeth National Park in the southwest of the country. Established in 1952, it features a high level of biodiversity and a wide range of landscapes including savannas, grasslands, wetlands, and hardwoods

    Visitors to Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda often overlook a visit to Lake Victoria, which is the largest lake in Africa. But in Kenya and Tanzania, its location takes it away from popular tourist destinations and national parks, but in Uganda there is a wonderful lakeside city called Entebbe, the former capital of Uganda, which is also home to the only international airport in the country, for making it easy to stay for a day or two on the shores of the great lake at the beginning or end of a safari in Uganda.

    Uganda is a country of stunning natural beauty that has been rated as one of the most picturesque, and the country has a lot to offer when it comes to safaris, national parks, wildlife and birds, with many resorts being in prime locations. to explore the splendor of wildlife.

    The most important tourist places when visiting Uganda.

    Lake Victoria

    Lake Victoria is one of the Great Lakes of Africa, and is the largest lake in the world, covering an area of approximately 68,800 square kilometers (26,560 mi²) in size. Lake Victoria is located in Tanzania and Uganda and a small part extends into Kenya. It also contains the main reservoir of the Nile River and is the largest freshwater lake in Africa. Lake Victoria is known to contain a large amount of fish, which is exported by local fishermen and traders. There are more than 200 species of fish, which make a significant contribution to the economies of East Africa. You can also take a boat trip on Lake Victoria

    Kidepo Valley National Park

    The remote Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the most exciting parks in Uganda. It covers an area of 1,442 square kilometers and overlooks a harbor unlike any other park in East Africa. Kidepo Valley National Park, offering picturesque savannah scenery, ending in a rugged horizon. It can be described as vegetation since it contains the open tree of the savannah, which differs greatly in structure and composition. Some high places are dominated by montane forests, while the areas along the Lorupei River are home to dense forests of acacia geradi. In addition to the flora and fauna of the park and garden more typical of Kenya to the rest of Uganda, such as the lion, the leopard, the tiger, the long-eared fox, the giraffe – as well as about 500 species of birds.

    Bwindi National Park

    Bwindi National Park preserves some of the endangered animals in Africa. Which is a refuge to track gorillas. It is known for its exceptional biological diversity, with more than 160 species of trees and more than 100 species of ferns. The park is part of the Bwindi Forest, which is located along the DRC-Congo border next to the Virunga National Park and on the edge of the Western Rift Valley. There are many species of birds and butterflies present, as well as many endangered species, including mountain gorillas.

    Kampala

    Kampala, the capital city of Uganda is the ultimate destination to start your trip. You can see the Uganda Museum and the Kasubi Tombs, where the remains of the Buganda kings are buried, and is a major tourist site. However, Kampala was heavily damaged in March 2010. You can also see the Nommo Art Gallery, the National Theatre, as well as the cathedrals, Rubaga and Namirembe.

    Kasubi Tombs

    Kasubi Tombs is the place that houses the Kabaka and others in the complex cultural hierarchy of Buganda and has been important for centuries-old Ganda rituals. It was built in 1882 and converted into a royal cemetery in 1884.

    Lake Bunyonyi

    Lake Bunyonyi is believed to be the second deepest lake in Africa, Lake Bunyoni is located in the southwestern part of Uganda, near the border with Rwanda, at an altitude of approximately 1962 meters above sea level. This magical lake enjoys moderate temperatures throughout the year, and the lake is usually cool in the morning and evening hours. Activities at this lake include; Fishing, kayaking and other fun activities.

    Practical Tips

    Safety and security

    Uganda is currently the safest tourist destination in East Africa, and unlike its turbulent history, Uganda is now stable and welcoming. Ugandans are very hospitable and will be happy to lend a hand whenever and wherever possible.

    The national parks are the safest attraction as they are protected by rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority as well as the tourism police who are also trained to provide protection to visitors.

  • Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

    A gorilla safari is one of the best African safaris you will do and fill contented after all the other safari you have done. It is a fulfilling and authentic experience to come close to mans close relative sin the world.

    A gorilla is a giant ape among the five ape’s species of gorilla, Chimpanzees, Bonobos, Orangutan and a man. We are apes and these friendly relatives of ours are the true meaning of any African safari.

    The most easily accessible apes are gorillas, yes even the others are easily accessible but if you must see an ape in plenty that is a gorilla in the forested mountains of Uganda.

    Where does Gorilla Safari take place?

    Uganda hosts the only half of the world’s remaining gorillas in its deep forests of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and mount Mgahinga gorilla national park

    Almost all Uganda gorilla safaris takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in west Uganda. Though they can be found in Mgahinga most people prefer Bwindi.

    With about 9 hours of driving from Kampala or 2-4 from Rwanda you arrive at the impenetrable thick forests of Bwindi. From the smooth roads to the bumpy deep valley steeps.

    When you get a glimpse of the forest with a very deep fog and dark trees type will understand why it was called the impenetrable forest. Trekking takes about 1-2 hours before you get to see the gorillas themselves. They will be their though they wake up moving in search for food and daily planning.

    When you get to mughahing aside from having mountain gorilla, it has also very many primates their like red velvet monkeys. When getting to Mgahinga you have to be very fit in life and at least healthy if not fit. It if a very thick mountain that hiking or gorilla safari tracking needs some energy.

    What to wear for Uganda Gorilla Safaris

    • Proper walking shoes or boots
    • Lightweight trousers or leggings. Shorts are not recommended as there are lots of stinging nettles.
    • A T-shirt, light jacket  in case it gets cold
    • Waterproofs for bag ,camera and you the rains here are almost everyday
    • Warm clothes for the evening.
    • Gloves are highly recommended for grabbing onto trees and plants to help keep your balance.

    What to bring for a Uganda Gorilla safari

    • A smallish backpack for your stuff
    • Your camera
    • Waterproof cover for your bag
    • A snack ( as a must)

  • Bluff Works Men’s Pants

    Bluff Works claims you could work all day in their pants, bike home from work, take a moonlit hike that evening, and look sharp while doing it all. While I have never tried to cram work, a bike commute and a hike all in one day, I imagine these pants could handle it all if I did.

    These American-made pants were dreamed up by Stefan Loble, a New York resident, who, after having children, decided he was spending way too much time maintaining his clothes. He set out to design pants he could do anything in, from playing in the dirt with the kids the next morning to a dressy date in the evening. He worked around the clock designing the right pant cut, choosing a material that would do what he wanted and producing the final product in four colors: charcoal, classic grey, velvet brown, and light khaki.

    I purchased a pair of the light khaki pants in hopes that they would stack up to my lifestyle and I have since put them through the wringer. Full work week without washing or ironing? Check. Hiking through the San Bernardino National Forest? Check. Rough housing with my dog, Ginger? Check. The pants held up wonderfully. They have been resistant to stains and tearing and according to honest friends, family and co-workers, they didn’t take on the shabby appearance of normal pants that have been worn several days in a row.

    Of course, working on a travel magazine, I bought these for a specific reason: travel. So, how did they really stack up? First, I crammed them in my camera bag with some shirts and headed to the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis to find out. (For those who don’t know/remember I am the Director of Marketing for a fire equipment dealership – by day.) They proved to be the perfect pair of pants for the trip. FDIC is a massive trade show, which for me meant walking around… a lot. I never had to worry about my pants getting hung up on sharp metal corners because of the tight cut and if they did get snagged, they never tore. I could see this trait being equally useful hiking on backcountry trails or rock climbing.

    The pants look similar in appearance to dress pants and have a subtle print on them that gives them a professional look. I fit in easily at business lunches and dinners with clients.

    Overall, Bluff Works are very versatile. I would guess that a pair of the charcoal and a pair of the light khaki could get you through an entire trip. They also wash and dry easy. If you line dry them, most of the wrinkles will stretch out and the heat of your body will be enough to relax the rest of the wrinkles.

    These pants are made in New York and the owner, Stefan, claims he is dedicated to using only environmentally conscious materials and methods in production. There aren’t any details on the website and Stefan has not responded to requests for information.

    Bluff Works are exceptional, particularly compared to travel pants, a category plagued by obnoxious amounts of pockets and loose, frumpy fitting. Bluff Works pants are both stylish and tough, but not perfect. The tight cut and special material don’t allow for the breathability of true adventuring pants, nor space in the leg cuffs for boots. The material tends to pool around the top of the boot. Also, at this point in time, there aren’t any women’s sizes or cuts, but the company is still very young. Despite some very minor complaints, these pants still out-perform and look much better than the majority of “travel” pants out there. I am looking forward to seeing more styles in the future and adding to my collection of Bluff Works plants.

  • How Do You Fourth?

    We love a good celebration and while nearly every nook and cranny of the United States will be enjoying the country’s birthday this year, nine communities in particular have big plans for America’s 240th.

    Washington DC

    Whether you are in Washington DC for the 4th of July or you are on the other side of the country, you can count on being able to see the fireworks from the nation’s capitol. A Capitol Fourth concert, hosted by PBS, has been celebrating America’s birthday with a bang for over three decades and this year looks to be just as grand.

    Nashville, Tennessee

    It wouldn’t be a birthday party without music and who better to bring the music than Nashville? Music City’s July 4th: Let Freedom Sing concert offers live music from top bands in the country, fun family activities, ice cream serving contests, and an epic fireworks show. The show will be the longest in Nashville’s history, firing more than 30,000 fireworks to the harmony played by the Nashville Symphony.

    Portland, Oregon

    With its most impressive musical line-up ever, the 28th Annual Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, Oregon will be an event to remember. Over 100 musicians including Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Charmaine Neville and the Stone Foxes will be playing across four stages throughout the holiday weekend, making the nation’s premier blues festival. Proceeds also go to support the Oregon Food Bank and its mission to end hunger.

    Honolulu, Hawaii

    Birthdays don’t have to end after only one day and at Turtle Bay in Honolulu, America’s birthday lasts all weekend. From competing in a four to seven mile Da Hui Paddle Race, to chowing down on Kahlua pork at the Eat the Street event, to swinging your hips to live music, to oohing and awing at the fireworks finale, Honolulu locals and guests are sure to have a memorable 4th.

    Preston, Minnesota

    Preston Minnesota is known for its live reenactment of an 1899 Independence Day celebration. Take part in watermelon and pie eating contests, watch an 1860’s baseball game between Rochester Roosters and the Lanesboro Excelsiors, listen to political speeches and glee club performances from back in the day, and cheer on kids competeing in three-legged sack races.

    Los Angeles, California

    Not only is Los Angeles’ Queen Mary ship haunted, on July 4th it becomes a time machine. Between noon and midnight on the 4th, passengers are invited to explore any decade between 1910 and 2010. Each decade features live music, talented actors, dance lessons, games, and authentic cuisine and activities. Whether you find yourself entranced by one decade or are compelled to stroll through the entire previous century, the Queen Mary has everything you need to celebrate America’s birthday, including a show-stopping fireworks display after sunset.

    Dallas, Texas

    Looking for an event that has something fun for everyone to do, including the family dachshund? Look no further than the Frisco Freedom Fest in Frisco, Texas. Have kids? They will love the Children’s Expo where they can rock climb, bounce around, ride trains, and fly through the air on zip lines as much as they want. Hungry? Check out the Taste of Frisco event or enter the hot dog eating contest. Like dachshunds? Enter your furry friend in the dachshund races, 15 foot races that time how quickly it takes for your pup to run from your friend to you. Don’t want to be left out of the race? Join the Hotter n’ Firecrackers 5k Run. Want to just sit back and relax? Set up shop in front of the community stage where local bands and entertainers will be playing all day.

    Seattle, Washington

    Did you know that the United States’ flag has changed 27 times since its first creation in 1777? The Twenty-Seven-Flags Independence Day Celebration in Seattle, Washington will be rich in United States’ flag history and will have an insightful demonstration prepared for the holiday. Since the exhibit will only take a short part of the day, plan to see it in the morning, then head to Gas Works Park for Seattle’s traditional 4th of July celebration. Enjoy live entertainment, a beer garden, local food vendors, family activities, and the nation’s fifth largest fireworks display. If the crowds are overwhelming, skip over to the Seattle Children’s Museum for delicious art projects and crafts. Then finish the day at Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival, which takes place at the Center for Wooden Boats and watch the fireworks from a comfy spot on the water.

    Santa Fe, New Mexico

    Maybe BBQ isn’t your thing. How about pancakes? That’s what the 4th of July is all about in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Pancakes on the Plaza serves up fluffy flapjacks, bacon, orange juice, and coffee all day long in celebration of the country’s birth along with live music, a car show, art and craft vendors, and of course, fireworks. Proceeds go to benefit local charities helping people in need.

    Everywhere

    Before diving into the BBQ, squirt-gun fights and fireworks, put your running shoes on and see if there is a 5k in your area. All over the country, Independence Day marathons and races are being held this year. Kingman, Arizona will be hosting a 4 mile Firecracker Frenzy run to honor the fallen firefighters of the July 5, 1973 Doxol Disaster. Looking for a challenge? Newport, Oregon is hosting the 4th of July Celebration Run, a 10k across the trails of Oregon’s beautiful coast. Run past beaches, trees, the city, and the Yaquina Bay Bridge. Kids can join in the kids fun run while you are working off that apple pie and ice cream. Speaking of ice cream, a 4th of July Sundae fun run is being will be held in Louisiana. Maneuver a 3.8 mile track while being doused with sundae ingredients. By the time you reach the end, you’ll be a walking ice cream sundae, a.k.a. a dream come true.

    What are your plans for this year’s Independence Day? Share them with us in the comments section below.

  • Where to Go Gorilla Trekking

    Where to Go Gorilla Trekking

    Whatever you call it either gorilla trekking or tracking,it’s one of those really thrilling, lifetime experiences you should take time for before you leave planet earth.

    Gorillas in Uganda are tracked in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi impenetrable national park has eighteen habituated families thus it can host 80 persons tracking gorillas per day since 8 persons are allowed to visit a given gorilla family per day while gorilla tracking in Rwanda is carried out only in volcanoes national park whose gorillas are the mostly wholly habituated and often found in bamboo than the dense forest which makes photographing easier.

    Gorilla permits in Rwanda are very expensive compared to those of Uganda. In Rwanda, gorilla permits go to the tune of 750 USD per permit compared to Uganda’s 600 USD per permit. However Rwanda’s edge over others lies in the ability for one to go and track within one day and then fly back home on the same day since it’s a 2 hours drive from Kigali to volcanoes national park unlike Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park which lies a whooping 8 hours drive form Kampala which makes a one day tracking totally impossible.

    Rwanda’s roads linking to volcanoes national park are generally tarmacked compared to Uganda’s roads heading to Bwindi impenetrable national park which are generally un bearable.However, the long drive to Bwindi impenetrable national park is endowed with great sceneries all through like the Equator, lake Mburo national park, abundant wildlife, terraced mountains with flowing rivers things that not exist on the Kigali drive to the volcanoes.

    Hospitality wise, Rwanda ranks a head of Uganda on the gorilla tracking day. This is manifested in the staff conduct towards the visitors. At exactly 7:00 am, tea/coffee dispensers with cups are laid for the visitors going for the trek. One is free to take as much as he/she wishes and during that time, they are entertained by the lively traditional dance troupe [SACOLA Traditional Dancers] that portrays Rwanda’s rich culture while in Uganda, this tea is not served and the dance you enjoy it at an extra cost.

    In terms of accommodation, both countries boast of great places to stay. Rwanda’s Sabinyo silverback lodge, mountain gorilla view lodge, gorilla nest camp are really very enticing to visitors.However, Uganda’s accommodation stand out of the crowd. These include; Silverback Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Jungle View Lodge, Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge.

    The longer distance to and from Bwindi Forest Park and the international airport in Entebbe (just outside Kampala) add to your traveling costs on the Uganda side. The drive is further in Uganda, but it is scenic and offers insight into rural Africa. A gorilla trekking safari in Uganda can as well include spending time at beautiful Lake Bunyonyi close to Bwindi and game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park through the Ishasha sector while the short drive in Rwanda is on the other hand not particularly scenic or interesting.

    In Uganda the gorillas tend to be found deeper in the forest in groups of between 10 and 20, with at least one silverback. In Rwanda groups range between 9 and 39 gorillas including at least one silverback. The trekking itself is generally more challenging in Bwindi (Uganda) given that the gorillas are more tucked away and after viewing the gorillas you often have to ascend steep slopes out of the forests. In Rwanda some of the gorilla groups are often found closer to the park entrance, requiring a shorter hike. You can’t however request which gorilla groups you want to see and the location of the groups does shift further into the forests.

    Rwanda and Uganda are politically stable at this moment. Rwanda recovered from the genocide that took place in the early 1990’s whereby the Volcanoes National Park can be visited safely, is well managed and has a permit system that is functioning efficiently. Uganda has also been very safe since their political war that ended in 1986. Bwindi forest is very safe and they also have an efficiently functioning permit system. However, in the DR Congo civil war and conflicts are a problem, and conditions need to be checked before you travel. Militia groups and the army are currently fighting in the Virunga area, where poachers threaten the gorilla populations and poverty is leading to habitat destruction. Some travel advisory organizations consider the area too volatile for travel and recommend avoiding the DRC at present.

  • U.S.A.F Thunderbird Visits Lafayette Regional Airport

    -The Sertoma Club of Lafayette recently announced plans for the 2011 Sertoma Cajun Air Festival, featuring the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. The 2011 show is scheduled for October 29th and 30th at the Lafayette Regional Airport.

    In preparation for their performance, an advance team will arrive at 4pm on Friday, November 11th. The team will consist of Captain Kristin Hubbard, who serves as the Thunderbird #8 pilot, advance pilot and narrator. She will be accompanied by a Thunderbird crew chief.

    Thunderbird #8, a U.S.A.F. F-16D aircraft, will arrive at approximately 4pm. Upon arrival, Captain Hubbard will perform several aerial survey maneuvers for approximately 10-15 minutes. During these maneuvers, which will be performed between 500’ and 2500’, Captain Hubbard will visually check the airfield and surrounding areas in preparation for the team’s October performance.

    Upon completion of the aerial survey, Captain Hubbard will land the F-16D and taxi to Odyssey Aviation (123 Grissom Drive, Lafayette). After deplaning, Captain Hubbard and her crew chief will be available for media interviews.

    **Area media is invited to meet at Odyssey Aviation on Friday, February 11th to view the arrival of Thunderbird #8, their aerial survey maneuvers, and to interview the team.
    THIS IS NOT A PUBLIC EVENT. ONLY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA ARE INVITED.**

  • 46th Annual Thoroughbred Horse Raising Season Gets Underway

    Opelousas, LA- With the addition of a hotel and even center, Evangeline Downs Racetrack, Casino, and Hotel has developed into an entertainment hot spot in Southwest Louisiana. Anchored by a state of the art facility, which includes a one-mile oval dirt track and a 7-furlong turf track, the racing program has become known as the “home of the biggest fields>” Races have averaged slightly more than 10 runners per race over the past four spring and summer thoroughbred racing seasons, a distinction that only Evangeline Downs can claim.

    The 89-day thoroughbred racing season gets underway April 6th, and runs through Labor Day, September 5. Post time Wednesday through Saturday is at 5:40 p.m. with a special Labor Day post of 3:05 p.m.

    Highlighting the lucrative stakes schedule is Louisiana Showcase Night, a stakes-only program restricted to horses bred in Louisiana featuring six races worth a minimum of $100,000 and totaling 10 events worth almost $1 million. Louisiana leads the nation with its breeding incentive program funded largely though the slots at the racetrack program. The casino at Evangeline Downs has over 1400 slot machines generating revenue for purses and breeding incentive programs.

    Other marquee events during the season will include the Evangeline Mile and the Lafayette Stakes. The “Mile”, the premier event for older horses, will offer a purse of $125,000, up $25,000 from 2010 and be run on August 13th, while the Lafayette Stakes for Two-year-olds will be contested on its usual spot, Labor Day, September 5th. The Lafayette this year will be run on the Turf course for the first time and at the distance of one mile.

    In addition to the surface and distance change, the Lafayette Stakes will feature a $100,000 purse, an increase of $50,000 from last year. More than $1.8 million will be distributed over the 25 black-type events offered in addition to overnight purses of approximately $170,000 a night, the same level offered in 2010.

    “We continue to attract a solid group of horses and horsemen with our strong overnight and takes schedules,” says Steve Darbonne, director of racing operations. “Both the backstretch and the nearby training center are at near capacity and the morning workout lists are very long and we hope to once again offer our fans the full fields and exciting brand of racing they have come to expect from Evangeline Downs.”

  • Mardi Gras Festival at Cajunfield Announces Schedule

    The Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association will host the 18th annual “Le Festival de Mardi Gras a’ Lafayette” from Friday, March 4th through Mardi Gras day at U.L.- Lafayette’s Cajun Field. The Festival will include an exciting carnival mid-way, native Cajun foods, and an outstanding line-up of live music. To make the Festival a complete Mardi Gras experience, the route for all of Lafayette’s parades will pass directly through the Festival grounds. This popular festival enters it’s 18th year with a robust line-up of live music, a gigantic carnival midway, ample parking, and terrific viewing spots for all of Lafayette’s parades.

    “The Festival has earned a reputation for being a wonderful, family oriented celebration of Mardi Gras. We are constantly working to improve the event and the entertainment we offer. We’ve designed the Festival so that it offers something for everyone.

    The Louisiana Lottery midway will offer a wide variety of rides, from an area specially designed for small children, to fast, exciting, and wilder rides. We have also developed several price promotions that make our carnival within everyone’s budget. The Rouses Soundstage has one of the most extensive and diverse arrays of local, regional, and national musicians ever assembled. Borden will be on hand with free rides on the popular Borden train. Plus, all of the parades pass right through the Festival grounds,” Mann said.

    “Cajun Field will be transformed for the 5-day event, with the huge carnival midway, the live music soundstage and plenty of convenient parking. It’s quite a sight to see and everyone wants to be at Cajun Field for Mardi Gras!” Mann said. “We are very excited to have local restaurants and caterers participating again this year. The quality and variety the food these local vendors provide is tremendous. We work hard to make the Festival site the easiest, safest, and most convenient spot to watch the parades,” Mann added.

    What’s the best part about “Le Festival de Mardi Gras a Lafayette?” — IT’S FREE! Admission to the Louisiana Lottery Midway, the Rouses soundstage, the Borden train , as well as the parade viewing areas are free. There is a $10 charge for parking at Cajun Field. All of the money generated from the Festival will be used by the Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association to develop and promote Lafayette’s Mardi Gras parades and activities. The event is sponsored by the Louisiana Lottery, Rouses Supermarkets, Borden and the Lafayette Regional Airport Commission.
    The festival is hoping to announce a few surprise performers, so keep everyone is encouraged to visit the festitvals FaceBook page (search “Le Festival”), or visit www.GoMardiGras.com and sign up for the email list.

  • Peter Pan Flies into Lafayette, Get Your Tickets Now

    All children, except one, grow up … but there’s a bit of him in each of us. Perhaps that’s why we hold his story so dear. Lafayette Ballet Theatre is delighted to announce its next spring production, “Peter Pan,” as never before experienced in Louisiana. This full-length ballet in two acts promises to please grown ups and children of every age — complete with humor, suspense and adventure, along with all the romance of classical dance. Tickets on sale now!

    This spectacular show — slated for Saturday, April 9, and Sunday, April 10, at the Heymann Performing Arts Center — will feature the acclaimed choreography of the New Orleans-born Washington Ballet artistic director Septime Webre and guest artists from the Cincinnati Ballet. This is the first time a work of Webre, one of the nation’s most sought-after choreographers, will ever be presented in his home state. Setting the choreography on the local cast will be Cincinnati Ballet’s ballet mistress, Johanna Wilt. Another plus: trust and a little pixie dust — with help from America’s best aerial effects company, Flying by Foy — will send the stars soaring beyond the crowd’s greatest expectations.

    Tickets are available at the Heymann Center Box Office Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (337-291-5555) and through all Ticket Master outlets including online at www.ticketmaster.com.

  • Houston Metropolitan Dance Company at the Acadiana Center for the Arts

    Celebrating the professional dance company’s 15th Anniversary Season, Houston Metropolitan Dance will be in Acadiana for a 5 day stretch of non stop events! Performing Thursday, February 10 and Friday, February 11, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. in the AcA’s James D. Moncus Theatre, this company is a must see dance ensemble.

    During the visit to Acadiana The Houston Met Dance Company will also be involved in Educational and Community Outreach, Master Classes and Talk Backs with the audience. Professional dancers and students will be offered master classes in ballet and modern dance; this unique artist-to-artist opportunity connects professional dancers in the field with those in the Acadiana community.

    This is your opportunity to experience the passion and focus it will take to be in a professional dance company. Take classes with the incredible teachers and dance of the Company and learn the repertory of the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company along side the Met’s own company members. Experience the diversity and excellence in training that is the signature of the Company.

    Houston Metro Dance Event Line-up:

    Wednesday, February 9, 4-5:30 p.m
    Ballet Master Class
    ACA’s James D. Moncus Theatre
    $10 for AcA  members or students and $15 for non-members

    Wednesday, February 9, 6-9 p.m
    Open rehersal. FREE and Open to the public.
    AcA’s James D. Moncus Theatre

    Houston Metro Dance Performances:
    Thursday & Friday, February 10 & 11, 7:30 p.m
    AcA’s James D. Moncus Theatre
    $10 for members of the AcA $12 for non-member in advance
    $13 for members $15 for non-members day of event

    Friday, February 11, 9:30-11a.m
    Modern Master Class
    AcA’s James D. Monucs Theatre
    $10 for AcA members or students and $15 for non-members

    Friday, February 11- Free
    Post-show discussion with Artistic Director and company members following the Friday Performances

    The company is composed of 15 dancers and will perform two programs featuring works from te company’s extensive and diverse repertoire. Including: Consumed, an intense and frenetic work by NYC based choreographer Kate Skarpetowska, which explores the globalization of humanity set to a cacophony of music and sound. Kiki Lucas’s resonant dance work, Semi-Detached, is a powerful and athletic piece which touches on the human need for different elements of control. Renowned jazz choreographer Pattie Obey has set two works on the company, Passade, a sultry trio and Zoom, a full-throttle work that embraces its title. Choreographer Jason McDole’s work, Conscious, and other dynamic pieces will showcase the versatility, technical prowess, and passion of Houston Metropolitan Dance Company.