Good morning, Lafayette.

The Acadiana Regional Coalition on Homelessness and Housing recorded 410 people experiencing homelessness, a 7% drop from last year, although the loss of 20 shelter beds increased the unsheltered share from 41% to 50% (29 veterans included).

Rising rents contributed to these trends.

Lafayette Public Works installed about 5,500 barricades along a 4.5-mile parade route on Thursday to secure Mardi Gras celebrations, even as traffic slowed, and local business owners say the measures boost commerce + community spirit.

The Mardi Gras season kicked off on Feb.

6 with the Krewe de Canailles Parade downtown, where members celebrated a 'Roadside Attractions' theme (the city's only walking parade) in Lafayette.

Students at Martial Billeaud Elementary in Broussard enjoyed lunch featuring pizza soup made from garden ingredients as part of the Cuisine du Jardin (school garden program).

The initiative pairs a local chef and elected official to help students learn new cooking skills and try different foods.

New Orleans-based author Jeanette Weiland visited Milton, Green T.

Linden, and Ernest Gallet Elementary Schools today as she read her books Red Beans and Rice, Beignets for Breakfast, and Alligator Stew to spark imaginative learning among students.

Lafayette Parish School System has unveiled plans for a $50 million K-8 school on the northside that will merge Baranco Elementary, J.W.

Faulk Elementary and Paul Breaux Middle, with groundbreaking planned in late spring. A public meeting for feedback is scheduled for February 19 at Baranco Elementary.

Entergy Louisiana restored power for nearly all customers nearly two weeks after an ice storm left about 130,000 without electricity—169 customers, including 91 in Ouachita Parish, still lack service as officials plan to question the utility's storm preparedness.

The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office signed a contract with Faith House of Acadiana on Feb.

6 to use a downtown office space, boosting coordination with law enforcement & service providers to help survivors access shelter, advocacy and support. The move aimed to strengthen public safety and reduce incidents of violence.

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.

Shadows Arts & Crafts Festival

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Shadows-on-the-Teche — $5 admission for adults — Browse original hand-crafted items and enjoy local food and drinks in a beautiful garden setting.