Slice of Life Challenge Day 21
(If you scroll to the picture of New Iberia Main Street, you can see what very well may be my red Camry turning at the light.)
First Stop: Evangeline Theater, now known as The Sliman with The Bayou Teche Museum on its right. These restored buildings offer places to mingle with friends at a fundraising event or performance and a great field trip destination for students and adults to learn about the history of the area.
Main Street, New Iberia
Next Stop: Church Alley, not a pleasing site, yet. A group of young activists have plans to spruce up the place and create a mini-park. This alley historically connected the convent across the bridge to St. Peters Catholic Church. In South Louisiana, towns built up around the church.
Church alley
Third Stop: The Essanee Theater, now home to IPAL (Iberia Performing Arts League). On Sunday, I attended the current performance, Man of La Mancha. It was better than Broadway. The final performances are this weekend. You really shouldn’t miss it. New Iberia is home to many talented folks.
Essanee Theater, home to IPAL
Last Stop: A&E Gallery. My friend and colleague, Paul Schexnayder opened this gallery a few years ago. Many artisans have joined to show and sell their work. Paul opens his doors for poetry readings, too. The next poetry night will be Saturday, April 20th at 6:30 featuring Louisiana’s former poet laureate Darrell Bourque whose new book of poetry chronicles the original Cajun people who settled the Acadiana area.
A and E Gallery
Each of these places occupies a historical space. You can feel the ancestors speaking to you. You can hear their words, “Welcome Home.”
Reflections on the Teche 
Love seeing about your history, Margaret. My husband & I visited little towns on our road trips, finding out their history & enjoying the old buildings, some of which are empty-falling down. Sad to see. I’m glad your town is thriving.
It looks like a really interesting place to live. Poetry readings in the art gallery is a great idea.
This makes me want to come visit! I love small towns. Your pictures show the charm of New Iberia. I just checked the website from CNN…and see your red Camry! It says there is still the original Tobasco factory. Is it still in operation? Thanks for the slice of your little town (now I have the Simon and Garfunkel song humming in my head). Jackie http://familytrove.blogspot.com/
Yes, we are close to Avery Island and the Tabasco Factory. I have a guest room and an empty nest, so come tour the bayou country anytime.
Thank you for the tour Margaret. You live in a delightful town. Will you attend the poetry reading? It sounds like a fun way to spend an evening.
Pam, I am organizing the poetry night, so I’ll be there. Last time we had over 40 people, so I am hoping for another good crowd to celebrate Darrell’s new book and National Poem in your Pocket Day.
Thanks for telling us aout your town! It’s heartening to know that your small town is so supportive of the arts!
Your post took me back to my home town. All the quaint buildings and memorable alleyways. New Iberia looks like a town on the rise. Thanks for sharing it!
Thanks for the virtual visit. It’s a good idea for a slice of life, sharing the place where you live.
Great post. I have a friend from New Iberia . . . small world. She lives in my small town, Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Check us out.