Travel Avoyelles: Centre de la Louisiane

Come hungry! Every third Sunday, Travel Avoyelles hosts Wilbert Carmouche and Mary Guillory join Lisa D. Smith for a visit to Avoyelles Parish in Central Louisiana. This time they brought a special guest: caterer John Ed Laborde of Panaroma Foods in Marksville, the creator of Crawfish Bread®.

We talk crawfish étouffée, boudin and boucherie, cracklins, court-bouillon, sweet potato crunch, king cakes, cinnamon rolls, drive-through daiquiris and gas station plate lunches. Then each of them plans a full day of eating for first-time visitors, from breakfast to dinner. Pull up a chair!

LINKS

New episodes of the Travel Avoyelles Podcast air every 3rd Sunday at 6pm CST on Big Blend Radio. Listen: https://travel-avoyelles.podbean.com/ 

It's Fall Y'all in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana! 

Big Blend Radio host/producer Lisa D. Smith is joined by Natalie Roblin of the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism, filling in for regular co-hosts Wilbert Carmouche and Mary Guillory, who are at the Jefferson Highway Conference in Joplin, Missouri. Together they explore why fall is one of the best times to visit the Centre de la Louisiane.

Natalie shares the story of how Marksville got its start with a broken wagon wheel (hence Broken Wheel Brewery), what's happening at Paragon Casino Resort and the Fox Theater, and how fall in Avoyelles is marked by food: home-cooked church dinner plates on Sundays, cochon de lait, sweet potato harvest season, boudin, barbecue, and even gas station breakfasts you won't forget.

Then it's time to roll the windows down. Explore Bunkie Trade Days, Griffin's, Hoover's Five and Dime and the retro full-service gas station along the Jefferson Highway; learn about National Hunting and Fishing Day at the Outdoor Education Center in Woodworth; and discover the Solomon Northup Trail, the Louisiana Colonial Trail, the Zachary Taylor Parkway, and the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area. 

Natalie also shares outdoor favorites including the Big Bend Museum and Sarto Old Iron Bridge, the Big Bend loop (LA 451), Spring Valley WMA, the Tunica-Biloxi Nature Trail, and Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge, plus a Louisiana music playlist of swamp pop and Zydeco.

Events mentioned: National Hunting and Fishing Day (Sept. 26, free, 8:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Woodworth); Couillons of Comedy at the Fox Theater in Marksville (Oct. 3); Bunkie Trade Days (Oct. 3); church dinner plates and fairs throughout the parish in September and October.

Plan your visit: https://TravelAvoyelles.com  

New episodes of the Travel Avoyelles Podcast air every 3rd Sunday at 6pm CST on Big Blend Radio. Listen: https://travel-avoyelles.podbean.com/  

End-of-summer and fall are a wonderful time to experience Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana! From church and school fairs and live music to Bunkie Trade Days, Halloween fun, local food and seasonal events, there are plenty of reasons to visit.

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel Avoyelles" podcast, hosts Lisa D. Smith talks with Wilbert Carmouche and Mary Guillory of the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism about what's happening throughout Avoyelles Parish as summer winds down and fall begins.

They talk about upcoming fairs, community events, live Cajun and Zydeco music, Halloween celebrations, shopping, art, food and local traditions—including the church and school fairs that bring communities together throughout the fall.

You'll also hear about some of the food that makes Avoyelles special, from gumbo and jambalaya to homemade cakes, cochon de lait, locally grown produce, sweet potatoes and those wonderful fair plate lunches.

As always, the best way to experience Avoyelles is to get out and meet the people, enjoy the food and become part of the community.

* Plan Your Avoyelles Parish Visit & Get Event Info: https://travelavoyelles.com/ 

* Listen to new episodes and follow the Travel Avoyelles podcast: https://travel-avoyelles.podbean.com/ 

* Visit the Big Blend Media House: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ 

Recovery continues across Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, following the historic flooding caused by Tropical Storm Arthur. 

In this special episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel Avoyelles" Podcast, Executive Director Wilbert Carmouche of the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism joins Father Martin Laird of Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Plaucheville and Immaculate Conception Church in DuPont to share firsthand stories of resilience, faith, volunteerism, and the incredible spirit of the community.

The conversation highlights how neighbors, churches, first responders, businesses, and volunteers united to help families recover after record-breaking rainfall. The episode also explores how travelers can support the local economy by visiting Avoyelles Parish's attractions, restaurants, festivals, and small businesses as recovery continues.

The show concludes with hope for the future, emphasizing that while much rebuilding remains, Avoyelles Parish is open for visitors and grateful for every act of support.

Flood Relief & Area Information

- Learn more and plan a future visit: https://travelavoyelles.com/ 

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel Avoyelles" Podcast takes a reflective look at faith, resilience, and community in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana.

The show begins with a special message from Wilbert Carmouche, Executive Director of the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism, regarding the historic flooding currently impacting communities throughout Avoyelles Parish and the remarkable resilience of local residents, volunteers, first responders, and organizations working together to help those affected.

Recorded onsite in Bunkie, Louisiana, hosts Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith visit David Haas Memorial United Methodist Church and talk with William Tebow about the church's remarkable journey following a devastating fire that nearly destroyed the historic sanctuary. Through faith, determination, and community support, the congregation rebuilt and renewed a beloved gathering place that continues to serve as a symbol of hope.

The conversation explores the importance of community, the role churches play in small-town life, and how adversity often brings people together. Listeners will hear stories of neighbors helping neighbors, churches supporting one another across denominations, and the enduring spirit that defines Avoyelles Parish.

🔗 Learn more about Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana: https://travelavoyelles.com/ 

🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Sunday. Listen:

🔗Visit Big Blend's new digital home: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ 

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel Avoyelles" Podcast dives into the rich culture, history, and heart of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, with cohosts Mary Guillory and Wilbert Carmouche of the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism.

Featured guests include Joan Botts of Paragon Casino Resort who talks about their first annual Paragon Stampede & Rodeo, Van Roy of Bailey’s on the Square and the Avoyelles Arts & Music Festival, and LeLe Soileau of the Louisiana Corn Festival.

The conversation spotlights the vibrant festivals, live music, culinary traditions, rodeo excitement, and strong community spirit that make Avoyelles Parish a must-visit destination in Central Louisiana. Hear about upcoming events at Paragon Casino Resort, the history and growth of the Avoyelles Arts & Music Festival, and the family-friendly fun of the Louisiana Corn Festival in Bunkie.

Listeners will also discover how local traditions—from Cajun and Zydeco music to agricultural celebrations and the unique Charivari custom—help preserve the parish’s rich cultural heritage while bringing the community together.

From art and entertainment to food, farming, and family fun, this episode showcases the welcoming atmosphere and creative energy that define Avoyelles Parish.

LINKS & RESOURCES

Recorded onsite in Central Louisiana, this fun episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Travel Avoyelles" Podcast features hosts and producers Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith alongside Wilbert Carmouche and Mary Guillory of the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism.

Hear about Nancy and Lisa’s experiences exploring Avoyelles Parish—from local food and cultural traditions to historic sites, festivals, and the welcoming spirit of the community. The conversation highlights the region’s rich heritage, including stories connected to Solomon Northup, the historic Jefferson Highway, local traditions, and the pride residents have in sharing their culture with visitors.

Listeners also get to know Wilbert and Mary on a more personal level through Big Blend’s signature “Getting to Know You” questions, covering passions, life lessons, bucket-list dreams, creativity, and community connection.

From Cajun and Creole influences to art, agriculture, festivals, and storytelling, this episode captures the heart and soul of Avoyelles Parish—where heritage, hospitality, and community come together.

🔗 Plan your visit: https://TravelAvoyelles.com 

🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Sunday. Listen: https://travel-avoyelles.podbean.com/ 

🔗 Explore Big Blend Radio & Media: https://BigBlendMediaHouse.com 

Featuring co-host Wilbert Carmouche, Executive Director of Travel Avoyelles, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel Avoyelles” Podcast highlights two of the region’s most exciting spring festivals that celebrate heritage, community, and tradition.

Special guest Ryan Lopez shares insights into the Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow (May 16–17, 2026) at Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville. Discover the cultural significance of powwows, from traditional dance, music, and storytelling to educational programs, Native foods, and community connection. Learn about cultural etiquette, the powwow’s history, and the importance of preserving Indigenous traditions.

The episode also features Ramondo Ramos, who discusses the Cochon de Lait Festival (May 8–10, 2026) in Mansura—home of the Cochon de Lait Capital of the World. This beloved event celebrates Cajun culinary heritage with whole pig roasting over open fires, live music, contests, family activities, and a strong sense of community pride.

From Native American heritage to Cajun food traditions, this episode showcases how Avoyelles Parish brings people together through unforgettable cultural experiences.

LINKS & RESOURCES

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel Avoyelles" Podcast dives into the rich culture, history, and heart of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, with cohosts Mary Guillory and Wilbert Carmouche of the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism.

In this lively conversation, the spotlight is on one of the parish’s most beloved Easter traditions—egg knocking. Known as the Egg Knocking Capital of the World, Avoyelles Parish celebrates this spirited competition each Easter as families and friends gather to see whose boiled egg is the toughest.

Guests Brenda Zaunbrecker, Sharon Juneau, Mayor John Lemoine, Brent Scallan, and Beryl Barbin share stories about the history of egg knocking contests, the rules and techniques behind the game, and the community pride that keeps this tradition alive. The episode also explores the history of Cottonport—once a thriving steamboat and cotton town—and how local festivals and traditions continue to preserve Avoyelles Parish’s rich cultural heritage.

🔗 Plan your visit: https://TravelAvoyelles.com  

🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Sunday. Listen: https://travel-avoyelles.podbean.com/  

🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Big Daily Blend" & "Vacation Station" Podcast Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel Avoyelles" Podcast dives into the rich culture, history, and heart of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana (a Jefferson Highway destination), with cohosts Mary Guillory and Wilbert Carmouche of the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism.

Joining the conversation are special guests Van Roy, Avoyelles Community Arts Liaison, and Lauren Harmason of the Avoyelles Arts and Humanities Council, who share how the parish honors Black history through arts, culture, cuisine, and community storytelling.

The discussion highlights the vital role of the Avoyelles Arts and Humanities Council in supporting local artists and educational programs, while exploring the lasting impact of Solomon Northup’s legacy in the region. The episode also spotlights the historic marker honoring legendary blues harp player Little Walter, and the special unveiling event that welcomed acclaimed blues guitarist Buddy Guy—underscoring Avoyelles Parish’s deep musical roots and cultural influence.

Listeners will discover how culinary traditions, creative expression, and community events work together to preserve and celebrate the parish’s diverse heritage. From meaningful cultural experiences to hidden gems beyond New Orleans, this episode invites travelers to connect more deeply with Louisiana’s living history through art, food, and local voices.

🔗 Plan your visit: https://TravelAvoyelles.com 

🔗 Avoyelles Arts & Humanities Council: https://AvoyellesArts.com 

🔗 Solomon Northup Committee for Commemorative Works: https://SNCCW.com 

🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Sunday. Listen: https://travel-avoyelles.podbean.com/ 

LET'S NOT FORGET THE MUSIC WE TALKED ABOUT! 

🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Way Back When," "Historic Jefferson Highway," "Toast to The Arts," "Big Daily Blend" & "Vacation Station" Podcast Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork