Eunice, LA

On to Eunice, Louisiana.  The gateway to the southwest prairie. 

Upon arriving to our campsite, we were greeted by these cute fellows.

We took a drive out to the countryside to explore the area and meet the locals.

Saw this guy working by the side of the road in a weird looking tractor thingy and had to stop to see what he was doing.  He was so friendly as are all the people in the south and more than willing to take some time to chat with us.  He's a crawfish fisherman and this is the season for crawfish.  They're in all the restaurants and the gas station markets.  We tried some for the first time at D.I.'s Cajun Restaurant which is out in the middle of nowhere.

After talking to us for awhile he said that he was about to go out again and asked if I'd like to get some pictures of him. 

We were given a list of all the places to check out while in Eunice, which is the main reason we came.  Everything happens one day on Saturday.  We wanted to experience the Cajun culture and I fell in love with the people and the music.  The first place on our list was Fred's Lounge in Mamou.  Pronounced: Ma moo.  Fred's is a local Cajun bar and is only open one day per week, on Saturday morning from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm.  It's one of those things people come from all over the world to visit, it's on their bucket list.  If I lived in this part of the world, I'd be there every Saturday morning.  It's that fun!

The owner of Fred's Lounge is Tante Sue.  I was informed by the fiddle player that she fell and broke her leg or ankle or something while cleaning the bar so we weren't able to meet her.  She's a feisty lady and here's a video to prove it. 

Next up was the Acadia Culture Center downtown.  Which again, every Saturday they have this free event to come and learn about the Acadian culture. 

They cooked up some authentic Cajun Seafood Gumbo which we got to try for free.

In the music room at the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center we got to listen to some samples of more Cajun music performed by these gentlemen.  There was even more dancing.  I loved it!

Later in the afternoon we went to The Liberty Theater.  Every Saturday night they have a live television performance downtown in the historic theater.  The concession stand was open and we got to enjoy some popcorn and drinks.

Then on Saturday night, at our campground, they had an old fashioned barn dance with Horace Trahan.  I didn't get to capture a video but here is one of his music videos I found online.  We didn't stay at the barn dance very long because the music was way too loud, even with earplugs.  I was very disappointed though because Horace and his band were very good.  Great rhythm and fun to dance to.