NEW IBERIA, La. --- The TECHE Project is proud to announce the 8th Annual “Shake Your Trail Feather” Festival.
Shake Your Trail Feather will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Sat., Oct. 19. Entrance is free; however, the TECHE Project is raising funds for the
Bayou Teche Paddle Trail by selling an official festival pin for $5.
Activities:
The festival theme this year is “Woo Loves the Bayou?” The Heritage Tent, will have a discussion on nocturnal animals (owls and bats) found along the Teche by Kyle Patton, Manager of the Acadiana Nature Station. There will also be a workshop on managing bat boxes and wood duck nest boxes. There will be artisans selling their wares, and partner organizations (New Acadia Project, Bayou Teche Water Sentinels, Bayou Vermilion District, Acadiana Native Plant Project, and Tour du Teche) will be onsite to provide educational information and demonstrations about the various projects taking place in the area.
Concert performances will include the St. Bernard School French Musicians (11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Heritage Tent), Stop the Clock (noon-1:30 p.m.), Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys (2-3:30 p.m.) and Horace Trahan and the Ossun Express (4-6 p.m.).
At this festival, you can make your journey to the event as much fun as your stay! Cajun Paddle will be partnering by hosting a “Paddle to the Party” float trip. Kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats will parade from Poche Bridge to the festival grounds with a floating band escort, and this year, they will have a shuttle service for paddlers. In addition, The TECHE Project is hosting the “Trail Feathers” bike event. There is also a combined peddle and paddle to the party option that is very popular with recreationalists.
About the Event:
Patti Holland, the TECHE Project festival organizer said, “The Trail Feather event contains all of the elements of a huge Louisiana festival but is still small enough that you can lay on a blanket on the beautiful oak-lined bank and watch an awesome band while your children play in one of the many games and activities that are available.
"Everyone will find something fun to do, from dancing on the moored bridge where the bands play, to learning about the ecological and cultural values of the Bayou Teche Corridor. There will be artisans, food and drink, face painting, and several games and activities for kids. Pack and Paddle is providing a kayak for raffle, and don’t forget to come dressed as birds so you can 'Shake your Trail Feathers' and receive a complimentary gift!"
Conni Castille, Executive Director of the TECHE Project adds, “This festival is a great way to show your support for all of the good work that is taking place on the bayou. Festival proceeds go toward building the National Bayou Teche Paddle Trail, so come join the fun and Shake Your Trail Feathers for a good cause!”
About TECHE Project:
The TECHE Project is a non-profit group working to create a Bayou Teche Renaissance by enhancing the quality of life for communities and recreationalists on the bayou. This volunteer group has removed almost 54 tons of trash from the bayou and manages the Bayou Teche Paddle Trail, the only National Water Trail in Louisiana. They are building floating docks and trailheads in several trail towns along the bayou, including the beautiful full-service trailhead in Breaux Bridge.
According to Chester Cedars, St. Martin Parish President, “The TECHE Project has been successful in raising awareness about Bayou Teche’s ecological, cultural and recreational importance. Because of their work, the bayou is cleaner and now it is quite common to see paddlers enjoying the Paddle Trail.”
Go to
TecheProject.org for more information about these activities and the shuttle service. You can also contact Cory Werk with Bayou Teche Experience at (337) 366 0337 or on
Facebook to rent boats for the paddle trip, and go to
Eventbrite to register for the bike/paddle excursion.
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