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 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 HOME BANK Soundstage has one of the most extensive and diverse arrays of local, regional, and national musicians ever assembled. BORDEN’S will be on hand with displays, Elsie and the popular Borden’s 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 over 70 recreational vehicles making up “STEVENS RV CITY”. 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 HOME BANK soundstage, the BORDEN’S train and display area , 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. For more a complete schedule and more details, visit www.gomardigras.com.

Riverside Inn announced today that Chefs Nolton Batiste and Cleve Sonnier won awards at the Soiree Royale in Opelousas.

Chef Cleve Sonnier won first place in the Yams Category for the newest dessert item on the menu at Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn, Sweet Potato Beignets with Orange Hazelnut Glaze. Chef Nolton Batiste won second place in the Gumbo Category for the famous Duck and Andouille Gumbo served daily at Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn.

Elaine Alderman, co-owner of Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn said, “We are so proud of our chefs and are very excited about their wins in the Soiree Royale competition.”

Riverside Inn is a locally owned and operated restaurant serving Acadiana for over 75 years. They are open seven days a week serving Gulf seafood, fine Cajun cuisine and steaks in a family-friendly atmosphere. The restaurant is located at 240 Tubing Rd. in Lafayette, La.

For additional information, contact Elaine Alderman of Riverside Inn at (337) 837-4011.

“Hotel Acadiana” of Lafayette, La., is becoming the “Crowne Plaza” of Lafayette, providing wonderful customer service with southern charm.

Hotel Acadiana is located in the Oil Center, which is ideally suited for any business need. The 290-room six-story hotel is located on 1801 W. Pinhook Rd., just two and a half miles from the entrance to the Lafayette Regional Airport. The property is undergoing a complete interior and exterior renovation before flying the Crowne Plaza flag, and renovation is already underway.

Also consistent with the Crowne Plaza brand, the hotel will offer a comprehensive meetings package to ensure a seamless planning process and exceptional meeting experience consisting of three key components: a Two-hour Response Guarantee, Crowne Plaza Meetings Director and a Meetings Daily Debrief. The hotel will offer approximately 12,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space.

The hotel will feature the Crowne Plaza Sleep Advantage program, which is available at all Crowne Plaza hotels in the Americas. Sleep Advantage encompasses the entire sleep experience, from training staff on how to create and maintain a restful environment to providing innovative products and services. Program components include new bedding, guaranteed wake-up calls, designated quiet zones, night lights, drape clips, sleep CDs, sleep tips and amenities such as eye masks, ear plugs and lavender pillow spray.

The Crowne Plaza will include an outdoor swimming pool, a business center and a fitness center with cardio and strength equipment. Guests will have complimentary access to the hotel’s airport shuttle. Wireless Internet will be available throughout the property.

Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts participates in IHG’s guest loyalty program, Priority Club Rewards. This is the industry’s first and largest guest loyalty program.

Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts has nearly 300 hotels in 52 countries, and are located in major urban centers, gateway cities and resort destinations.