Have otherworldly fun in Opelousas

• By JUDY BERGERON
• Advocate News Features staff
• Published: Oct 11, 2009

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The spirits of merchants, priests and judges from the community’s past are coming alive through actors during this year’s tours at St. Landry Catholic Church Cemetery in Opelousas.

The theme this year is “Remembering the Call to Community Service.” Tours began Oct. 10 and run at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. today, Oct. 11, and Sunday, Oct. 18; and 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17.

Through the actors’ dialogues, visitors will learn how these former residents overcame the challenges of yesteryear and created opportunities for future generations. Among those being portrayed will be merchant J.B. Sandoz, played by family member Ed Dubuisson; and an orphan train rider, played by Sister Mary Bernadette Beyer. Visitors will also hear from, among others, the spirits of Father A.B. Colliard, who served during the church’s construction 100 years ago; Charles Thibodeaux, church craftsman; and Judge Arthur Simon, who will give a historical perspective on justice.

Funds raised from the hour-long tours are used for historical restoration of abandoned gravesites. More than 30 abandoned gravesites have been preserved in the last six years from tour proceeds.

Tickets are $10 each and sold the day of the tours at the cemetery, North Main and Broussard streets. For more information, call (337) 942-6552. Groups of 20 or more should call (337) 942-8318. The tours are not handicapped accessible and are not suitable for children 10 and younger.

Tours today at Bocage

The recently reopened Bocage Plantation in Darrow will be open for preview tours today during the Awesome Art in Autumn Gardens Art & Cultural Festival at nearby Houmas House Plantation and Gardens.

The tours will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5; free to children younger than 12.

The festival will offer music, artisan demonstrations, author book signings, and more than 300 pieces of art on display and for sale. Admission is $10.

For more information, call (225) 328-7358 or go to http://www.artgumbo.org or http://www.houmashouse.com.

In addition to regular daily tours for $10, Bocage also has four rooms available for overnight bed and breakfast guests. Prices start at $200 per night.

The grand mansion, on 110 acres, was built in 1837 and has been restored to its past grandeur. The owner is Dr. Marion Rundell, a native of Louisiana and a Houston pathologist.

The plantation will also be available for weddings, meeting, luncheons, teas and dinners.