This family fun event is free to attend, and will be held at Rip Van Winkle Gardens (5505 Rip Van Winkle Rd., New Iberia) inside the Bayless event center on Aug. 23, from 2 to 4 p.m.

The book series was published by Pelican/Arcadia Publishing.

Activities for the Day:

Meet the author, Stacey Dempsey, and the illustrator, Lexi Renard, who will be signing copies of both, A Stir of Imagination: Let’s Bake a Cake and A Sprinkle of Library Fun: Let’s Get a Cookbook. Both books will be available for purchase at the event. Everyone attending will also get a sneak peek of book #3 that is currently in the works.

Because of her love for reading, Belle from Beauty and the Beast will be attending with photo opportunities available with her in front of the Beast’s library. Other complimentary offerings include scoops of ice cream with a choice of topping served by Baskin Robbins (New Iberia), face painting by Frenchie’s Fabulous Face Painting, and a create your own Beauty and the Beast bookmark.

Play along with the Iberia Parish Library for an exciting Passport game to score a goodie bag. Attendees will have a chance at winning a Book Bag Raffle, access to the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten registration forms, and calendars of upcoming fun when you stop by the Vermilion Parish’s (Abbeville Branch Library) station.

This is a first-come, first-serve, available while supplies last public event. Please refrain from bringing outside food or drinks.

Cafe Jefferson will be open before the event if you would like to go early and grab a bite to eat. You can also purchase a tour of the gardens inside the gift store.

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Featuring a remarkable selection of historic garments and accessories from the Weeks family collection, the exhibition traces how fashion evolved across generations and reveals the ways clothing reflected changing tastes, social customs, and daily life.

Discover the stories woven into each piece and experience the enduring connection between fashion, family, and history. The exhibit will be on display through early 2027.

Opening festivities include light catering and a specialty drink.

Other Programs in this Series:

• Iberia, Knit Your Bit: Celebrate Iberia Parish veterans with The Shadows’ knitting challenge! Donations can be dropped off at the Shadows Visitor Center August 1 to November 6 (during operating hours). Free to participate.
• Fashion Through the Ages Exhibit Opening: Thursday, August 20 at 5 p.m. at the Shadows Visitor Center. Admission $50 and includes year-long membership in the Friends of the Shadows. Exhibit runs through February 2027.
• Design and History in Contemporary Fashion: Thursday, October 15 at 5:30 p.m. VIRTUAL ONLY. Free, but registration required.
• Knit Your Bit Family Program: Saturday, November 7 at 10 a.m. at the Shadows Visitor Center. Admission $10 per family.
• Woven Stories: Join Sarah Duggan from the Historic New Orleans Collection’s Decorative Arts of the Gulf Coast project as she explores the rich stories woven into the Shadows’ remarkable textile archive. Thursday, November 12 at 6 p.m. at the Shadows Visitor Center. Free, but registration encouraged.

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The Shadows-on-the-Teche challenges Iberia Parish to knit or crochet scarves for local veterans as it kicks off its next program series, Fashion Through the Ages, a season-long look at the craft, history, and meaning of textiles.

Participants can find inspiring patterns on The Shadows’ website or create their own designs. From August 1 through November 6, scarves can be dropped off at the Shadows Visitor Center (320 E. Main St., New Iberia) every Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Scarves will be delivered to local veterans just in time for Veterans Day.

Other Programs in this Series:

• Fashion Through the Ages Exhibit Opening: Thursday, August 20 at 5 p.m. at the Shadows Visitor Center. Admission $50 and includes year-long membership in the Friends of the Shadows. Exhibit runs through February 2027.
• Design and History in Contemporary Fashion: Thursday, October 15 at 5:30 p.m. VIRTUAL ONLY. Free, but registration required.
• Knit Your Bit Family Program: Saturday, November 7 at 10 a.m. at the Shadows Visitor Center. Admission $10 per family.
• Woven Stories: Join Sarah Duggan from the Historic New Orleans Collection’s Decorative Arts of the Gulf Coast project as she explores the rich stories woven into the Shadows’ remarkable textile archive. Thursday, November 12 at 6 p.m. at the Shadows Visitor Center. Free, but registration encouraged.

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Designed to bring the community together as students return to the classroom, the Back to School Bash will feature school supply giveaways, family-friendly games and activities, educational resources, local organizations, raffles, and more. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and while admission is free, attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance. RSVP here for the Back to School Bash.

The Teche Growers Association has set an ambitious goal of providing 100 fully stocked backpacks to local students and 20–40 appreciation giveaways for teachers as they prepare for the upcoming school year.

“This event is about more than just school supplies,” said Griffin Landry, Director of the Teche Growers Association. “It’s about bringing our community together to support students, recognize our educators, and help families start the school year on a positive note. We invite businesses, organizations, and individuals to join us in making a real difference for Iberia Parish.”

Sponsorships:

Businesses and organizations interested in supporting the event are encouraged to reach out. Sponsorship opportunities provide valuable community recognition while directly supporting local students and educators.

The Association is currently seeking community support through:

• School supply donations
• Business sponsorships ($150–$500)
• Community partners
• Collection and drop-off locations
• Volunteers
• Educational resource providers
• Service vendors, including face painters, activity providers, games, and other family-friendly attractions

Other Events:

The Back to School Bash is part of Ag After Hours, the Teche Growers Association’s monthly community engagement series, which brings residents together through educational, networking, and family-focused events at The Harvest Room.

Following the Back to School Bash, the Teche Growers Association will host its inaugural Harvest on the Teche community festival on Sat., Sept. 12, celebrating the region’s agriculture, food, and culture.

Those interested in donating, sponsoring, volunteering, serving as a collection site, or providing educational resources are encouraged to contact the Teche Growers Association.

About Teche Growers Association:

The Teche Growers Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, promoting, and preserving agriculture throughout the Teche Region. Through educational programming, community events, and partnerships, the Association works to support local producers, strengthen community connections, and inspire future generations to appreciate the importance of agriculture in South Louisiana Parishes including Iberia, St. Martin, St. Mary, Vermillion, and Lafayette.

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The Shadows-on-the-Teche invites families to design and create their own paper lanterns at “Light Your Own Path,” an educational program on Sat., July 18, from 10 – 11 a.m. at the Shadows Visitor Center (320 E. Main Street, New Iberia). The program is suitable for all ages: older children can craft their own lanterns, while younger ones can create alongside a grown-up.

Participants will discover the significance of light in African American spiritual practices before bringing their lanterns to life, lighting them together as a group. Each lantern is “a symbol of the optimism we all carry within.”

Admission is $10 per family, and advance registration is encouraged, as space is limited. All program supplies will be provided. Register online here.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. The 2026 Program Mini Grant has been provided by the State of Louisiana and administered by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed by this organization do not necessarily represent those of either the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities or the State of Louisiana.

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New Iberia Beneath the Balconies proudly presents the Golden Balcony talent show on Sat., Aug. 1, at 7 p.m. at the Sliman Theatre (129 E. Main St., New Iberia).

The event is open to the public and cost is $15 at the door to attend. Food and drinks will be sold during the event. Be prepared to hear some of our area’s talented singers.

The winner of the event will be featured on the “Golden Balcony,” also known as the Kyle Cox balcony, during the Beneath the Balconies event on Oct. 18.

To Audition:

Anyone between the ages of 15 and 30 that is interested in participating should submit a one song submission video to the Balconies email. You must include your contact information along with your name and age. The last day to submit performances will be July 15.

They will be hosting 20 singers for the event. You must provide your own music file for evening performance if selected.

Beneath the Balconies:

Beneath the Balconies will be on Sun., Oct. 18, at 11 a.m., on the grounds of the beautiful Shadows-on-the-Teche. Lunch and the event exclusive Balcony Breezes drink can be purchased and enjoyed while listening to some great music under the oaks. At 1 p.m., the balcony performances will begin and will move down historic Main Street to the finale at the Steamboat Pavillion.

Come out and enjoy a beautiful afternoon filled with music, food, drinks and community.

For more information, visit the Beneath the Balconies Facebook page.

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This program will take place on Thurs., July 16 at the Shadows Visitor Center (320 E. Main St., New Iberia). A light reception begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by the program at 6 p.m. Admission is free, and registration is encouraged. Attendees may register for the in-person program online or join via the livestream.

About the Speaker:

Kenneth Hoffman was born in Houston and raised in Baton Rouge. He earned a B.A. and an M.A. in history from Tulane University. Hoffman started his museum career as a grant writer for the New Orleans Museum of Art and as the curator of education at the Louisiana State Museum. From 2004 to 2006, he served as president of the Louisiana Association of Museums, leading the association through the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

In 2017, Hoffman ended an eighteen-year tenure as director of education at The National WWII Museum when he was hired to create the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, in New Orleans, which opened in May 2021. He currently serves as the museum’s executive director. Hoffman, his wife, and their two children live in New Orleans’ Black Pearl neighborhood, yet don’t eat at Camellia Grill nearly enough.

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Kodi Roberts

In celebration of Juneteenth, the Shadows-on-the-Teche and the Iberia African American Historical Society are hosting the Faith and Freedom Symposium on Fri., June 19, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Shadows Visitor Center (320 E. Main St., New Iberia). The symposium is free to attend, and registration is encouraged.

The Faith and Freedom Symposium will explore how African Americans have used religious beliefs, spiritual practices, and sacred spaces as tools of community organization across freedom movements — including Abolition, Civil Rights, and Black Lives Matter. Attendees may register for the in-program online or join via the livestream.

Keynote Speaker:

The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Kodi A. Roberts of Louisiana State University, whose research examines race, resistance, and community through the lens of faith and faith-based traditions. Dr. Roberts is the author of Voodoo & Power: The Politics of Religion in New Orleans. He will speak at 11:15 a.m., followed by a book signing at 12:15 p.m.

For a limited time, signed copies of Voodoo and Power are available at the Shadows Museum Shop (320 E. Main Street, New Iberia) for 15% off, in person or online.

About the Keynote:

Dr. Kodi A. Roberts is an Associate Professor of History at Louisiana State University specializing in African American history, with a focus on the intersections of race, religion, and resistance in the United States. He earned his Ph.D. in History from the University of Chicago, along with degrees from Louisiana State University and the University of New Orleans.

Dr. Roberts is the author of Voodoo and Power: The Politics of Religion in New Orleans, 1881–1940, a widely recognized study of the cultural, political, and economic dimensions of Voodoo in New Orleans. His research and teaching explore Afro-Atlantic religions, racial ideologies, and movements for social change, with particular attention to the historical and contemporary significance of African diasporic spiritual traditions.

Schedule:

• 9:15 a.m. — Jim Crow South and the Catholic Church: Uncovering the History of Desegregation at Loyola University New Orleans
  Em Lessley, Mare Lodu, and Janine Smith – Loyola University New Orleans
• 10:15 a.m. – Rural Churches as Tradition Keepers
  Phebe Hayes, PhD – Iberia African American Historical Society
  Harlan Mark Guidry, MD – St. Augustine Historical Society
• 11:15 a.m. — Keynote: Voodoo and Power, The Politics of Religion in New Orleans
  Kodi A. Roberts – PhD, Louisiana State University
• 12:15 p.m. — Book Signing with Dr. Kodi Roberts

Upcoming in the Series:

Thursday, July 16 – Southern Jewish Experience with Kenneth Hoffman

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Summer is here! The Isle of Iberia RV Resort has a ton of fun events planned this summer and their headliner is the Beats on the Bayou Concert series. Check out the list below of the musicians performing.

Isle of Iberia:

The Isle is a full-service campground just north of Highway 90 (Exit #126) with 30 and 50 amp hookups. Pull through and back in camp sites are available. Check-in is at 2 p.m. with check-out at 11 a.m.

During your stay enjoy playing on the playground, fishing in the catch and release pond, relaxing at the swimming pool with splash pad, lazy river, and swim up bar. Adjoining the pool area, the clubhouse has a concession stand, covered indoor/outdoor meeting areas and band/DJ stage.

Book your stay here.

You can also visit our web calendar to see more events to plan your summer getaway! Come out, meet friends, listen to live music and dance the evening away.

Concert Schedule:

• May 9 – Straight Whiskey
• May 16 – Glenn, A Band of One
• May 23 – Matthew Ewing All Star Band
• May 24 – Kip Sonnier
• May 30 – Chubby Carrier
• June 6 – The Envies
• June 13 – Spare Parts Band
• June 20 – The Cast
• June 27 – Sharona Thomas Music
• July 4 – Kip Sonnier
• July 11 – Cajun Company Band
• July 18 – The Tailgators Band
• July 25 – X‑Change Band
• August 1 – Kip Sonnier
• August 8 – The Cast
• August 15 – Sharona Thomas Band
• August 22 – Fifth Edition
• August 29 – Andy Smith
• September 5 – Matthew Ewing All Star Band
• September 6 – The Cast
• October 24 – Bad Boys Band

Public Swim Hours:

Public swim starts June 2 and is available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays (excluding holidays) from 1-5 p.m. for $15 per person (cash only).

Outside food and drinks are only allowed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. No outside alcohol will be allowed in at any time. Concession stand and bar will be open.

For more information and to book your stay, visit IsleOfIberia.com or call (337) 256-8681.

If you enjoyed this, check out:

• Why Visit Isle of Iberia RV Resort
• New Iberia Summer Travel Guide
• How to Cool Down in Iberia

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Shadows-on-the-Teche is pleased to launch its Faith & Freedom program series with a virtual presentation by Dr. Ben Wright on Thurs., May 7, at 5:30 p.m.

Dr. Wright, author of Bonds of Salvation: How Christianity Inspired and Limited American Abolitionism, will explore the profound role religion played in shaping American abolitionism. Drawing on his acclaimed work, Dr. Wright traces the ideological tensions between spiritual salvation and emancipation, from the American Revolution through the denominational schisms that pushed the nation toward Civil War. The virtual program is free to attend, but registration is required. Attendees can register online.

For a limited time, signed copies of Bonds of Salvation can be purchased at the Shadows Museum Shop (320 E. Main St., New Iberia) for 15% off. Copies can be purchased in person or online.

Additional programs in the series:

• Friday, June 19 – Faith & Freedom Symposium with keynote Dr. Kodi Roberts
• Thursday, July 16 – Southern Jewish Experience with Kenneth Hoffman

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. The 2026 Program Mini Grant has been provided by the State of Louisiana and administered by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed by this organization do not necessarily represent those of either the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities or the State of Louisiana.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Ben Wright is an associate professor of history and the Director of the Open US History Lab at the University of Texas at Dallas. He is the author or editor of five books, including Bonds of Salvation: How Christianity Inspired and Limited American Abolitionism (LSU 2020), the two-volume American Yawp: A Massively Collaborative, Open History of the United States (Stanford 2019), and, most recently, American Revolutions in the Digital Age (Cornell 2024).

His articles have appeared in a variety of outlets, ranging from the American Historical Review to the Washington Post. He is currently writing a book-length study of religion in early colonial Sierra Leone and Liberia.

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