13 things that might surprise you about New Iberia
Classic American culture … It can be found at the old Essanee Theatre as we immerse ourselves in the Iberia Performing Art League’s spring musical, and in the movement of the maestro’s baton as we gather to enjoy another Symphony Sunday in the Park.
It can be seen in the haunting eyes of New Iberia native George Rodrigue’s blue dog paintings and in his re-created studio exhibited in New Iberia’s state-of-the-art Bayou Teche Museum.
Classic American culture can be enjoyed second-lining behind the Bunk Johnson Brazz Band beneath the majestic moss-draped live oaks in the beautiful gardens of Shadows-on-the-Teche.
It’s in our backyards. It’s everywhere you look.
As you discover these and many more cultural secrets of New Iberia and Iberia Parish, you will soon be filled with the “joie de vivre” that this treasure of a community offers to all, visitors and residents alike.
Here are 13 things you might not know about New Iberia:
1. New Iberia’s annual Books Along the Teche Literary Festival has been attended by visitors from Illinois, Colorado, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Texas, Tennessee, Arkansas, Georgia, California, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Vermont, Florida, Washington, D.C., Louisiana, South Africa, Germany and Australia.
2. New Iberia is the only city in the United States that has trilingual (Spanish, French and English) historical markers. Erected by the Iberia Cultural Resources Association, the 21 markers celebrate the unique heritage of Iberia Parish and designate significant historic buildings and events in New Iberia.
3. The Iberia African American Historical Society will dedicate a state historic marker in 2018 honoring Dr. Emma Wakefield-Paillet, the first black woman to receive a medical degree and to establish a medical practice in Louisiana. Born in New Iberia, she was also an accomplished classical pianist.
4. World-famous artist George Rodrigue and internationally acclaimed author James Lee Burke lived in New Iberia, and this draws tourists here every day of the year with even more expected when the George Rodrigue Park opens in 2019.
5. Bayou Teche Museum is located on Main Street in charming downtown New Iberia, and includes permanent exhibits for both James Lee Burke and George Rodrigue. The museum also is home to an exhibit recognizing our Spanish roots, extended music from the region and, of course, displays that showcase our industries of sugarcane and salt and so much more.
6. New Iberia is the second largest city in Acadiana and is the only city that offers four FREE Acadiana Symphony Orchestra concerts every year with a total of approximately 2,700 attendees at the four concerts featuring Christmas, Classical, Hollywood, Broadway, Jazz and Patriotic music.
7. New Iberia is the only city in the country with both an accredited Main Street and a National Trust owned property (Shadows-on-the-Teche) actually located on its Main Street.
8. Shadows-on-the-Teche, built in 1834, is one of only 28 National Trust Historic Sites nationwide. In addition to guided house tours, The Shadows sponsors an annual Plein Air Painting Competition in the spring with artists from across the country competing for 30 spaces available.
9. Forbes Magazine recognized New Iberia as America’s Prettiest Town, and we celebrate year-round with festivals including the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival, World Championship Gumbo Cookoff, New Iberia Beneath the Balconies, Spanish Festival, and the Bunk Johnson Jazz Festival.
10. New Iberia is home to the Iberia Performing Arts League, whose award-winning annual productions of “Broadway on the Bayou” are acclaimed near and far.
11. You can find in Iberia Parish Conrad Rice Mill, the oldest operating rice mill in America; Avery Island, home of world-renowned Tabasco Sauce; and Jefferson Island, with beautiful 25-acre gardens looking over Lake Peigneur.
Rice harvests looking good in Acadiana
12. Main Street has been designated a National Register Historic District and the new Church Alley Pocket Park is the starting point for a 3.2-mile bicycle trail through the commercial and residential historic districts.
13. “New Iberia Beneath the Balconies,” a series of theatrical presentations and musical performances, including the memorable sounds of the Bunk Johnson Brazz Band, takes place each Fall on historic Main Street and is enjoyed annually by almost 1,000 people.
Classic American culture is alive and well in New Iberia. Come live it with us! For more information, please contact www.iberiatravel.com
This story was written by Pat Kahle, Executive Director of Shadows-on-the-Teche, and local columnist Phyllis Belanger Mata.