Good morning, Lafayette.

Just minutes from downtown Lafayette, residents remembered the historic Fightingville neighborhood for its integrated community featuring Black-owned businesses, music, and shared traditions.

They gathered during Black History Month at a panel discussion and block party to honor a legacy (echoing memories of pride and togetherness that cared for its own).

Lafayette’s Beads for Less had its busiest Mardi Gras day Saturday on Bertrand Drive — despite cold weather — as locals and krewe members returned after a slow weekend.

The store noted online delays and expects more excitement with the Krewe of Rio Parada set for Feb. 7.

A new Tax Foundation report finds Louisiana’s combined sales tax rate is 10.11% (the highest nationwide for the third year) thanks to a local sales tax averaging 5.11% that local governments rely on because weak property taxes limit revenue.

The Daily Advertiser has opened voting for Athlete of the Week featuring top high school players from local basketball and soccer contests held from Jan.

26-Feb. 1 (voting closes at 9 a.m. Friday).

Mardi Gras Mambo II

1-3 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $30 per person — Enjoy a family-friendly art session in a lively atmosphere.

Courir de Mardi Gras

10 AM – 4 PM — Lafayette Parish Bayou Vermilion District — Free entry — Experience a vibrant family-friendly Mardi Gras run with traditional music and gumbo gathering.

Roux Fest Gumbo Cookoff

5-8 p.m. — Blackham Coliseum — Proceeds support local nonprofits — Experience a vibrant gumbo showdown blending tradition and innovation with live music.

The Hub Lafayette Runwell 5K Walk/Run

8 AM – 12 PM — Geaux Run by Fleet Feet — Registration fees apply — Enjoy a family-friendly 5K and Kids Fun Run in Lafayette.

SPE International Conference on Formation Damage Control

February 18-20 — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette — Check website for cost — A conference focusing on engineering challenges in formation damage control.

Chris Thomas King Concert

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Ticketed event — Experience the soulful sounds of Chris Thomas King, a significant figure in folk blues history.

Ragin' Cajuns All Girl Cheer Clinic

3:00–6:00 p.m. — EK Long Annex — Registration required — Elevate your cheer skills with hands-on training and recruitment opportunities led by experienced coaches.

Candlelight Concert: Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons

6:00-6:59 p.m. — Petroleum Club of Lafayette — Tickets required — Experience a magical evening of live music featuring the hits of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons.

NoCap Live in Concert

9 p.m. — The District Event Center — No refunds — Experience an electrifying night with NoCap live in Lafayette.