The scenic route

The thriving Zydeco music and Cajun culture that still exists in the central part of the state led Louisiana’s Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser to Ville Platte on Thursday to unveil new road signs displayed throughout Evangeline, Acadia, and St. Landry parishes.
The new signage along roadways throughout the parishes help guide tourists and natives through areas where the French culture has survived since the first settlers made these prairies their home in the early 1700s.
Before delivering a speech in front of the Evangeline Parish courthouse’s statue of Evangeline, Lt. Gov. Nungesser enjoyed a meal at the newly opened Ville Platte restaurant Allons Manger with the Ville Platte Chamber of Commerce.
It was there that the lieutenant governor said, “The Zydeco Cajun Prairie Byway signs are going to help bring people out of the big cities, and to the places in Louisiana that are filled with a unique flavor. It is my passion to show tourists that we have more here than just New Orleans and Baton Rouge.”
Following the luncheon, Nungesser made his way to the parish’s courthouse, where the new sign was unveiled.
The Ville Platte Chamber of Commerce Director Camille Fontenot addressed the crowd that gathered for the ceremony, and enlightened them on the purpose of these new Zydeco Cajun Prairie Byway signs.
“The byways offer visitors and residents authentic experiences in treasured places,” said Fontenot. “The byways introduce travelers to places and riches which they may overlook if they didn’t know they were on a byway.”
Fontenot then informed the crowd of the three distinct musical genres a visitor to these prairie lands can hear during their stay, which are Traditional Cajun Music, Zydeco, and Swamp Pop.
Musician Mark Young, from the Basile area, then played a Zydeco tune on his accordion for the crowd to enjoy.
Following the playing of this authentic Louisiana music, Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court Randy Deshotel introduced Nungesser to the crowd.
When the Lt. Gov. stepped up to the podium he first thanked the state’s leaders and Louisiana’s past lieutenant governor.
“I want to thank our state and federal partners in this, and I want to thank past Lieutenant Governor Jay Dardenne for his support of this program and getting it started,” said Nungesser. “I just need to champion it and carry it across the finish line.”
With the new scenic byway signs, Nungesser is hopeful that visitors and natives to the state will begin to travel Louisiana’s back roads more.
“This is what we need to get people off of the interstate and into the rural communities, and this is what I am committed to do.” Nungesser then added, “I’m from a parish south of New Orleans that you wouldn’t know was there unless you got lost crossing the bridge, so I understand your pain in the small communities.”
Finding ways to bring travelers to the rural parts of Louisiana is his passion, and the Lt. Gov. plans to “work as a team with officials” to bring people to “other areas of the state to see all of the great treasures” Louisiana offers in each and everyone of its towns.
Following his speech, Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine presented the Lt. Gov. with a special basket of goodies. The gift basket was filled with seasonings, bar-b-que sauces, tasso, and boudin; all of which were made right here in the City of Ville Platte.
Before ending the celebration, Nungesser and other local officials enjoyed cake, that was made to look exactly like the Zydeco Cajun Scenic Byway sign by Uptown Cakes owner Lisa Crain, and coffee at the LSU Ag center.
Nungesser said, “It sure is a great day.”