Economic Development
The St. Landry Parish Economic and Industrial Development District focuses on developing employment opportunities, promoting economic development in disadvantaged communities, improving infrastructure, and promoting the overall welfare of the citizens of the parish. For more information on establishing and developing businesses in St. Landry Parish, contact Gerard Perron, executive director (337) 948-1391; fax (337) 407-2283. For additional resources, contact Frankie Bertrand, PCD, executive vice president of the Opelousas-St. Landry Chamber of Commerce, 121 W. Vine St., Opelousas, LA 70570; phone (337) 942-2683; fax (337) 942-2684. The Louisiana Electronic Assistance Program has a wealth of business information about the state. Opelousas is the site of the T.H. Harris campus of Louisiana Technical College, a statewide system of vocational-technical schools.
As noted in the opening section of this page, Opelousas has received a very significant economic boost with the opening of a major Wal-Mart distribution center. In addition, Evangeline Downs, a horse racing track currently located in Lafayette, is moving to a site near Opelousas. A large entertainment complex is being constructed as part of the new race track facilities.
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Washington, located just down the road from Opelousas (and easily accessible from I-49), still maintains much of the charm of an antebellum town that was settled about 1800. Before the Civil War, it was a turning point for steam vessels that traveled up the Mississippi from New Orleans. The town has a number of fine old homes, some of which are open for tours. The style of homes ranges from board and batten Acadian cottages to plantation houses. Many stores in the commercial district also retain the old shop fronts from late in the 19th century. For more information on tour hours and admission charges, stop by the Washington Museum and Tourist Center, 402 N. Main. St., in downtown Washington, LA 70589. The museum features artifacts from steamboat era. Open daily 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (337) 826-3626 or 826-3627. 
Grand Coteau, located south of Opelousas just east of I-47, is the home of the 
The highlight of the festival, held in Port Barre in November and sponsored by the Lions Club, is the annual cracklin’ cookoff. (Cracklings or gratons are fried pork skins.) Visitors have a chance to sample this Louisiana treat as prepared by the very best cracklin’ cooks. Other Louisiana food items are also for sale. The festival includes a parade, music, carnival rides, and crafts. For details, phone (337) 585-6251.
The festival is held the Saturday before Labor Day. Bring your lawn chairs and be prepared to enjoy more than 12 hours of music performed by top Zydeco artists. The festival site is in the countryside just north of Plaisance on Highway 167. For more information, contact the Festival Office, 361 Congress Street, Opelousas, LA 70570; (337) 942-2392. For schedule information, go to the 
The festival is usually held during the last weekend of October. The Yambilee celebrates the harvest of yams or sweet potatoes. In addition to a variety of activities at the Yambilee Building, the festival features a parade led by the Yambilee king and queen beginning about noon on Sunday. Phone (337) 948-8848 or 1-800-210-5298.
The current structure, completed in 1909, is the fourth church building erected on the site since 1799. The history of the church goes back even farther: it was first established north of Opelousas in the mid-1700s. The first marriage of Jim Bowie is recorded in the church.