Get ready for ‘Red, White and BOOM!’

    Downtown Lafayette celebrates the nation’s independence in a big way this July 4th with an annual concert by the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, a KidZone and live music by local bands. It’s all part of “Red, White and BOOM!”
    Grammy nominee Marcia Ball, hailed as the “bayou queen of the piano,” joins the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra in the patriotic concert in Parc International. The concert will also feature the ASO’s Second Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest and a 2012 red Mercedes car raffle, concluding with the Grand Finale Fireworks show at approximately 9:30 p.m.
    Over in nearby Parc Sans Souci the Conservatory of Music KidZone will offer water slides, face painting, arts and crafts, balloon animals, costume contests and much more. And parents can enjoy a broadcast of Marcia Ball and the ASO performance while their children play and keep cool in the KidZone!
    At Parc Putnam’s “Freedom Fest!” there will be several bands performing — The Rockin’ Rotarians at 4 p.m., Lafayette’s Bayou Boys at 5 p.m., Nik L Beer at 6:15 p.m. and Grammy Award winner Chubby Carrier at 8:30 p.m.
    Gates open for all events at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 4, 2012.

    A $5 admission fee to Red, White and BOOM! grants patrons access to all three parcs (that’s parks for those of you who don't speak Cajun). In collaboration with Food Net of Lafayette, ASO is offering free concession tickets for canned food donations brought to the celebration. Parc Passes will be available at the gate or may be purchased in advance at the ASO Box office located at 412 Travis Street in Lafayette.
    All proceeds from the event help support the ASO’s children’s education programs.
    Visit the Symphony web site or its Facebook page for a more detailed schedule.

Acadiana Farmers' Markets offer something for everyone

    Lafayette and surrounding areas are home to numerous farms, home bakers and fishermen. On almost every day of the week you can find fresh produce, baked goods, meats and seafood at a number of farmers markets.
    Many of them also sell flowers, plants, crafts, artwork and music. The Hub City Farmers Market, for instance, which sets up shop every Saturday in the Oil Center of Lafayette, hosts area artists on the third Saturday of every month. The Freetown Farmers’ Market sells a variety of items, from fresh vegetables, dairy products and meats to crocheted hats, fresh flowers and CDs of local musicians, all out front of the Freetown Studios where numerous local artists work. We were even serenaded!
    The following are farmers’ markets in Lafayette and surrounding region. Since times and dates may change with the seasons, please call ahead.

Tuesdays 
Acadiana Farmer’s Market, 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., 801 Foreman Drive in Lafayette. (337) 948-8812.
Teche Area Farmer’s Market, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Bouligny Plaza on Main Street in downtown New Iberia. (337) 942-3742.

Wednesdays
Eunice Farmers’ Market & Market Days, 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the 100 block of South Second Street in downtown Eunice. (337) 457-6502.
Freetown Mid-Week Farmers’ Market, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., The Freetown Studios, 421 Convent St. in Lafayette. (225) 324-6267.

Thursdays
Acadiana Farmer’s Market, 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., 801 Foreman Drive in Lafayette. (337) 948-8812.

Saturdays
Hub City Farmers’ Market in Lafayette, 8 a.m. to noon, 427 Heymann Blvd. in the Oil Center of Lafayette. (337) 873-0383.
Lafayette Farmers' and Artisans Market at the Horse Farm, 8 a.m. to noon., Lafayette.
Acadiana Farmers’ Market, 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., 801 Foreman Drive in Lafayette. (337) 948-8812.
Freetown Mid-Week Farmers’ Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Freetown Studios in Lafayette. 421 Convent St. (225) 324-6267.
The Cottage Shoppe’s Farmers’ Market, 8 a.m. to noon, 800 E. Broussard Road in Lafayette. (337) 984-5276.
Eunice Farmers’ Market & Market Days, 10 a.m. to 2p.m. in the 100 block of South Second Street in downtown Eunice. (337) 457-6502.
Teche Area Farmers’ Market, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., Bouligny Plaza on Main Street in downtown New Iberia. (337) 380-0672 and (337) 369-2330.
Bayou Teche Farmers' Market, 8 a.m. to noon. the last Saturday of the month, St. Martinville.
The Washington Community Farmers' Market, 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Pavilion across from Town Hall in Washington.  
Kaplan Farmers' Market, 8 a.m. to noon the second Saturday of the month. 

For more information on local foods, contact the Acadiana Food Circle.