Cajun French Music Association of Louisiana, Lake Charles Chapter

The Cajun French Music Association of Louisiana, Lake Charles Chapter is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Cajun music and culture. It is part of the larger Cajun French Music Association (CFMA), which was founded by Harry LaFleur in November 1984.

History and Purpose

The Lake Charles Chapter was chartered in 1987, with the overarching goal of fostering Cajun heritage through various cultural activities. This includes organizing conversational Cajun French classes, Cajun dance lessons, Cajun music lessons, and a Cajun Choir. These initiatives aim to enrich community engagement with traditional Cajun practices.

Events and Activities

• Annual Cajun Music and Food Festival: This event is held on the third weekend of July and has been recognized as one of the top twenty events by the Southwest Louisiana Tourism Society. It brings together enthusiasts to celebrate Cajun music and cuisine.

• Miss Cajun Music Pageant: Conducted a week before the annual festival, this pageant further enhances the celebration of Cajun culture by recognizing outstanding talents in the community.

• Mardi Gras Krewe and Dance Troupe: The chapter participates in Mardi Gras celebrations with its own Krewe and dance troupe, reinforcing its commitment to preserving and promoting Cajun traditions.

Community Contributions

The organization has made significant contributions to the community. It has donated over $15,000 to an endowment at McNeese State University Foundation. This endowment supports scholarships for schools in the area that offer French classes, thereby encouraging the continuation of Cajun language and culture.

Membership and Participation

The Lake Charles Chapter welcomes both Cajun and non-Cajun members. It encourages active participation in its activities, fostering a community that values the preservation of Cajun heritage. The chapter is actively involved in promoting cultural awareness and education about the richness and diversity of Cajun traditions.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cajun_French_Music_Association [2] http://cfmalakecharles.com [3] https://cfmalakecharles.com/index.php/building/ [4] https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/329344750/cajun-french-music-association/ [5] https://www.pledge.to/organizations/72-1109586/cajun-french-music-association-of-louisiana-lake-charles-chapter