Lafayette Louisana Blacksmith Conference

On March 11 we took off on a trip heading to Lafayette, Louisiana. It was fun to go leisurely on Thursday, stopping at a few antique shops. We spent the first night in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. We walked from our hotel to a gas station next door that had Ocean’s fish and chicken. We ordered chicken liver and gizzard dinners to take back to our hotel room. They were probably the best we have ever had. The cook asked if we wanted their special seasonings. I wonder if they sell their seasonings. 

We arrived at the conference site Friday afternoon just as they were setting up. We visited with our friends from way up north! It was good to see Nathan, Dick and Myron. New to us was Wayne that came with them.

A beautiful auction item that our friend Richard bought. 

I took the BAM boutique items and Bernie’s 51 pair of tongs. Sales were very good Saturday. The crowd was very small Sunday, but I still sold a few things.

On Sunday afternoon I walked with friends to Vermillionville, just across the parking lot. With my senior discount it cost me $8.

The three Missouri blacksmiths visit, Ken, Steve and Bernie.

They had cool tee shirts for only $10.

Nathan Robertson, Jackpine Forge was the demonstrator for both days.,

Vermillionville is a living history museum and folklife park. It represents several of the difference communities that lived, worked and played in what today is known as Arcadiana Louisiana today; the Arcadians, the Creoles, the Native Americans, and the African descendants of the area.

We were entertained by the accordion player. 

This quilt hanging from the ceiling of course caught my eye.

The loom is put together with pegs!

She was making pine needle baskets.

The blacksmith was more busy talking about the musical instrument he was making and the music of the area, then he was about being a blacksmith. 

A Catholic Church. 

I fell in love with this beveled, pie crust, cut mirror/coat hook! 

Notice the fly fan over the table. Someone from the side of the room had to pull the rope.

The last stop was at this small Cajun market. There we picked up seasonings for our blacksmith friend, Pat  back in Washington Missouri.