Good morning, Lafayette.

Olivia Miller, five, is named the first Limitless Little Ambassador for the Scott Boudin Festival, which runs April 10-12.

She will parade with the queens to share a message of inclusion (festival officials say) and celebrate acceptance (parents note her inspiring joy).

Good Friday saw a surge at Lafayette’s The Cajun Table as locals flocked to enjoy traditional crawfish meals amid rising prices; the restaurant reported an average of $6.46 per pound, 21% above typical rates despite labor shortages at nearby farms and processing facilities.

A rocket built nearly 90% in Louisiana powered NASA’s Artemis II mission that launched on April 1 and sent a crew farther than any past human flight — a milestone for New Orleans’ aerospace industry.

MMR Group held a grand opening last Thursday at the former Southern Glazer’s facility on East Pont Des Mouton Road when its new modular systems division launched to supply turnkey data center solutions and create 196 jobs, with a $500,000 state grant — fueling renovations and expansion onto an adjacent lot.

Andrew Mims will release his upcoming book that explains common estate planning mistakes and offers expert advice to help Louisiana residents avoid disputes in wills and trusts.

RISE Acadiana will host its first Rock the Lot cornhole tournament on Saturday, Apr.

18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 300 Rue Beauregard, Building H to raise funds for local Parkinson's support. Teams register for ($100) or ($50) if a member has Parkinson's; prizes and demos are planned.

Louisiana offers affordable in-network childbirth, costing $7,981 for a vaginal delivery and $8,996 for a C-section.

The state supports expecting mothers with its no-cost LaMOMS program (covering pregnancy care and one-year newborn Medicaid).

A New Orleans favorite dish, Crawfish Monica (featuring pasta with a creamy, spicy sauce and Louisiana crawfish), was prepared by Al Hebert and food blogger Melanie Cagel in Lafayette on Friday for the Friday Feed brought by Kirk's U Needa Butcher.

The average home sale price in Lafayette Parish hit $307,353 through February, up 7% from $286,380 last year as luxury listings boosted prices.

In February, 261 sales were recorded, the highest since 2022, & new listings rose 4.8% from last year.

Westgate High made history in the 337 as the first school to compete in Louisiana’s inaugural girls flag football season (launched in partnership with the New Orleans Saints and the NFL) with senior Stevenisha Jones guiding the team.

Southeastern Louisiana Lions vs. Louisiana Ragin Cajuns Baseball

6-10 p.m. — ML 'Tigue' Moore Field at Russo Park — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling college baseball matchup between two local teams.

Fit for All Series: Tai Chi

Tai Chi in the Park — Time TBD — Moncus Park — Free entry — Slow down and move with intention through gentle, low-impact Tai Chi exercises.

Artist Talk with Kathy Reed and Steve Breaux

4:30 – 6:00 PM — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Free entry — Engage with accomplished artists discussing their work and influence in the local arts community.

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers vs Louisiana Ragin Cajuns Softball

12 – 4 AM — Yvette Girouard Field at Lamson Park — Entry price varies — Catch the excitement of college softball as Coastal Carolina takes on the Ragin Cajuns.

Comedy on the Swamp

9-11 a.m. — Feed & Seed Lafayette — Free admission — Local wheelchair comedian sharing laughs and meaningful messages from Lafayette, Louisiana.

2026 Annual Session of the Louisiana Dental Hygienists' Association

7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — City Club at River Ranch — Registration required — Enhance your skills with engaging sessions and networking opportunities for dental professionals.

Festival After Party with Pirates and Bards

8 PM – 2 AM — Artmosphere — Check for ticket info — A night of banjo twang, sea shanties, and street-singin’ chaos awaits.

Lafayette Utility Coordination Diggers Night Out

5:45-8 p.m. — River Oaks Catering — Free entry — Network with utility professionals at a fun evening focused on damage prevention and socializing.

Acadiana Go Red for Women Luncheon

11 AM – 2 PM — Le Pavillon at Parc Lafayette — Ticket details not provided — Celebrate women's heart health with the American Heart Association's annual event featuring expert talks and community awareness.

Kappa Derby Day Party

3-9 p.m. — Calvary Creek — Fundraiser event — Celebrate the Derby with style while supporting community initiatives.