Your vacation in 2009 might just be one of your most memorable ones; when you pack up and head towards the Cajun Nine Camporee. There are so many attractions and scenic back roads, lakes, bayous, and scenic swamp land that you just might want to stay awhile. Combine all the tangibles that you can see with all the intangibles...unique culture resonates everywhere, lifestyle that sets apart from any other part of the world, history exuberating from everywhere, infectious music that starts your feet a tapping and wanting to dance, and unparalleled cuisine [and, don t forget our out of this world desserts! They re worth gaining a pound]. While rich in history, culture, hospitality and excellent cuisine, you ll find that Louisiana is truly a sportman's para dise [bring your tackle], and it's also a haven for antique shoppers. If you re seeking a friendly place to relax, be certain to allow yourself plenty of time for it because you ll be literally hopping in Rayne. Tour the bayous and swamplands, antebellum homes, museums, historical districts, many attractions throughout the state, play rounds of golf, go deep sea fishing, or bring your boat for inland fishing and water sports. You re going to have big fun on the bayou and pass a good time going to, or from, the Cajun Nine Camporee. Com on down, Cher! And for additional info, visit
Story and photos by Amy Snyder What is it about frogs that captivates our imagination? In a small town in the middle of Louisiana's Cajun prairie, a stone's throw from New Orleans, is a town called Rayne, where frogs have gained iconographic stature. Frogs and Rayne have a relatively long history that dates back to the 1880s, when a gourmet chef named Donat Pucheu started selling juicy, delectable bullfrogs to New Orleans restaurants. Word of Rayne's frog delicacies spread like wildfire, and soon attracted the Weill Brothers from France, who started a lucrative business exporting frogs to restaurants. For years, world-renowned restaurants like Sardi's in New York boasted of offering frog legs from Rayne, Louisiana. The success of the Weill Brothers business helped put Rayne on the map as the Frog Capital of the World. In 1946, Rayne's froggy reputation was furthered when the International Rice Festival invited Rayne to host the first Frog Derby, an event where the prettiest women in town dressed frogs up in jockey uniforms and raced them. This event continues today; if you happen to be in the area on Labor Day weekend, you can still see it as part of Rayne's annual Frog Festival. Rayne no longer exports frogs, but their frog identity is bigger than ever because of a unique array of frog murals. What started as a project initiated by Pat Brignac and Kay Cunningham on the Rayne Beautification Board has turned into a tradition of commissioned murals by artist Robert Dafford. The following photographs were taken while on a walk down the quaint streets of Rayne, where frogs are painted on everything -- from a tree to the walls of the local five-anddime. This photo-montage shows a series of murals that combine to make a frogthemed "Main Street" in downtown Rayne. The murals were a joint community project designed by Kay Cunningham and Pat Brignac and painted by the people of Rayne.
Rayne wasn't built in a day. It goes back to the 1800's when the railroad came to town. We were first called Pouppeville, but changed our name to honor the engineer who laid the tracks--rayne. Today, folks know us for our frogs, because Jacques Weill and his brothers began shipping our hoppy residents to restaurants across the country. Then there's also St. Joseph's Cemetery, listed in Ripley's Believe it or Not! as the only known U.S. cemetery facing north-south. And this is only the beginning. To learn more, you've just got to come visit. It isn t possible for us to tell everything about Louisiana s history, culture, lifestyle, food, recreation, and music in this small website. But it is our hope that we provide you with a sampling of it and enable you to plan your trip; and that you truly enjoy your visit in 2009 at the Cajun 9 Camporee in Rayne, the surrounding area, and throughout all of Louisiana, and your travel to and from here. You'll think I'm crazy, but can you tell me... Many times each day this question or a very similar one is heard at the Rayne Chamber of Commerce office. You might call the Chamber the "Answer Headquarters" for the City of Rayne and Acadia Parish. Local citizens, visitors to the area, and interested persons from all over the country come in or call constantly, often with very unusual questions: Who can ship me some live frogs? Why are you called the Frog Capital of the World? Who restores furniture in Rayne? What's the name of that place that stuffs turkeys? Do you really have an old-fashioned dime store? What is a Frog Festival? The Frog Festival offers something for everyone with continuous music, including Cajun, Zydeco, country, swamp pop and variety bands... And the questions go on and on! Kids love the frogs and can hardly wait for the exciting frog racing and jumping contests held each year at the Rayne Frog Festival. You can bring your own frog or rent one. To view a video clip from the 2006 Lions Club Frog Derby Contest, go to this link. VISIT www.theadvertiser.com/extras/flash/frog/index.html
http://www.crt.state.la.us/tourism/ OFFICE OF TOURISM Everyone defines fun differently, and Louisiana has something that fits every definition. Whether you're an early bird or a night owl, young or old, traveling with family, friends, or on your own, you're sure to have a ball. Greater New Orleans Stroll the fabled streets of the French Quarter as sweet jazz flows into the streets. Drop in to world-famous Tipitina s, where you ll find everything from local brass bands to national rock bands. Visit the Aquarium of the Americas and the world famous Audubon Zoo. Or, visit the World War II museum and learn about the many battle fronts the U.S. engaged in; and learn how instrumental New Orleans was in defeating Germany at Normandy. New Orleans is a 24-hour city of acclaimed restaurants, famous bars and hot live music. Take in the sights, sounds and flavors of America s most interesting city.
Cajun Country Take in the beauty and mystery of the bayou at sunset on an Atchafalaya swamp tour. Spend a Saturday night dancing to a live Cajun band in Lafayette. View the vibrant wild flowers along the Creole Nature Trail in Lake Charles. Check out Grant Street Dance Hall in Lafayette for the best in live local Cajun and zydeco music, as well as frequent national acts. VISIT www.louisianatravel.com/play/cajun_country.cfm Plantation Country It s not called Plantation Country for nothing. Tour some of the nation s most famous plantations, including Oak Alley Plantation, Destrehan Plantation and Nottoway Plantation. Or take a walk on the wildlife side with a fishing or hunting trip, a bayou tour or a birdwatching trip. VISIT www.louisianatravel.com/play/plantation_country.cfm Crossroads Find one-of-a-kind antiques in Natchitoches. Stroll the banks of the Red River in Alexandria. Enjoy a pervasive fun-loving spirit, evident in numerous festivals that take place throughout the year in Crossroads. Like the Zwolle Tamale Festival, held every October, offering a weekend of parades, concerts, crafts, dancing, and activities for the entire family. Not to mention tons of delicious hot tamales, a product of the blending of cultures of Native Americans and Spanish settlers. VISIT www.louisianatravel.com/play/crossroads.cfm Sportsman's Paradise Haul in a big bass from the waters of Toledo Bend Lake. Experience the most beautiful sunset in Louisiana aboard a 35- foot houseboat on Caddo Lake. It s called Sportsman s Paradise for a reason, but that s not all there is. The casinos of Shreveport and Bossier City have fantastic entertainment both on and off the gaming floors. Music lovers travelling to Monroe must visit Enoch s Irish Pub, a venerable restaurant, watering hole and musical venue that has achieved legendary status since opening in 1980, having hosted performances by the likes of Jerry Jeff Walker, Leon Russell and Zachary Richard. Visit www.louisianatravel.com/play/sportsmans_paradise.cfm
Whether you like fishing from a boat, surf fishing, fishing from a pier, fishing under lights at night from a bridge, or just fishing from the side of the road, Grand Isle can accommodate just about anything. The island has numerous Marinas & Bait Shops where you can launch your boat, get that favorite live bait of your choice, and head out to a great fishing s pot. And for those people looking to be pampered, Grand Isle residents haven't forgotten you either. There are more than a dozen Chartering Services that provide inland fishing for those big specks a nd reds or offshore charters for red snapper, king mackerel, tarpon, tuna, marlin, etc. Now for those fishermen or fisherettes that have a competitive nature, try fishing one or more of the many rodeos that are listed under Island Events. Just about every weekend t here's a little competition going on at one of the marinas. And hey, if you don't like fishing, purchase a ticket anyway because something is always being raffled and usually the rodeo is to benefit a good cause. Visit www.hookemfishing.com/pictures/gallery1/gallery1.htm For photos of a randomly selected charter service VISIT www.southcoastcharters.net/photos.html There are other charter services linked to the Grand Isle website If you d like to experience the thrill of riding an Airboat and seeing wildlife in their habitat, then an airboat ride might just be what you want to take. There are many tour services available throughout the marshlands of south Louisiana. The nearest marshland to Rayne is the Atchafalaya swamp basin, just east of Layayette. Randomly, we ve selected two such tours and list 3 urls for viewing interesting video clips. Breaux Bridge : Visit www.louisianaswamptours.net/html/breaux_bridge_video_videos.html Lake Martin : Visit www.louisianaswamptours.net/html/lake_martin_video.html and visit an additional video clip at : www.louisianaswamp.com/swamptales.htm
Bayou Teche Scenic Byway. Activities Along the Way Bayou Teche Scenic Byway, located in Southwest Louisiana, is one of the many scenic byways where tourist can see the real Louisiana. This scenic byway covers 125 miles and travels through 3 parishes: St. Mary, Iberia and St. Martin while following the Bayou Teche as it flows through Louisiana. While traveling this byway, tourists can expect to see moss draped live oak trees, some over 100 years old, over 100 historic properties, and many other attractions as well as passing through 2 different cultures, French Cajun and Anglo-Saxon. Touring Louisiana, via the Bayou Teche Scenic Byway, the tour begins in French Cajun Louisiana, in the Port Barre area, just north of the junction of Highway 190 and Highway 347 on Highway 31. After leaving Port Barre, travel to Cecilia to enjoy the buffet at the Old Poche Store. Breaux Bridge is the next location on the Bayou Teche Scenic Byway. Here visitors can enjoy the LaPoussiere Cajun Music Landmark, where they can learn more about the music of Louisiana, then have the opportunity to step back in time while staying at the Bayou Teche Bed and Breakfast. St. Martinville, the next location on the Bayou Teche Scenic Byway, offers tourists the Longfellow-Evangeline State Commemorative Area, where visitors have the opportunity to see Spanish moss and very old live oak trees, then on to Lake Fausse Point State Park to discover what a swamp is really like up close. After spending time discovering the wildlife in this area, relax at the Maison Dimanche Bed and Breakfast. A stop in Avery Island is always on the agenda when following the Bayou Teche Scenic Byway. Here tourists will find the Jungle Gardens and Bird City, as well as the home of Tabasco. After spending time at these two attractions, continue on to Cypremort Point State Park to enjoy the water sports offered. Rosary House, Shadow-onthe-Teche, and Conrad Rice Mill, all located in New Iberia are next on the list of attractions while traveling the Bayou Teche Scenic Byway. Rosary House has the largest collection of rosary s in the south, as well as other religious articles and artifacts. Shadow-on-the-Teche, an antebellum home, is property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and allows the visitor the opportunity to step back in time to the Plantation days. Conrad Rice Mill offers the tourist the opportunity to learn more about the production of rice as well as the history of the crop in Louisiana. Jeanerette Bicentennial Park and Museum, in Jeanerette is also nearby. This park is a good place to spend a lazy afternoon before traveling further on the Bayou Teche Scenic Byway. Charenton Heritage Museum and Chitimacha Museum located further south on the Bayou Teche Scenic Byway in Charenton. These establishments allow the visitor the opportunity to learn more about the history of this part of Louisiana. Oaklawn Manor, located in Franklinton, and Grevemberg House Museum, located in St. Mary Parish, as well as Bocage, located in Centerville, allow the visitor to step back in history while touring an Antebellum home. Wedell, Williams Aviation Museum, International Petroleum Museum and Exposition located in Patterson allow the visitor to discover the history of aviation in Louisiana as well as oil exploration. The last stop on the Bayou Teche Scenic Byway is in Morgan City, where the Anglo-Saxon culture is alive and well. Here you can enjoy the Cypress Manor and Brownell Memorial Park. Cypress Manor is a grand old house, furnished with period antiques. Brownell Memorial Park is a designated bird sanctuary and also the home to the Carillon Tower of bells. For more information on any of these attractions located along the Bayou Teche Scenic Byway, visit Publications.Neworleans.com/alife/21.2.24-TravelerBayou.html or visit www.byways.org/browse/byways/2066. additionally, you may enjoy video clips of the CBS TV show The Early Show by visiting www.alligatorbayou.com/virtualtour.html
Cajun Culture Experiencing the Cajun culture is like no other. The Acadians of today are a thrifty, hard-working, fun-loving, devout religious folk. They work and play with equal enthusiasm. The Cajun's pleasureloving nature expresses itself in the community festivals, dancing and food that are integral parts of bayou life. Cajuns are known for their "joie de vivre" (joy of living), and to add excitement to their food they experiment with herbs, spices and ingredients to create some of the most flavorful dishes that people throughout North America now enjoy. One of the traditional favorite Cajun pastimes is an old-fashioned crawfish boil. When the sacred "mud bugs" or "crawdads" go into the pot a breath of excitement fills the air. Before the great feast of the boiled crawfish, potatoes, onions and corn, youngsters make a mad dash for the crawfish tub poking the live crawfish with sticks while other family members participate in crawfish races. Boiling crawfish is not the only way to enjoy the crustaceans. When crawfish go into the pot a number of delicious dishes result because there are almost as many ways to cook crawfish as there are swamps, ponds and ditches in which to catch them. Crawfish are served up in gumbo, bisque, étouffée, jambalaya, pies or patties. When the Cajuns aren't eating crawfish, they enjoy other world famous cuisine of Louisiana such as oysters, shrimp, boudin, pralines, gumbo and red beans and rice. What better way to experience Cajun food than at a festival? Any time is festival time in Cajun Country. Towns and villages throughout Acadiana celebrate every season with their special blend of music, food and the colorful Cajun heritage. Most festivals feature live music of all sorts, contests, native crafts and food and, of course, dancing. Cajun music is also distinctive. It can be lively or melancholy, and sometimes both at the same time. The main reason why many attend festivals is for the unique Cajun music. Cajun music, once deemed as "nothing but chank-a-chank" has infiltrated radio, television and classrooms and is becoming world famous for its unique sounds of instruments like accordions, fiddles and triangles.
The count of campsites and their facilities shown on the above map was taken September 2007. This is a municipal park and each year the city is continually adding shared sewer to sites not having sewer. So it is expected that a few more 50 amp sites, in grassy areas, will have sewer in time to celebrate Cajun Nine. How many more?... it s not certain; but is not expected to be a significant number. It is not expected that sewer will be added at any site, regardless of amperage, on pavement areas surrounding the Civic Center.
There is plenty of Air Conditioning!
South Central Area Chapters 111 116 118 Arkansas Kansas Missouri 149 179 188 Louisiana Illinois Missouri Mississippi Missouri are excited about their opportunity to host NSDCA s 2009 International Camporee in Rayne, La. and hope you enjoy it just half as much as we look forward to hosting it. We are grateful for the work of all our volunteers as we strive to provide every NSDCA member and guest visitor a Fun Filled camporee, with all the opportunity for a memorable vacation. And we hope, as you travel to\from Rayne, you will visit and enjoy the many attractions, points of interest, and natural beauty of their states. Illinois is rich in history, art, and culture: while Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri are rich in beauty; each in their own way.from the lakes and mountains of the Ozarks; to the grandeur of grass and wildflowers in America's heartland. And finally, but certainly not least, we encourage you to experience the charm of the old South and see their beautiful white sand beach along the Gulf of Mexico while visiting Mississippi. Cajun Nine will offer travel information on each of our participating South Central Area states and invites you to visit www.rayne2009.9f.com often as it will be continually updated for your convenience. General Chairmen 2009 NSDCA Camporee Ron and Laura Harry TexasJet@bellsouth.net or 985-419-9556 If desired, make copies of these pages and Registration Form. Email us for a PDF attachment, or a PDF on CD rom disc mailed via USPS. Thanks for spreading our message among dances, festivals, conventions, RV rallies, RV Parks + Camp\g nds, RV sales + other venues.