Our favorite time of year is just around the corner – Mardi Gras! This year’s Mardi Gras a ‘Lafayette is set to the be our best show yet, and we’d love to have you join us for the party! Service Chevrolet Cadillac is proud to continue our yearly sponsorship for Le Festival de Mardi Gras with the Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association, and together we’re ready to make this year’s celebration unforgettable.
As a presenting sponsor for over 20 years, our Chevy trucks have proven their reliability and dependability each time they’ve pulled the floats in Le Festival de Mardi Gras, and they’re more than ready to take on the challenge again – but we’re mixing it up a bit this year – the new 2019 Cadillac Escalade will join our trucks in pulling the floats!
Not only do we love celebrating with our community, but we love to give back as much as we can. Le Festival de Mardi Gras is another way that allows us to do so, as we will collect Mardi Gras beads during each parade to support LARC. LARC is a local non-profit organization that provides assistance to those with developmental disabilities & their families. We also continue to collect beads donations for a few weeks after the Mardi Gras festivities end, so we can provide the highest support possible for LARC!
The first parade Service Chevrolet Cadillac will present for this year’s Mardi Gras is the Krewe of Rio Parada on February 23rd! After that, Le Festival de Mardi Gras a ’Lafayette begins on March 1st at Cajun Field and the celebrations run through the 7th!
All parades will begin at the corner of Simcoe, Jefferson and Surrey streets and end at Cajun Field, except for the Children’s Parade which is abbreviated. Not only are there the exciting parades to look forward to, but Mardi Gras a ‘Lafayette also offers a carnival midway, live music, and delicious local food! Take a look at the wonderful parades we will be leading below, we hope to see you out there!
February 23rd
- Krewe of Rio Parada
March 2nd
- Children’s Parade
- Krewe of Bonaparte Parade
March 4th
- Queen Evangeline’s Parade
March 5th
- King Gabriel’s Parade
- Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival Parade
- Townsquare Media Independent Parade
Click here for the 2019 Le Festival de Mardi Gras Parade Route
The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox comes in great trim levels with plenty of options, so you can find your perfect match. Various configurations and engines are available with each trim, so you can get the power, control, and features you want all wrapped in one SUV. Here are some specifics of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox trims.
L Trim
Starting with the base trim, the L, the 2019 Equinox does not disappoint. This trim comes with the 1.5-liter turbo engine and front-wheel drive. The L trim’s four-cylinder engine puts out 170 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine has the power to tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.
Inside the L trim, you’ll find a 7-inch touch screen featuring Chevrolet’s Infotainment 3 System and a 3.5-inch multi-informational display in the instrument cluster. Drivers will also enjoy the Wi-Fi capabilities available with all trim levels of the 2019 Equinox.
LS Trim
Take a step up to the LS trim, and you’ll find some added perks inside and out. LS trims offer an all-wheel-drive configuration as well as an interior enhancement package. The LS features the same engine as the base trim. But it makes several exterior and interior upgrades available that are not options with the base trim.
Anglers from all around the world head to Louisiana for the fishing. Whether you want to fish the bayou, the lake, or a river, you can do it in and around Lafayette. The area offers all kinds of fishing, from catfish to trout, redfish, flounder, and more. Here are some reasons why Lafayette is a great place to fish. 
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Spring Bass Fishing
There are some excellent bass fishing opportunities along the Mississippi River and its backwaters. Anglers can also head to Lake Pontchartrain and the Toledo Bend Reservoir for freshwater bass fishing in the spring. The coves with lots of cover attract many bass, and they use this area for spawning.
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Louisiana Redfishing
Louisiana Redfishing is a company that offers both marsh and bay fishing charters along with saltwater fly fishing. Book a trip with Captain Nash, an experienced fishing guide with over 25 years of experience who is known as one of the best redfishing guides in Louisiana.
You can take a charter out of Cypremort Point State Park or out on Vermillion Bay for some of the best fishing in the area. Captain Troy is the guide to choose for nearshore fishing when the tides are right. The charters go out in a 2200 Bay Ranger Bay Boat designed for shallow water. It holds the captain and two to three anglers.
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The Iberia Rod & Gun Club’s Saltwater Fishing Rodeo
Each year, the Iberia Rod & Gun Club holds its annual Saltwater Fishing Rodeo. It takes place every summer at the beginning of July with all kinds of competitions for anglers of all ages. The event includes junior, offshore, kayak, inside, and diving divisions with trophies for the winners in each category. There’s always live entertainment and fun activities for the whole family. You can buy a ticket to participate at several businesses, including Cajun Guns & Tackle and Las’ Stop Marina.
The Chevy Bolt: An Entry-Level Electric Compact Car
Anyone looking to step into the world of electric cars should consider the Chevy Bolt. This compact car makes for an excellent entry-level electric vehicle (EV). choosing to drive an EV comes with a few changes, especially in the fuel department. Suddenly a gas station is a touch unnecessary and knowing where you can charge your car on the go becomes much more important. Here are a few great reasons to make the Bolt your first EV.
What You Need to Know About Your First EV
First of all, the Chevy Bolt is an excellent first choice for an EV. One of the things that not everyone understands about EVs is how the car is powered. Unlike a hybrid engine, there’s no gasoline in a true EV. It runs entirely on a battery, which can be charged in a few ways.
The best and most efficient way to charge your EV is at home with a 240-volt charging cable. However, it’s possible to find charging stations at grocery stores, parking garages, and similar locations. There’s usually a small fee associated with charging your car at these stations. Using these in addition to at-home charging will ensure you always have the juice to get you where you need to go. It’s good to have a full charge knowing you can’t just stop at a gas station every 20 miles.
Another great thing to know is that some EVs may be eligible for a sizable tax credit on models built up to 2020. Not only will you be saving money by skipping the gasoline, but you’ll also be getting a nice bonus at tax time. Just remember to put some of your gas allowances into your electric bill, as it should increase with the extra kilowatt-hour usage.
The Bolt Will Take You There
Many compact EVs have a limited range that may be just over 100 miles. However, the Bolt doubles this number with a driving range of 238 miles. This is one of the best ranges in the EV market outside of more luxurious top-of-the-line models. Using the quick charge feature, you can send an extra 90 miles to your battery with just 30 minutes of charging time.
Here’s one of the most exciting aspects of owning an EV: No more oil changes! Without a combustion engine needing lubrication, you no longer need to spend time or money on changing the motor oil. Brakes, fluid hoses, and other mechanical components will still need regular upkeep, though.
It’s always an exciting adventure when discovering new food is involved! There’s something about trying a new restaurant that’s so exciting and memorable. Will you discover a new favorite? Check out some of these restaurants that are worth the drive in Lafayette. Your taste buds will thank you.
Grab Some Dinner at Bon Temps Grille
For a bit of southern-style barbecue and seafood, head over to Bon Temps on Verot School Road. Bring your appetite. The portions are generous and the food is delicious.
Start your meal off with some delectable appetizers, such as the jumbo crab cakes or shrimp and grits. If you’re not interested in seafood, the menu includes soup and salad starters, as well. For dinner, opt for the build-your-own entrees. The seafood option gives you the choice of trout, redfish, or Mahi Mahi as well as your pick of sauce and sides. Meat lovers have a wide range of choices, too, including Cajun jerk chicken, filet mignon, and baby back ribs. The meat options also come with a selection of one or two sides.
Grab a Quick Bite at the Rusted Rooster
If you’re looking for a quick and affordable breakfast or lunch option, the Rusted Rooster located on Saint Landry Street may just hit the spot. It’s a great place to grab a quick salad, burger, or some tasty breakfast. Menu options are simple but flavorful and will certainly be the right choice if you’re hungry and not in the mood to cook. The rustic homestyle theming of the restaurant gives the whole experience a memorable touch.
The Rusted Rooster offers several excellent club-style sandwiches including Miss Patt’s Melt, which is a beef patty that’s been topped with grilled onions and Swiss cheese. It’s served between two hearty slices of toasted bread. The Holy Cow burger is rich and delicious, too. This marvel of ground beef is topped with grilled onions, bacon, cheddar, Creole tomatoes, and a house-made rooster sauce.
Get Your Job Done Right with the 2019 Silverado 1500
If you’ve got a big job ahead of you or you’d like to buy a new RV for a family road trip, you’ll want a truck that can tow just about any payload. Thankfully, you can get the job done right with the 2019 Chevy Silverado. Its impressive towing capacity and multiple engine configurations make it the perfect truck for towing, whether your needs be work or fun related. Here’s a quick guide to what each engine option will give you in regards to towing and performance.
4.3-Liter V-6 Ecotec
The smallest and least powerful engine in the 2019 Silverado 1500 lineup is the 4.3-liter V-6. Equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, this engine produces 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. Any trims equipped with this powertrain will be able to tow up to 7,600 pounds. While this is plenty capable, you’ll want a more powerful engine if you plan on trailering larger items.
How the 2019 Chevy Equinox Meets Your Every Need
The Chevy Equinox is a mid-size SUV with lots to offer. It’s loaded with tons of technology to make your life a bit easier. You’ll also find other great features that make everyone a little safer or keep you entertained on long road trips. There’s certainly lots to love about the 2019 Equinox. Here are a few of the top features.
The Equinox Makes Everything More Convenient
Some features on the 2019 Equinox help make life more convenient. Accessing the cargo area has never been easier, for example. The hands-free liftgate can be opened with a wave of your foot, so even when you’re hauling a bunch of groceries or some luggage, accessing the cargo area is a piece of cake.
Similarly, the rear-view camera system is especially useful in the 2019 Equinox. Like most SUVs and larger vehicles, your rear vision can be impeded. The camera solves this issue with ease. The HD monitor not only displays the rear-view camera angle, but a simulated bird’s eye view is also projected on the console screen. This helps make parking in tight spaces a breeze.
Feature-Rich Infotainment System
Many new models are receiving updated consoles with touch screens and lots of amazing features. The console included with the 2019 Equinox is no exception. It’s equipped with the latest and greatest in-demand tech and entertainment features. Anyone with a device with wireless charging will love the optional wireless charging station.
Chevrolet’s robust entertainment system includes USB ports and Bluetooth device compatibility. Before you know it you’ll be a master of the cabin, controlling phone calls and music with just the sound of your voice. When it comes to music entertainment, the two big features to look for are Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 2019 Equinox has both.
So you’ve got your brand new 2019 Silverado, now it’s time to personalize it your way – including hooking up your iPhone! The all-new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado brings along the new Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system where you can perform an array of tasks via phone connectivity. Here is how to connect your iPhone to the 2019 Chevy Silverado:
- Make sure your vehicle is in park, as the Bluetooth pairing process is disabled when the car is in motion.
- To use voice recognition, press the Press to Talk button; after the beep, say “Pair phone”; To pair via the infotainment menu screen, select the Phone icon, then select “Phones” then select “Pair Device or Search Device” to add your device
- From the phone’s Bluetooth settings, select the name shown on the infotainment screen.
- Follow the pairing instructions
- When pairing is complete, the phone screen will be displayed. Also depending on the phone, your phone book may be downloaded automatically when it pairs to the system
Now that you’ve paired your iPhone to your Chevy Silverado, you can enjoy a variety of tasks hands-free! This includes: make and answer calls, listen to text messages, access contact lists, select applications, music playlists and more! Furthermore, a secondary phone can be paired with the Bluetooth system, but the secondary phone can only receive calls. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system connects to the phone that is set to First to Connect. To set the first and secondary phones, go to Settings > System > Phones and select the Information icon.
The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado Infotainment 3 system can pair multiple compatible Bluetooth enabled devices to accommodate drivers using both the iOS and Android systems. You’ll also be able to use the Apple CarPlay & Android Auto apps when you connect your smartphone via USB cable!
Image via Chevrolet.com
How the 2019 Chevrolet Spark Can Save You Money
If you’re looking for an economical little car that’s practically bursting at the seams with personality, it would be difficult to do better than the 2019 Chevrolet Spark. Here are some of the ways this subcompact car — which is one of the least expensive small new vehicles on the American market today — will save you money.
Low Purchase Price
While there are many things to consider when you want to save money over the lifespan of your vehicle, the initial purchase price is first on most consumers’ minds. You’ll get to choose between eight different trims when purchasing the 2019 Chevrolet Spark, so you’ll be pleased to learn that each of them comes at a surprisingly affordable price point.
The entry-level LS Manual trim is especially attractive if you’re looking to save money, as its cost is the lowest. Higher trim levels trim offer progressively more sophisticated features, but even the top-of-the-line 2LT Automatic trim won’t break the bank.
Fuel Economy
Enjoy a responsive performance from the 2019 Chevrolet Spark’s 1.4-liter, four-cylinder engine. While this little engine only produces 98 horsepower, that’s more than enough to zip around town in this small subcompact vehicle. Moreover, it actually represents a 17 percent increase compared to last year’s model.
The main advantage of operating with a smaller engine, of course, is that the Spark uses less fuel and gets better gas mileage than other, larger vehicles. If you equip your 2019 Spark with an available CVT (continuously variable transmission), you’ll get even better fuel-efficiency results. As a result, driving the Spark will generate big savings in gasoline costs.
Safety Technologies
Avoid the expense of major repair jobs by staying safe on the highway. The 2019 Chevrolet Spark makes this easier than ever before, thanks to an array of active safety technologies.
For example, low-speed forward automatic braking can stop your car if you’re traveling between 5 and 37 miles per hour and are at risk of a collision. A forward-collision-alert system runs continuously, even at high speeds, and serves to warn you of a potentially imminent accident. Lane-departure warning is also an indispensable tool, as it uses a camera sensor to ensure you don’t drift into the wrong lane.
Chevrolet Complete Care
Take advantage of the Chevrolet Complete Care package to reap rewards like a complimentary maintenance appointment, 10 years of electronically enabled vehicle diagnostics, and a one-month trial of OnStar safety and security, as well as other Chevrolet electronic services. The Chevrolet Complete Care package also comes with a warranty that provides for roadside assistance, courtesy transportation, and the replacement of powertrain components.
There’s even a six-year or 100,000-mile warranty to cover rusted and corroded vehicle parts. Best of all, this package is included with every 2019 Chevrolet Spark at no extra cost.
The 2019 Chevrolet Spark is a fantastic choice for drivers looking for a small, stylish, and economical vehicle. Check our inventory online to see our current lineup of Chevrolet Spark models; we’re excited to get you behind the wheel of this fashionable subcompact.
Image via ServiceGM.com
Looking for a work truck that can handle anything you throw at it? Look no further than the 2019 Chevy Silverado HD, a truck that was designed to take a beating. This truck comes in both 2500HD and 3500HD variants, depending on just how much power and precision you require. Here’s a quick look at the different towing abilities of these models so you can determine which one is right for you.
Maximum Towing Capacities
Needing to haul your boat or an extra vehicle? That should be no problem with either the 2019 Silverado 2500HD or the 3500HD. While the 2500HD does have a lower total towing capacity, it can actually pull more when equipped with the base engine option. When paired with the standard Vortec 6.0-liter V-8 engine, the 2500HD can pull up to 14,400 pounds. However, when you upgrade to the Duramax 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V-8 engine, that number soars to 15,400 pounds.
As previously mentioned, if you’re going to stick with the base engine, you’re better off choosing the 2500HD, as the 3500HD can only pull 14,200 pounds with this setup. However, if you’re looking for the most power the HD series has to offer, choose the 3500HD with the turbo-diesel engine. This expands the maximum towing capacity to a mind-boggling 23,100 pounds — enough power to pull around three adult hippopotamuses.
Tow/Haul Mode
Now that you know just how much your new Chevy Silverado HD can carry, it’s also important to learn about other towing features, such as tow/haul mode. Imagine you’re towing a piece of heavy equipment and heading up a large hill. This is going to wreak havoc on your transmission as it tries to find the sweet spot between power and pull. Tow/haul mode puts an end to that by reducing shift cycling. Trust us — your transmission will thank you.

