PRESS RELEASE

Sept. 5, 2014

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Céline Alis

(337) 365-1540

(888) 942-3742

celine@iberiatravel.com

iberiatravel.com

Iberia Parish Convention

and Visitors Bureau

Delcambre to hold dock grand opening Sept. 6, 2014

DELCAMBRE, La. --- The Twin Parish Port Commission in Delcambre will hold the greatly anticipated grand opening of its new boat launch facility at 605 S. Railroad St. on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014.

There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. officially dedicating the landing and pavilion facility, and the unveiling of the facility's name and logo.

"We're so excited, we can't sleep," said Wendell Verret, the port director. The process of applying and receiving grant funds for construction of the facility started in 2007. The total cost from acquisition to construction is $4 million as derived from federal funds as well as a local contribution from the port itself.

"This is an exciting day for the people of Delcambre and for anyone who loves fishing and fresh seafood," said Pat Forbes, executive director of the Louisiana Office of Community Development, which contributed $3.4 million in disaster recovery funds to the project. "This boat launch, fishing pier and pavilion will be a great economic boost and continue to help Delcambre's recovery from hurricanes Rita and Ike."

The site not only provides a much needed boat launch and parking for recreational and commercial fishermen, but three docking piers for shrimp boat direct seafood sales and a fishing pier for the public. The open air pavilion features a 75-by-100 feet, insulated vented roof with an additional 50 feet uncovered concrete slab for future expansion.

"Even in the heat of the day, you can feel the air surging up and through the vents," Verret said. "It's a fantastic facility with awesome evening views."

The commission anticipates many business and community opportunities including fundraising events, educational programs and private function use. There are immediate openings for a bait shop, bulk ice machine, boat wash and fish cleaning station. Future additions include an RV park and drystack boat storage.

The Delcambre Seafood and Farmers Market will start after the ceremony and continue until 4 p.m. under the newly constructed pavilion. Local vendors will offer fresh and delicious meats, seafood, vegetables, produce, preserves, as well as handmade crafts, among many other artisan creations. Shrimp boats are expected to be docked and selling their fresh catch.

This family-oriented event will include activities for both adults and children to enjoy. There will be a fun jump, a wetlands exhibit with live alligators, food vendors --- such as CJ's Snowcones with cool treats and chicken nachos, the Delcambre Center, with their famous hamburgers and chili dogs, Nel's Creole Connection with crab cakes, fried shrimp and fish, and chargrilled oysters --- as well as many other vendors and events.

In addition, Executive Chef Pat Mould of BestLife Iberia will serve samples of his delicious creations and present cooking demonstrations.

Live musical entertainment to get the party started begins at noon with The Tee Chaoui Trio Band, playing until 4 p.m., followed by The Babineaux Sisters until 7 p.m., and The Beau Young Band rocking into the night until 10 p.m. And for those over the age of 21 looking to indulge in an ice cold adult beverage, drinks will be served beginning at 4 p.m. ID required.

For information, contact Wendell Verret at 800-884-6120 Ext.1 or wverret@PortOfDelcambre.com

The Iberia Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official parish marketing agency promoting New Iberia, Avery Island, Jefferson Island, Jeanerette, Loreauville and Delcambre as a destination. Marketing programs target leisure travelers, business travelers, media, entertainment industry, and the travel trade including group tour planners, meeting planners, sports planners and special event planners. The bureau operates a parish welcome center located at 2513 Hwy. 14 in New Iberia.

For more information on parish events and tourism assets, call the Iberia Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau at 337-365-1540 or visit www.iberiatravel.com

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