New Iberia, The Biggest Small Town

I fled here from the greater New Orleans area to escape Katrina 12 years ago. I never knew how much I would come to love my new home town. My husband and I were 32 weeks pregnant with our first child when Katrina hit, and New Iberia welcomed us with open arms. The family, food, friends, and festivals here are truly like no where else. Once you see all that this small town has to offer you might want to make it yours as well.

New Iberia is about to have it's 28th annual World Championship Gumbo Cook-off starting on Saturday October 14, 2017. This festival showcases the talents of our region with musical artist such as, Chubby Carrier, Hwy 90, Two in the Chamber, Jaryd Lane, Jason Miller Band, Geno Delafosse, and Roddie Romero at the pavilion on our beautiful historic downtown Main Street. This highlighted festival is just one of many that showcase our community. The food is outstanding as are the people that attend. Just like the Gumbo soup, our town, our parish, is a melting pot of different flavors. Smiling, greeting, and talking to a random passerby is a common practice here.

I started my now family of five in this town and can't imagine doing it anywhere else. This family friendly parish with a population of 72,296 has everything a family could ask for. With our Churches, libraries, schools, and community events, there is always something to do for free or for a small fee. We have world famous tourist spots too, like the Tabasco factory at Avery Island, a must see for any visitor. Everywhere you turn the people here are ready to tell you where to get the best boudin, or have you seen the latest show at IPAL. New Iberia is steeped in history and a love of community.

New Iberia isn't far from Baton Rouge, Lafayette, or even New Orleans, but I am always happy to come home to this small town. New Iberia has remained my safe haven from all the noise of the outside world. Here we strive to love our neighbors as ourselves. WE certainly LOVE to break a delicious French Bread together, and then dance off into the night at a Fais do-do. I hope that y'all can come an visit sometime.