Tourist Commission Visits Abacus
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
The recently-opened Abacus Coffee Shop on Creswell Lane in Opelousas served as the venue Thursday morning for the January meeting of St. Landry Tourist Commission networking meeting.
Abacus owner Robert Fruge presented the 23 persons in attendance with an overview of the recent renovation project for his business which includes coffee and a variety of beverages that augment the pastries, sandwiches, soups and gumbo served to customers since the final quarter of 2025.
Those who attended the meeting provided monthly updates on their businesses and non-profits in addition to receiving gumbo and croissant sandwiches to-go, courtesy of Fruge.
Officials with the Town of Washington revealed plans for the annual plant sale sponsored by the town’s Garden Club, while Ecole Saint Landry charter school principal Lindsay Smythe, explained how her students will use the newly-repaired former Sunset High School later in 2026.
Tourism director Herman Fuselier revealed parish tourism updates and communications manager Mary Hawkins reminded those attending of the annual Feb. 12 King Cake social and tasting competition scheduled at the Tourist Center at Nuba off Interstate-49.
On Saturday the tourist center will host the monthly jam session.
January-February Mardi Gras Events
The Opelousas Imperial Mardi Gras Ball will be held at the Yambilee Building on Jan. 24, the same day as the LeBeau Mardi Gras Ball held at the church hall.
Krotz Springs hosts the Lil’ La Riviere Mardi Gras Jan. 31, followed by the five-day Eunice Mardi Gras event Feb. 13-17.
Cankton will hold the Courir de Mardi Gras Feb. 14 at Landon Pitre Memorial Park.
In Opelousas the annual Mardi Gras parade down Landry Street will be held Feb. 17, followed by Zyde-Gras on The Square at the Courthouse.
