SouthWestFest 2008!

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

C'est Tout Cher!

June 18, 2008

C'est Tout Cher (say too sha)!!!!!

Looks like it's time to put the icing on that cake!

The Krewe has been busy preparing for your visit and we look forward to creating fond memories of your trip down south. We hope the EduCajuns and Blog have given you a taste of what Cajun Country has to offer. Experiencing Cajun culture is like no other.
Visit the Blog at http://southwestfest.blogspot.com/ and study the information on our culture along with places to go and things to do during your stay. You must see the video clip of little Hunter Hayes (Breaux Bridge native now 16 years old) playing Jambalaya with Hank Williams Jr. We have also included THE BOUDIN LINK.
Stay tuned to the Blog after the conference for recaps, pictures, video clips and Fest Survivors! Come as you are…Leave different!
Mais cher... I'll see you in Lafayette…Allons!
Bon Temps, Bon Amis. Lafayette!

Lagniappe:

Pastor Thibodeaux

Pastor Thibodeaux was getting sick and tired of all the people in his parish who kept confessing adultery. One Sunday in the pulpit he said, "Mais , if I hear one more person confess to adultery, I'll quit!" Everyone liked Pastor Thibodeaux, so the parishioners came up with a code word. Someone who had committed adultery would say they had "fallen".
This seemed to satisfy the old priest and things went well , until Pastor Thibodeaux died at a ripe old age. About a week after, the new priest arrived. He visited the Mayor of the town and seemed very concerned. The young priest (Rev Boudreaux) said, You have to do something about the sidewalks in town. When people come into the confessional, they keep talking about having fallen." The Mayor started to laugh, realizing that no one had told the young priest about the code word.
The priest (Rev Boudreaux), shook an accusing finger at the mayor and said," I don't know what you're laughing about. Your wife fell three times this week."

EduCajun #11

June 13, 2008

Bon Jour Mes Amis!

My energy level is at an all time low and there is still much left to do to put the icing on that cake, so I thought I'd share a few Boudreaux - Thibodeaux jokes with you today.
Check out the blog http://southwestfest.blogspot.com/ We're paying tribute to our State Capital, home of Da Prez, Richard Murray! We've also added lots of photos of local attractions that makes our part of the county so unique.
Get plenty of rest this weekend, have a wonderful Father's Day and I'll talk at you later!

Lache pas la patate! (Don’t let go of the potato)

Bon Temps, Bon Amis. Lafayette!

******************************************************************

Two Cajun hunters get a pilot to fly them to Canada to hunt moose. They bag six. As Boudreaux and Thibodeaux start loading the plane for the return trip, the Pilot says 'The plane can only take four of those.'
The two Cajuns object strongly. 'Last year we shot six and the pilot let us put them all on board; he had the same plane as yours.'
Reluctantly, the pilot gives in and all six are loaded. However, even with full power, the little plane can't handle the load and down
it goes and crashes in the middle of nowhere. A few moments later, climbing out of the wreckage, Boudreaux asks Thibodeaux , 'Any idea where we are?' 'I think we're pretty close to where we crashed last year.' Says Thibodeaux. ***************************************************************************************
LSU Cajun

In the men's bathroom, an accountant, a lawyer and a Cajun werestanding side-by-side using the urinal.The Accountant finished, zipped up and started washing and literallyscrubbing his hands.... clear up to his elbows.... he used 20 papertowels before he finished. He turned to the other two men and commented,I graduated from Ohio University and they taught us to be clean".The Lawyer finished, zipped up and quickly wet the tips of hisfingers, grabbed one paper towel and commented, "I graduated from theUniversity of Southern California and they taught us to beenvironmentally conscious."The Cajun zipped up and as he was walking out the door said,"I graduated from LSU and they taught us not to pee on our hands"

*************************************************************************

Boudreaux Wins A Bet

A Texan walked into the City Bar last weekend and started bragging that nobodycould drink like Texans can and bet that if any of the Cajuns there could drinka whole case of beer in an hour or less he would pay them $100.00. No one tookhim up on his offer, and in fact Boudreaux gotup and walked out. A little while later Boudreaux came back inside and asked theTexan if his offer was still good. The Texan said that it was, and he would, infact, even pay for the beer. Boudreaux told the bartender to line emup, and made short order of the case of beer, finishing in well less than thehour. The totally amazed Texan held up his part of the deal and paid the$100.00. But he was a little curious and asked Boudreaux, "By the way, whenI made the offer, you left. Where did you go?" Boudreaux answered him, "Mais Iwent to de other bar across de street. I had to make sure I could do it!"

*******************************************************************

Boudreaux an Thibodeaux da carpenters

Boudreaux an Thibodeaux was workin on a house.Thibodeaux was nailin down sidin an would reach in hisnail pouch, pull out a nail an either toss it over his shoulderor nail it in.Boudreaux kept watchin an wen he couldn't stan it nomore he decide to axe wat in da worl Thibodeaux was doin.Boudreaux axe "Why you throwin away dem nails for, heh?"Thibodeaux say, "Mais, if Ah pull a nail out of mah pouchan it's point toward me, Ah trow it away 'cause it's defektive.If it's point toward da house, den Ah nail it in!"Boudreaux got really upset an yell, "Mais, you some kindof stupid! Da nails pointed toward you ain't defective! Deyfor da udder side of da house!"

EduCajun #10

June 10, 2008

Mais Hello Cher!

Countdown has begun. All we have left to do is put the icing on the cake!

We can't do that too soon around here…it'll melt!
With only 12 days left to prepare for "Le Grand Derangement" (the great departure), let's talk about what to pack. The only day you'll need to look truly professional will be on Tuesday, June 24th for the Opening Luncheon/Awards/Scholarship/ Charles Farris Presentations. This will be our only "formal" affair. Comfortable, cool and casual attire is recommended for all other events. Some of the locals will be wearing shorts, t-shirts and caps for the "Cajun Fest" at Vermilionville Wednesday evening. You'll also need sunscreen, bug spray, alka-seltzer, and of course, a camera. Start packing...get plenty of rest...and

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!

The Blog is Buzzin'! http://southwestfest.blogspot.com/ Hits from all over the world! Take a tour of the blog and explore all there is to see and do here in Cajun Country. We have the KBON Party line up, an update on "Da Thrill at Da Ville", conference highlights and of course the announcement of our Louisiana Lagniappe Winner!

Follow the music to Cajun Country! Listen to the sawin' of the fiddle, the ting-a-ling of the triangle, the squawk of the squeezebox, and the strummin' of the washboard. The next thing you know, your feet'll be two-stepping whether you want them to or not.

Cajuns Love Company!
Bon Temps, Bon Amis. Lafayette!

EduCajun #9

Mais Cher Dépêcher!

That means... my dear hurry up! You only have a few days left to sign that Lagniappe Guest Book and answer those eight questions for the Paragon Casino Resort give away . You don't have to worry about squeezing in the time on this trip. The voucher doesn't expire until December 31st, so you have plenty of time to make a return visit to God's Country. We'd love to have you back!
The Hotel Acadiana has offered to extend our block for as many as we need and will take reservations until June 21st. Also, due to some minor renovations still underway, they have graciously reduced the rate to $79.00. Now that's a deal.
We have a wonderful line up waiting for you in Lafayette. As I was looking over the hotel guest lists, it looks like most of you will be arriving on Saturday. Come early and stay late, that's my motto! If you here early enough on Saturday, you should take a scenic drive to Breaux Bridge for the Zydeco Breakfast at Café Des Amis. After breakfast, dance on down the street, enjoy a cup of coffee and tap your feet to the Cajun Jam at the Coffee Break. Then on Sunday, it's the KBON Listener Appreciation Party just down the road at the Blackham Coliseum. A $5.00 admission fee (all proceeds going to Hospice of Acadiana) and you can enjoy a full day of Cajun and Zydeco music. After that, join us at the Hilton for LA NAHRO's Down Home Hospitality. Our skilled, experienced cooks are eager to present mouth-watering Cajun delights to satisfy every appetite.

Come one, come all, join Da Krewe and experience our “Joie de Vivre”.
With an agenda chock-a-block full of training and educational opportunities and rubbing elbows with the best of South West, who would want to miss out on this action?
Check out the blog. http://southwestfest.blogspot.com/ We have included a list of area Casinos. Also, Texas NAHRO has challenged the region. Read what Steve has to say, along with other comments from our dedicated fans and supporters.
Ads? Well, I don't have enough strength to beg anymore. Either you did it or you didn't. If you didn't, I don't think the program went out to print. Fax it in NOW!
Bon Temps, Bon Amis. Lafayette!

P.S. June is here! Hurricane Season has begun! The Conference is only 21 days away. It's time to get prepared. #10 is coming soon and we'll talk about what to pack.

EduCajun #8

May 28, 2008

Bon Jour Mes Amis!

I sure hope everyone enjoyed the Memorial Day Weekend! It was time to take a break and enjoy my back yard. Speaking of back yards, it won't be long before you'll be in mine. Are you ready?
As promised, here's #8. Remember in order to qualify for the Lagniappe Give Away you must be registered for the Conference by June 8, 2008, and sign the Lagniappe guest book with the answers to the eight questions posted on the SouthWest Fest Blog. It's that simple!
http://southwestfest.blogspot.com/ Good Luck!

We have once again updated the blog with more information, pictures and humor. It is amazing to see how far this blog has traveled. We've had visitors from the Netherlands, France, Dubai and Liverpool. Ke-aaw! Mais Cher dat's sum ting' ya!

Oh, by the way…what about that ad?
Allons A Lafayette. Bon Temps, Bon Amis!

(Let's go to Lafayette. Good Times, Good Friends!)

EduCajun #7

Mais How Ya'll Are?

Due to our Annual Legislative Conference and Awards Presentation this week, my EduCajun will have to short, but sweet. Pack your dancing shoes and your appetites. It’s time to prepare for “Cajun Fest”. We’ll be visiting Vermilionville for our BIG NIGHT OUT on Wednesday, June 25th. Great Cajun & Creole food, live Cajun & Zydeco music, Good Times and Good Friends all await you there. The Blog has been updated and gives you a little background information on the Village. It’s a wonderful place. You should make time to do the “full tour” during your stay with us. You won’t be disappointed. We've also included the true definition of

"What Is A Cajun"?
http://southwestfest.blogspot.com/

Now for the Early Bird Lagniappe giveaway! There are just a few things you MUST do in order to be eligible for the complimentary night stay at the Paragon Casino Resort. First, you must be registered for the conference to qualify. Then, on or around May 28th, you will receive EduCajun #8, that officially kicks off the campaign. You will have eight days to sign the Lagniappe Guest Book and answer eight questions correctly. The entries will be placed in a random drawing with the winner announced on June 8th.
So…if you're not registered, dépêcher (hurry up)!

While you're at it…send in that ad!
Come as you are. Leave different.
Allons A Lafayette.

EduCajun #6

May 9, 2008

Mais Hello Cher!

Where has the time gone? Can you believe we only have 43 days left until SouthWest Fest? The enthusiasm surrounding this conference is awe-inspiring. Your comments and replies are overwhelming. It looks like everyone is anticipating the "Joie de Vivre" awaiting them in Lafayette. And cher we can't wait for you to get here.

If you haven't registered or made room reservations, you better get 'er done right away. The rooms are filling up fast and with record numbers expected, you don't want to miss out on the action. Training, special events, music, and of course, menus has been carefully selected to enlighten, entertain and educate. It's time to dust off those dancing shoes and Allons (let's go)!
Congratulations to Kansas and New Mexico! You've made it to our Blog!

We have updated it once again to include an LSU Study, information about Lafayette's history and culture, the Zydeco Breakfast at Café des Amis, and travel ideas and itineraries to enhance your stay in Cajun Country. Of course old Thibodeaux and Boudreaux are at it again and we even added a daily weather update. Check it out…you won't be disappointed!
http://southwestfest.blogspot.com/

On or around the 28th you will receive EduCajun #8 that will kick off our drawing for the Early Bird door prize, a complimentary night stay at the Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville. You must be registered for the Conference to be eligible. Make sure to stay tuned. More information will be included in my next message.

ADS...ADS.... ADS ... I’ve been preaching about ads for months. Don’t be one of those who “didn’t”. Your support is needed, wanted and necessary for success. You must take time out today. Find the Ad form, fill it out, make the check, address an envelope, and mail the blasted thing. We’re really counting on you! Deadline for submittal is May 21st.
Louisiana. Not just a State, it's a Way of Living.

Lagniappe:

Boudreaux took Marie home with him and took off his shirt. Marie said, "Boudreaux dat's some chest youhave dare." Boudreaux says, "Marie, dat's a hundred seventy pounds of dynamite".Next he took off his pants. Marie says, "Boudreaux dat's nice calves you have dare." Boudreaux says,"Marie dat's a hundred seventy pounds of dynamite."Boudreaux quickly reached down and pulled off his underpants and Marie screamed and ran out the door.Boudreaux put his clothes back on and ran after her. Catching her, Boudreaux said "Marie, Why did you run out like dat?"Marie said, "With all dat dynamite around, I taught it was going to explode when I saw how short da fuse was"!!

EduCajun #5

April 23, 2008

Bon Jour Mes Amis!

Thought I’d send a quick note today to let you all know that the Blog has been recently updated. We have included overflow hotel details along with information on other hotels in the close vicinity. You’ll also find mosquito survival tips and a lesson on Cajun vs. Creole.
The Blog has received hits from Vancouver, WA. and Boston, Massachusetts all the way to Orange Park, FL. We’re getting a few hits from New Mexico and Missouri but none from Kansas. Please be sure to forward these emails to your colleagues. We will soon be offering a fabulous early bird door prize and the only way to win is through the Blog. Be sure to pay attention to the next few EduCajuns to receive clues on how to win that prize. So…bookmark the website and visit it often. Sign our guest book and tell us what you think.
http://southwestfest.blogspot.com/
Now it’s time! It’s time to start annoying you about buying an ad. It's time to get serious... We're working extremely hard to generate “bon temp” funds from Ad Sales. We can't do it alone. If you haven't placed your ad in the Conference Program, PLEASE DO IT TODAY! Ads are an allowable expense for you PHA, so don't put it off any longer. WE NEED YOU. The deadline for submission is May 21, 2008 and forms can be found on the SW Fest Blog or at file://www.swnahro.org/.

Allons A Lafayette pour Bon Temps,

Bon Amis! (Let's go to Lafayette for Good Times, Good Friends!)

Lagniappe
Beer Drowning Boudreaux and Thibodeaux, casualties of the oilfield bust in the 80's, decided to leave Breaux Bridge and look for work in New Orleans. They quickly found jobs at the Abita Springs Brewery. They had been working only a couple of weeks when Boudreaux drowned in a beer vat. Management was very upset and asked Thibodeaux if he would return to Breaux Bridge to break the news to the Widow Boudreaux. Upon hearing the news, the Widow Boudreaux asked Thibodeaux if Boudreaux had suffered much. Thibodeaux replied, "I don't think so, as a matter of fact, he climbed out twice to go the bathroom

EduCajun #4

Bon Jour Mes Amis!

I hope you all had a great Easter. Did you start a new tradition with a friendly game of pâcquer (pa-kay)?
Mais Cher, let me tell you what happened to us. With our bellies full of boiled crawfish, it was time to get our little pâcque-pâcque game underway. Reese, (my grand daughter) rushed into the kitchen to get the baskets of beautifully dyed eggs.

As she was coming down the back porch, she tripped. Yes…every one of those eggs got cracked. She was distraught. As much as I tried to comfort her, nothing worked. So what does Maw-Maw do? Boil more eggs! I didn't go through the trouble of dying them but we did have our contest. And all was right again on the bayou!

The Southwest Fest Blog has a few new additions. A Boudreaux and Mabel joke has been added along with a Gumbo recipe to go with that Roux. We also included a few wise words of wisdom from Cajun optimist, Poo Poo Broussard! Hope you enjoy it. Don't forget to sign our guest book! http://southwestfest.blogspot.com/

I guess it's time to start bothering you about Ads! Have you placed an ad in the Annual Conference Program? Be a part of history. See your name in print.
Buy An Ad TODAY.
Allons A Lafayette! (Let's go to Lafayette)

EduCajun #3

Bon Jour Mes Amis!

Its Holy Week here in Cajun Country and soon our Lenten journey of sacrifice and penance will come to an end with the celebration of Easter. As Roman Catholics, Cajuns regard Easter as one of the most important religious holidays, and they celebrate it much like Christians throughout the United States: they prepare Easter baskets, tell stories about the "Easter bunny," exchange candy presents, and dye, hide, and hunt chicken eggs.

However, a traditional Cajun game played on Easter Day is pâcquer, or pâcque-pâcque, terms deriving from the French word for Easter, Pâcques. Contestants’ select hard-boiled eggs, pair off, and tap the eggs together — the player whose egg does not crack is the winner. The kids around these parts carefully choose their eggs in hopes to win the role of champion. Of course some of them try to "pull the wool" over the eyes of their opponents. My brother used to freeze his eggs while we were busy devouring candy from the Easter baskets.
Why not start a new tradition this Easter? Try a little game of pâcquer (pa-kay) with your children or grandchildren, husband, wife, Boudreaux, Thibodeaux...

The Blog has been updated and this time we added a little Cajun music to entertain you while you read and explore. There is also a recipe for Roux (roo). Many Cajun dishes start off with a roux and if you're able to master the art, you'll be on your way to becoming a great Cajun Chef! http://southwestfest.blogspot.com/ Mais Cher, sign our guest book! We'd sure like to hear from ya!

Have you made your plans for Lafayette?

Have you registered, signed up for the golf tournament and placed an ad? Well then…
Happy Easter to you and yours!
Allons A Lafayette! (Let's go to Lafayette)

EduCajun #2

Bon Jour Mes Amis,

Lagniappe (lahn-yop) is a Cajun French
word meaning "a little something extra."
And we would like to give you a taste of
what you can expect when you

come visit us, Cher.
If you're looking for a unique cultural
experience, then Lafayette is where you
want to be - real Cajun and Creole
cooking - fresh and spicy; just an
oyster throw from the bayou; festivals
and celebrations - Mardi Gras to a
Friday afternoon fais-do-do (street
dance); historic antebellum homes; lush
tropical gardens; dark and mysterious
swamps; and, authentic folk life
attractions.

You'll find it all in Lafayette.
So come spend a little time with us here
on the bayou. We'll save you a place on
the dance floor.
Today we have our fist Louisiana history
lesson (with many more to come) on "What
is a Cajun". The attached document
should prepare you in understanding
Cajun Country, its people and culture.
The SouthWest Fest blog has been updated
with a link to registration information,
preliminary agendas, ads and golf
tournament entry forms. We have also
introduced Poo Poo Broussard to the page
and, if you dare, there's a link to the
Cajun Quiz! Thibodeaux and Boudreaux are
there too. Enjoy!
http://southwestfest.blogspot.com/

Mary Lynn Thibodeaux
Krewe Chief
SouthWest Fest 2008
habb@att.net

EduCajun #1

Southwest Fest 2008
June 21-26, 2008
Lafayette, La.

March 3rd, 2008

BON JOUR MES AMIS (good day my friends)

The ball is rolling and the clock is ticking!

As most of you already know, Louisiana is hosting the 68th Annual Southwest NAHRO Conference in Lafayette, June 21-26, 2008.

As promised, here is the link to our Southwest Fest blog.
http://southwestfest.blogspot.com/

It is intended to be your Louisiana connection to the Conference. We will include information on registration, training agendas and a little lagniappe (something extra). Explore the sight and enjoy what it has to offer. We will notify you each time it is updated with valuable information or the latest Thibodeaux-Boudreaux joke.

The Krewe has been preparing for your visit for almost a year now and looks forward to creating fond memories of your trip down south. As Krewe Chief, I am charged with the task of giving you a taste of what Cajun Country has to offer. My Educajun messages will be forwarded and will include information on the history of our culture along with places to go and things to do during your stay. Experiencing Cajun culture is like no other. We hope you plan on joining us in Lafayette and feel our
“joie de vivre” (joy of living) as we let the good times roll!

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!
(lay say lay bohn tohn roo lay)

Mary Lynn Thibodeaux
Krewe Chief
Southwest Fest 2008
habb@att.net

Friday, June 13, 2008

Tribute To "Da Prez"

We want to take this time to pay tribute to

our LHC President, Richard Murray and to share some highlights on his neck of the woods, our State Capitol.

The city of Baton Rouge was named nearly 300 years ago when on March 17, 1699, Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d'Iberville, led an expedition along the Mississippi River.

The city's earliest written records are found in the diaries of these explorers which tell the tale of a pole stained with blood of fish and animals that served as the dividing line between the Bayougoula and Houmas Indians. It is from this "red stick" that Iberville christened our city "le Baton Rouge."

The Indian mounds on the campus of LSU were built 450 years before the construction of the great Egyptian pyramids.

Baton Rouge was named the state capital in 1846, and the Old State House

was completed in 1850. Louisiana seceded from the Union in 1861, and in August 1862, Baton Rouge fell to the Union forces. The federal government of Louisiana was moved to New Orleans. It was 1882 before Baton Rouge again became the capital of the state.

Louisiana State University came to Baton Rouge in 1869. The campus was located downtown prior to its move in 1926 to its present location.

In 1927, Huey P. Long was elected governor and served from 1928-1932, when he became a United States Senator. One of the most famous "populist" politicians, Long provided "free textbooks" for public schools.

During Long's term, the skyscraper new State Capitol was erected. It cost $5 million and took only 14 months to complete. It stands nearly 450 feet tall with 34 stories. It was here that Long was assassinated in 1935. Long is buried on the grounds of the State Capitol.

Did You Know:

Eight flags have flown over Baton Rouge, from the British in the only Revolutionary battle fought outside the 13 original colonies to the stars and stripes of the United States of America.

The Louisiana State Capitol is the tallest in the nation at 34 stories and 450 feet high.

The Indian mounds on the campus of Louisiana State University were constructed 450 years before the first Egyptian pyramid was built.

Tiger Stadium, also known as "Death Valley", has been the site of an actual earthquake. Thousands of cheering fans rocked the stadium so hard the movement was actually recorded on a Richter Scale.

The largest historically black university in the United States is Southern University in Baton Rouge.

The Greater Baton Rouge Port is second nationally in grain handling operations and is the farthest inland deep-water port of the Gulf of Mexico.

The largest bald cypress in the nation is located in the Tunica Swamp in St. Francisville.

The oldest HMO in the nation was started in Baton Rouge in 1924 by Standard Oil (now Exxon).

All Hail To Our Chief!

"Our Man" Murray!

Jambalaya by Hunter Hayes!

Go Ahead and Hit Play...

Before we die...... let's gather up our heritage and pass it to our children.

The Boudin Link!

The Boudin Link

As folks in South Louisiana know, Cajun boudin sausage is a delicious blend of rice, pork, and spices injected into a natural casing and served everywhere from the fanciest restaurants to gas stations in the country. One thing is for sure, boudin is some of the finest Cajun food you'll ever eat. While most locals believe that they know where the "best" boudin is made, no one has yet attempted a comprehensive taste guide to all the boudin in South Louisiana and beyond. The BoudinLink is THE GUIDE to boudin. http://www.boudinlink.com/

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Louisiana Lagniappe Winner

We Have A Winner!

Congratulations

Judy Medders of Eden, TX

It's Da Thrill At Da Ville!

Fried Pork Chops, Shrimp Stew, Jambalaya.....

Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys.....

Todd Ortego "Eternal King Entertainer".....

Good Times. Good Friends. Vermilionville on Wednesday Night, Cher!

Vermilionville authentically portrays a way of life preserved with a distinctly French accent. Situated on the banks of the Bayou Vermilion, this Cajun/Creole heritage and folklife park recreates life in the Acadiana area between 1865 and 1890.

La Maison Broussard

The beautiful grounds, which are laid out as an historic village, contain eighteen structures, including six restored original homes. In most of the structures, costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional crafts or musical styles.

"Two-Step" Back in Time With Us!

A full-service restaurant, gift shop and art gallery enhance time spent at Vermilionville. The gift shop and art gallery are filled with Cajun and Creole items (many of which are made by their craftspeople) that you are sure bring home and treasure.