Be part of the Bastille Day memory Tuesday at the courthouse

Everyone is invited to be part of a group photo today recognizing the French Creole hertiage of Avoyelles Parish. In tradition begun over 100 years ago in Marksville, a group photo will be taken on the steps of the courthouse at 5 pm. Tuesday, July 14, 2015. The French Flag will be held by grandsons of the last French Immigrant who migrated to Avoyelles in 1918, Maurice Borrel. Police Jury Vice President Kirby Roy will be asked to briefly welcome those who attend.  

It is estimated over half of the current 41,000 population of Avoyelles can trace their ancestry back to one of about 100 French or French Creole settlers who migrated to Avoyelles Parish. Avoyelles was settled by these families in the late 1700s to about 1900. See Avoyelles.com for a partial list of French surnames.

The Louisiana legislature has designated Avoyelles as one of four French Creole Parishes in the top quadrangle of the Acadiana Triangle.

Afterwards, French wine and chesse will be served at Bailey's on the Square. Bastille Day Group photos taken in Avoyelles in 1899, 1912, 1918, 1980s, 2013, and 2014 will be on display.

Viva la France....Viva L'Avoyelles!