CARENCRO NEWS ARCHIVE
Filed below are past articles from the News & Events section of the City of Carencro website. Clicking the links below will bring you to the desired yearly archive.

2011 News
2010 News
2009 News
2008 News
2007 News
2006 News
2005 News

Volunteers sought for downtown preservation commission

Citizens interested in volunteering on the newly created Carencro Downtown Preservation Project are encouraged to contact city hall at 896.8481. Background information and details on the downtown preservation project are available here.

City of Carencro National Day of Prayer 2011

mercredi show spring 2011

The Mercredi Show, presented by the Parks and Recreation Commission of Carencro, opens its sixth year in April. This free outdoor concert is held on several consecutive Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m., on the Pelican Park Concert Stage. The performance lineup for the 2011 Spring session:

April 6 - Don Rich & The Don Rich Band
April 13 - Nik'l Beer
April 20 - Sean Vidrine & 'Da Classics w/Charlo
April 27 - Dustin Sonnier & Six Pack
May 4 - Foret Tradition
May 11 - Kevin Naquin & the Ossun Playboys
May 18 - Louisiana Red

Several sponsors help make this family-friendly event possible: Angco Disposal & Landfill, Arsement Machine & Supply, Bobby Badon State Representative, Dr. Jennifer Brasseaux, Bruce's Glass Service, Carencro Catholic School, Cormier's Upholstery Shop, Don's Country Mart, Gary Guidry Trucking, Home Bank, Melancon Funeral Home, Melancon I-49 Storage Center, Melancon Pharmacy, Ms. Mom's Family Restaurant, Nolan's Lawnmower Sales & Service, Pat's Printing, Physical Therapy of Carencro, Pizzaville USA, Prejean Creative, Rayne State Bank, S&S Auto Sales, Total Pump & Supply, and Lee Verret/State Farm.

Food and beverages are available. No pets and no ice chests allowed.

Carencro Officials Take Oath of Office


Elected officials for the City of Carencro were officially sworn in at Carencro City Hall on January 7, 2011.

Taking the oath of office were Mayor Glenn L. Brasseaux; City Council representatives Antoine Babineaux, L.J. Boudreaux, Kim Guidry, J.L Richard, and Alfred Sinegal; and Chief of Police Carlos Stout.

Family members of the officials proudly shared in the occasion. Congratulations to all.

2010 NEWS

Quebedeaux and PARC are now finalizing the musical lineup for the 2011 spring session. See scenes from previous performances here, or visit the Mercredi Show Facebook page.

Residential:
Doris and Wilbert LeComb
Church Street

Annette “Barbie” Dodge and Austin, Katie and Marshell Holstrom
Post Road

Bonnie and David Anderson
North University

Jan and Luke Coussan
St. Pierre Blvd.

Commercial:
Carencro Veterinary Clinic
North University

Evangeline Nursing Home
Arceneaux Road

The 14th Annual Carencro Country Christmas will be held December 3, 2011, the first Saturday in December. If you wish to participate in the decorating contest, please keep this date in mind; judging is done by December 15th.

The judges visit throughout the City of Carencro to choose the winners, but to insure your home or business is included, check this website for information on participating.

Presented by Carencro Business Association; Chairperson - Margaret Rozas (Physical Therapy of Carencro).

Over 65 booths offering hand made jewelry, children’s clothing, oil paintings, home made preserves and many more came to display their unique talents. Live entertainment from local singers, church choirs, Classy Clarinets, Gospel singers, and area children filled the Community Center during the entire event. Carencro Country Christmas also ushered in the Christmas spirit with the arrival of the jolly old man himself, Santa Claus, who was escorted to the Community Center by the Carencro City Police.

As Santa made his way through the streets of Carencro children waved and shouted with the anticipation of Santa visiting their homes later in the month. Mrs. Claus and three elves also came to assist Santa. Pictures were available with Santa and each child received a gift. Children could write a letter to Santa and deposit in Santa’s mail box that went directly to the North Pole.

It was a great time had by one and all with over 500 people attending the free event. If you missed Carencro Country Christmas this year, you still have next year. Remember the first Saturday in December! We hope to see you there. Ho! Ho! Ho!

December 4, 2010
Carencro Community Center
5115 N. University Avenue

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.    Entertainment by local choirs, talents, dancers, arts & crafts, and food.
• April Provost
• Beau Fisher
• Carencro High School Choir
• Christian Gospel Messengers
• First Baptist Church of Carencro
• The Heards of Temple Baptist Church
• Lafayette Concert Band
• Leighann Kidder
• Rhonda Jolie Leblanc Vocal Studio

10 a.m.   Santa Claus arrives in Carencro! Start the holiday season with no other than Santa Claus and his lovely wife as they make a grand entrance into their studio at the Carencro Community Center. Pictures with Santa will be available.

10 a.m. - Noon   Holiday Crafts and Caroling at the North Regional Library (next to the Carencro Community Center).

Download a printable PDF of the schedule here: Carencro Country Christmas 2010

Also, a holiday décor contest for homes and businesses will be judged on Wednesday, Dec. 15, with winners announced on Dec. 16 (Contact us if you want your home or business included in the judging).

If you're interested in reserving booth space, please submit this application form: Carencro Country Christmas - Booth Rental and Entertainment Registration

For more information:
Booths, performance times - Margaret, (337) 896-6686; 280-9570
Entertainment – Charles, (337) 886-7211
Home / Business decorating contest – Iva, (337) 896-6946; 233-4550
Library activities – Peggy, (337) 896-6323

Interested persons may sign up online at http://lajacc.state.lib.la.us/training. Complete class descriptions are located on the sign-up page. For info: 896-6323.

EXCEL 2007: Level 1. Friday, November 12, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
POWERPOINT 2007: Level 1. Friday, November 19, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 13, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Preregistration begins November 6

Saturday, December 11, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Preregistration begins December 4

Wednesday, December 22, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 10, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 8, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 17, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 15, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Rumpelstiltskin
Thursday, November 18, 4:00 - 4:45 p.m.
Kaleidoscope Room

Gingerbread Boy
Thursday, December 16, 4:00 - 4:45 p.m.
Kaleidoscope Room

Wednesday, December 1, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Held in conjunction with the Carencro Country Christmas.

Download more information on this October affair here, or contact Our Lady of Assumption Church at 337-896-8304.

Carencro's Free Concert Series: The Mercredi Show
The Fall 2010 season of the Mercredi Show features another outstanding collection of musicians who will perform at Carencro's Pelican Park Concert Stage.

September 1    Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie

September 8    Warren Storm, Willie Tee & Cypress

September 15    Gregg Martinez & the Delta Kings

September 22    High Performance

September 29    Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band

October 6    Lafayette Bayou Boys

October 13    Jamie Bergeron & the Kickin' Cajuns

This free outdoor concert series is held from 6-8:30 p.m., and food and beverages are available (no ice chests, please).

The event is presented by the Parks & Recreation Commission of Carencro, with support from these sponsors:  Angco Disposal & Landfill; Arsement Machine & Supply; Bobby Badon, State Representative; Bruce's Glass Service & Auto Mart; Carencro Catholic School; Cormier's Upholstery Shop; Don's Country Mart; Gary Guidry Trucking; Home Bank; Lee's Body Repair & Auto Discount Sales; Melancon Funeral Home; Melancon Pharmacy; Mouton's Food Mart; Ms. Mom's Family Restaurant; Nolan's Lawnmower Sales & Service; Pat's Printing; Physical Therapy of Carencro; Pizzaville, USA; Prejean Creative; and Rayne State Bank.

Bring the family, your lawn chairs or blankets, and enjoy this community celebration.

Download the show schedule. See photos from some previous performances. We look forward to you joining us at the Fall 2010 Mercredi shows!

Hurricane Preparedness
Make sure you're prepared for hurricane season 2010. Visit the Lafayette Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness website for information on what to do before, during and after a hurricane; evacuation routes and more.

Addtionally, the direct links may be accessed here:
Live Parish Traffic Information
What To Listen To During an Evacuation
What To Do to Prepare for a Disaster
What To Do In Case of a Tornado
What To Do In Case of a Chemical Emergency
What To Do In Case of a Flood Event
What To Do In Case of a Hurricane
Lafayette Parish Evacuation Routes for a Hurricane
What To Do To Plan for an Evacuation
Repairing Your Flooded Home
Drying Wet Books and Papers
Emergency Salvage of Flood Damaged Family Papers

Ribbon Cutting and Ground Breaking Ceremony
   

On February 24, 2010, the City of Carencro celebrated the completion of one public works project and the start of another. A ribbon cutting ceremony took place, officially opening a sidewalk project that was recently completed. The new sidewalk is located on the west side of North University Avenue, connecting the center of Carencro with the civic complex on the north side of Carencro.

Following the Ribbon Cutting, a Ground Breaking ceremony took place which kicked off the construction of the new Carencro Central Fire Station. The $700,000 fire station is scheduled to be completed September of this year.

Click here to see more photos from these events. For more information contact Carencro City Hall at 337-896-8481 or through this website.

Carencro Mardi Gras Parade rolls for its 24th season
   

Crisp, sunny weather greeted an enthusiastic crowd for the 24th annual Carencro Mardi Gras Association Parade, held Feb. 13. The Grand Marshal for the 2010 parade was former Mayor and Alderman Robley Richard, who served as town alderman from 1966-1970 and as Mayor from 1970-1978. Click here to see photos from the parade.

City Employee Named CBA Member of the Year

The Carencro Business Association (CBA) named Candy Baque as the organization's Member of the Year during the annual breakfast, Jan. 29. Baque is a Certified Municipal Deputy Clerk with the City of Carencro and she has been actively involved with the CBA for many years. Pictured with Baque following the award presentation are members of her family.

National Day of Prayer
Carencro hosts its third annual observance of the National Day of Prayer, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., May 6, at the Carencro Community Center, 5115 North University Avenue. Free jambalaya will be served, and the public is invited.

Mercredi 2010
The Spring 2010 Season Mercredi Show features a great lineup of performers for seven consecutive weeks at Carencro's Pelican Park. The free, public music shows are held from 6-8:30 p.m. at the park's concert stage.

April 7    T.K. Hulin/Steve Adams & Smoke

April 14    Jason Frey & Lagniappe

April 21    The Don Rich Band

April 28    Felton Lejeune & the Cajun Cowboys

May 5    Foret Tradition

May 12    Paul Daigle & Cajun Gold

May 19    Nik-L-Beer Band

Concert-goers are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, friends and family, but leave the ice chest at home, please. Water, soft drinks and beer may be purchased at the park. Food is often provided by a sponsor.

Thanks to our Spring 2010 sponsors:  Angco Disposal & Landfill, Arsement Machine & Supply, State Representative Bobby Badon, Bruce’s Glass Service, Carencro Catholic School, Cormier’s Upholstery Shop, Don’s Country Mart, Gary Guidry Trucking, Home Bank, Melancon Funeral Home, Melancon Pharmacy, Ms. Mom’s Family Restaurant, Nolan’s Lawnmower Sales & Service, Pat’s Printing, Physical Therapy of Carencro, Prejean Creative, Pizzaville U.S.A., Quality Equipment Company, Rayne State Bank and S & S Auto Sales.

Download the show schedule. See photos from some previous performances. We look forward to you joining us at the Spring 2010 Mercredi shows!

2009 NEWS

Carencro decorated in holiday finery
The Carencro Country Christmas committee has announced the top three entries in the residential and business categories for the holiday decorations contest.

Residential:
Timmy and Carla Duhon
4006 University

Dallas and Debbie Fontenot
503 Lexington Parkway (Magnolia Hills)

Mr. and Mrs. Derick Comeaux
500 St. Esprit

Business:
Evangeline Nursing Home
240 Arceneaux Road

Carpet Mills (John Noel)
5217 N University

Thrifty Way Pharmacy (Sheri Guilbeau-Kelly)
208 St. Peter

Each of the winners received a sign to display at their location noting the honor. The competition was organized by committee members Margaret Rozas, Eldine Burleigh and Iva Clavelle. They expressed thanks to entrants for participating and for making Carencro so pretty for the Christmas season. Residents are encouraged to tour the locations and see the beautiful results.

Mercredi Show Wraps Up Great Fall Season
Thanks to all who attended the fall season of the Mercredi Show, making it a tremendous success. Audiences enjoyed great music, dancing and food at this weekly outdoor concert series, presented by the Parks and Recreation Commission of Carencro and the City of Carencro.

Special thanks to our sponsors for supporting this special community event: Angco Disposal & Landfill, Arsement Machine & Supply, State Representative Bobby Badon, Bruce's Glass Service & Auto Mart, Carencro Catholic School, Cormier's Upholstery Shop, Don's Country Mart, Gary Guidry Trucking, Home Bank, Lee's Body Repair & Auto Discount Sales, Melancon Funeral Home, Melancon Pharmacy, Mouton's Food Mart, Ms. Mom's Family Restaurant, Nolan's Lawnmower Sales & Service, Pat's Printing, Physical Therapy of Carencro, Pizzaville USA, Prejean Creative, and Rayne State Bank.

See some photos of the activities by viewing our Mercredi Show photo gallery. Plan to join us again in the spring for a new season of the Mercredi Show.

Carencro places 3rd in Louisiana Cleanest City Contest
After winning at the district level, the City of Carencro participated in the Cleanest City Contest at the state level on May 5, 2009, and received third place honors. This year was the city’s “come back” year after many years of not participating.

Mayor Glenn L Brasseaux and the City Council wish to thank all our citizens and businesses for participating by keeping their properties neat and trim, and taking pride in our community. Councilman L.J. Boudreaux and his wife, Cel Boudreaux, co-chaired this event and did an excellent job in planning and organizing all the components of the contest.

This contest is sponsored by the Louisiana Garden Club Federation. Each city that participates must be sponsored by a garden club; Lafayette Garden Club was the sponsor for the City of Carencro. Cities participate according to the size of the village, town or city. Carencro has a population of more than 6,000 residents, according to the 2000 census.

With all the help and participation from area residents and businesses throughout the next year, Carencro will be number one again, so watch out next year!

2008 NEWS

Memorial Donation to North Regional Library
Carencro businessman Lee Verret and wife Therese recently donated money to the North Regional Library in Carencro for the purchase of books in memory of Lester Domingue. Photographed at the North Regional Library is L] Brenda Lavergne, library staff member, with R] Mrs. Barbara Domingue. Mrs. Domingue is checking out some of the books that were purchased with the donated funds in honor of her late husband.

CARENCRO PARTICIPATES IN NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
The city of Carencro invites everyone young and old to participate in the city's first National Day of Prayer gathering on May 1. City leaders, local government leaders and the community will join hands in prayer for our city, state and country. The event will be held at the Carencro Community Center. As a community, we will stand with the entire country as it prays together from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Everyone from Acadiana is invited and you can come and go at any time during this period. Lunch will be provided for all who plan to attend.

DONATION BENEFITS NORTH REGIONAL LIBRARY IN CARENCRO
The Friends of the Carencro Library presented a $5,000 check to the Lafayette Public Library in April. The funds will benefit the North Regional Library in Carencro, and will be used to purchase books, puppets for the library’s puppet theater, and outdoor benches. Participating in the presentation were (left to right) Lee Verret, Jimmy Brasseaux, Library Director Sona J. Dombourian, Mayor Glenn Brasseaux, Nelson Quebedeaux, Friends President Abigail Richard, Charlotte Quebedeaux and Cecile Boudreaux. Along with the check, the Friends and members of the Carencro Centennial Committee also donated a centennial quilt, a Carencro centennial poster by Janice Martin, and a framed poem composed in French by Catherine Brasseaux.

CANADIAN FIDDLERS OPEN MERCREDI SHOW 2008 SEASON
The spring session of the Mercredi Show, a free community concert series at Pelican Park, is under way with a great lineup. Alvin Hicks and the Sussex Avenue Fiddlers, from New Brunswick, Canada, opened the season on March 5. The spring schedule is shown below. Performances are from 6-8:30 p.m.

March 19 - Damon Troy & Louisiana Beat
March 26 - Kenny & the Heartbreakers
April 2 - Walter Mouton & the Scott Playboys
April 9 - Geno Delafose & French Rocking Boogie
April 16 - Sonny Bourg & Bayou Blue Band
April 23 - Geno's Boogie & Brass
April 30 - Melanie Foreman & Spellbound

Bring the family, blankets and lawn chairs. No ice chests, please. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

The Mercredi Show will pick up again in the fall, with show dates scheduled every Wednesday from Sept. 17 through Oct. 29. Check back for performer schedules.

NORTH REGIONAL LIBRARY OPEN
Carencro's new 12,000-square-foot North Regional Library is now open in Carencro, with 12,000 square feet of space housing a children's storytelling room, meeting and study rooms, a Friends Shop (Magasin d'amis), a teen area, and a special genealogy area.

Library hours are:
Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m.- 7 p.m
Friday, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

2007 NEWS

CITY OF CARENCRO PRESENTED LIBRARY FOUNDATION AWARD
The Lafayette Public Library has honored the City of Carencro with the Foundation Award, in recognition of the city's "sense of community and long time support of the public library." Mayor Glenn Brasseaux accepted the award on behalf of the city at the Library Foundation's Jazz Awards Brunch in May.

In November 2002, voters in Lafayette Parish overwhelmingly approved a $40 million bond issue to build new regional libraries and renovate the main library. Shortly thereafter, the library director - Gail Smith - was approached by representatives of Carencro about possible land in the city suitable for locating the new library in that part of Lafayette Parish. The City of Carencro has always been supportive of its branch library and library tax issues. There is an active Friends group in Carencro and many constituents use the current 2,000-square-foot facility.

Mayor Glenn Brasseaux and his representatives met in early 2003 with the Library Board and its building committee to discuss the idea of a property donation. Mayor Brasseaux, on behalf of the city, offered 4 acres of land for the library. The property is easily accessible, on University Avenue (Hwy. 182) in Carencro, adjacent to the Carencro Community Center.

The property donation was officially accepted via Intergovernmental Agreement by the Lafayette City/Parish Council in 2005.

The donation allowed the construction schedule to be accelerated. It is the first Regional Library under construction and should open by next summer. With the land donation, the library was able to expand to a 12,000-square-foot facility, instead of the originally planned 10,000 square feet. Future expansion to more than 30,000 square feet is possible.

PELICAN PARK EARNS NATIONAL AWARDS
Pelican Park, Carencro's 32-acre softball complex, has earned three awards recently from the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA). Pelican Park has been named to the USSSA Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes dedication and promotion of USSSA. A formal induction ceremony is scheduled for November 2006.

The Cajun Classic Tournament was named Tournament of the Year for 2005. This tournament runs for eight consecutive weekends and hosts more than 300 teams and 5,000 players.

Jim Thibodeaux was named 2005 Director of the Year. Thibodeaux, park director since 2002, credits the efforts of his staff for this honor. His core team includes Pamela Beckwith, assistant park director, and Marie Duplechin, tournament director.

The park staff managed more than 35 USSSA weekend events, three adult sessions and two youth sessions in 2005. During that period, more than 15,000 participants and 50,000 spectators took part in activities at Pelican Park.

2006 NEWS

PELICAN PARK EARNS NATIONAL AWARDS
Pelican Park, Carencro's 32-acre softball complex, has earned three awards recently from the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA). Pelican Park has been named to the USSSA Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes dedication and promotion of USSSA. A formal induction ceremony is scheduled for November 2006.

The Cajun Classic Tournament was named Tournament of the Year for 2005. This tournament runs for eight consecutive weekends and hosts more than 300 teams and 5,000 players.

Jim Thibodeaux was named 2005 Director of the Year. Thibodeaux, park director since 2002, credits the efforts of his staff for this honor. His core team includes Pamela Beckwith, assistant park director, and Marie Duplechin, tournament director.

The park staff managed more than 35 USSSA weekend events, three adult sessions and two youth sessions in 2005. During that period, more than 15,000 participants and 50,000 spectators took part in activities at Pelican Park.

CHS STATE SOCCER CHAMPS
The Carencro High Bears boys' soccer team won the LHSAA Division I State Soccer Championship with a 3-1 victory over the Fontainebleau Bulldogs on March 4, 2006. Carencro High is one of two Lafayette Parish schools to have won state championships in both football and soccer.

Sean Broussard was named the game's Most Valuable Player. The team is coached by Kert Talley.

Visit our photo gallery to see pictures from the tournament and the soccer banquet.

CARENCRO BRANCH LIBRARY 2006 SUMMER READING PROGRAM "PAWS TO READ"

Toddler Times: for toddlers 18 - 25 months old. Held on the following Tuesdays in April at 9:30 a.m.
April 4, 11, and 25.

Story Times: for children 3 - 5 years old. Held on the following Tuesdays in April at 10:00 a.m.
April 4, 11, and 25.

Water Bottle Craft Workshop: Tuesday, April 11, 2:30 p.m. For ages 7 - 12 years.
To preregister and for more information, call the Carencro Branch Library at 896-3866.

Paws to Read Summer Reading Program: It's going to be "reading cats and dogs" this summer as Lafayette's public libraries celebrate our best friends: pets and books. Dates to Join: May 15 - July 14, 2006. Children earn awards for designated number of minutes read. More details to follow.

Summer Kickoff Celebration: A special event scheduled for Saturday, June 3, from 10:00 until 3:00 at the Main Library, 301 West Congress St. Music, crafts, pets, puppetry, magic, and other free activities are planned. Fun for the entire family.

BREAKING GROUND FOR THE NORTH REGIONAL LIBRARY IN CARENCRO
Ground was broken Oct. 7 in a ceremony for the new North Regional Library in Carencro. A branch of the Lafayette Public Library, the facility will be located adjacent to the Carencro Community Center, which is located at 5115 North University Avenue in Carencro.

The plans for the proposed 12,000-square-foot library, designed by Angelle Architects, include a large meeting room, group study rooms, a breathtaking Kaleidoscope Room for children's storytelling activities, a special teen area, and, for those wanting a quiet corner, a periodicals/reading room. A special Genealogy Area will house genealogical/local history materials and provide a quiet place to do research. The facility will also offer such amenities as a covered drop-off and walkway entrance, a drive up book return and pick up window, a Friends Shop (Magasin d'amis), a vending area, and a public courtyard off the meeting room/storytelling room

The $3.6 million project cost includes construction, the book collection, computers, and furniture.

2005 NEWS

UPDATE ON THE FUTURE NORTH REGIONAL LIBRARY
The City of Carencro has donated 4 acres adjacent to the new Carencro Community Center as the site for the new North Regional Library. The facility was originally planned to be 10,000 sq ft, but thanks to this property donation, the library size will be 12,000 sq. ft. Some of the interior spaces planned include a children's storytelling "Kaleidoscope" Room, meeting and study rooms, a Friends Shop (Magasin d'amis), a teen area, and a special genealogy area. Within the added space of this building, the administration plans to house up to 30 computers, with some of these computers designated for children's use or set as public access catalogs.
A drive-through book return/book pickup area and ample parking will increase access and provide greater convenience for library patrons.

Library and Lafayette Consolidated Government officials are planning to let bids later this summer. Groundbreaking is set for Friday, October 7, 2005, at 4:30 p.m. as part of the Carencro Centennial Celebration. Construction and move-in should be accomplished within 12-15 months, weather permitting.

CENTENNIAL AFGHAN AVAILABLE
The Friends of the Carencro Branch Library, the St. Pierre Genealogical Society and the Carencro Business Association are proud to be the sponsors of the Carencro Centennial Afghan.

This beautiful custom afghan is sure to be a treasured heirloom for years to come. Afghans may be ordered from:

Cel Boudreaux - 896-8834, Friends of the Library

Janice Martin - 896-8105, St. Pierre Genealogical Society

Linda Campbell - 261-9445, Carencro Business Association

The afghans are available for $60 each. This is a set price and they will not be offered for less in the future.
They will be sold through 2005 to celebrate Carencro's Centennial.