Lafayette Reporter

LAFAYETTE PARISH BURIES TIME CAPSULE TO COMMEMORATE BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS

Lafayette, LA - Lafayette Parish has concluded its year-long celebration of its Bicentennial with the burial of two time capsules, marking a historic milestone for the community. The capsules, one set to be opened in 2073 and the other in 2123, contain a diverse range of items that represent the culture and heritage of Lafayette Parish, offering future residents a glimpse into life as it is today.

The ceremony, held at Lafayette City-Parish Hall, was attended by city and parish officials, as well as members of the community. Mayor-President Josh Guillory highlighted the importance of including a variety of items in the time capsules to showcase the diversity and uniqueness of the community. He remarked, "Over the last 200 years, our parish has come so far. We are truly blessed here in Lafayette right now. We are currently the shining example in our state."

The contents of the time capsules were carefully selected to capture the vibrant life and traditions of Lafayette. Musical treasures such as traditional zydeco and Cajun instruments were included, along with recorded interviews with respected cultural elders and historians. Additionally, digital photographs were chosen to represent the current landscape and lifestyle of Lafayette.

Letters from notable entities such as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Lafayette Travel were also included in the time capsules. The mayors of surrounding municipalities, including Youngsville Mayor Ken Ritter and Scott Mayor Jan-Scott Richard, submitted letters that painted a diverse portrait of the parish as it stands today. Mayor Ritter expressed his hopes for the future, stating, "I hope future residents will agree that we've done our part to prepare Youngsville and Lafayette Parish for the future." Mayor Richard added, "My hope is that future generations appreciate our history and how progressive we were."

The burial of the time capsules serves as a symbolic representation of Lafayette Parish's past, present, and future. The Bicentennial celebrations have been a time of reflection, appreciation, and unity for the community. Lafayette International Center Director of International Trade and Development Dave Domingue commented, "It's been a year of discovery and celebrations, uncovering wonderful aspects of the many traditions and cultures that produce our rich and vibrant community." The Bicentennial celebrations have demonstrated the community's resilience, strength, and pride.

Sami Parbhoo, Bicentennial Coordinator, stated, "The burial of the time capsule will be a fitting end to this momentous year and a reminder of the rich history and culture that make Lafayette Parish a special place." As the time capsule is buried, it will serve as a symbol of hope and unity for future generations of Lafayette Parish.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.lafayettela.gov/news/news-releases/2023/12/28/lafayette-parish-buries-time-capsule-to-commemorate-bicentennial-celebrations