The TECHE Project is proud to announce the 7th Annual Shake Your Trail Feather Festival will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Sat., Oct. 20. Admission is free; however, the TECHE Project is raising funds for the Paddle Trail by selling an official festival pin for $5.
The festival theme this year is “Working and Playing on the Bayou.” The Heritage Tent will have discussions on how the water flow is managed by the Teche-Vermilion Freshwater District to assist the boat building and farming industries, as well as a panel of outfitters and event organizers discussing recreational paddling opportunities on both Bayou Teche and Vermilion.
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.), Sweet Cecilia (2 – 3:30 p.m.) and Cedryl Ballou and the Zydeco Trendsetters (4 – 6 p.m.).
There will be artisans selling their wares, and partner organizations (New Acadia Project, Bayou Teche Water Sentinels, Bayou Vermilion District, and Tour du Teche) will be onsite to provide educational information and demonstrations about the various projects taking place in the area.
“The festival is full of so many different activities that everyone will find something fun to do,” said Patti Holland, the TECHE Project festival organizer. “There will be food and drink, face painting, and several games and activities for kids. Pack and Paddle is providing a kayak for raffle, so you can try your luck at winning a high-quality kayak to paddle the Teche. We are encouraging folks to come dressed as birds to compete for the Best Bayou Bird Costume Contest, and of course, to shake their tail feathers!”
At this festival, you can make your journey to the event as much fun as your stay. Cajun Paddle will host 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 there will be a shuttle service for paddlers.
In addition, The TECHE Project is partnering with TRAIL to host the “Trail Feathers” bike event (25 and 40-mile rides). There is also a combined cycle and paddle to the party option that is very popular with recreationalists.
“The festival is a great way to show your support for all of the good work that is taking place on the bayou,” said Laura Huval with Sweet Cecilia.
Proceeds from the festival go toward building the National Bayou Teche Paddle Trail, so come join the fun and Shake Your Trail Feathers for a good cause. Go to TecheProject.org for more information about these activities and the shuttle service, BayouTecheExperience.com to rent boats for the paddle trip, and Eventbrite to register for the bike/paddle excursion.
For additional information, contact Patti Holland, (337) 277-4645, techeproject@gmail.com.
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 over 53 tons of trash from the bayou and manages the Bayou Teche Paddle Trail, the 1st 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 and an access dock in Loreauville.
Accordingly to Conni Castille, Executive Director of the TECHE Project, “Since the TECHE Project started raising awareness about the Teche’s cultural and recreational importance, you can feel a positive energy flowing down the bayou. The bayou is cleaner and now it is quite common to see paddlers enjoying the Paddle Trail.”
