Here in the Lafayette, Louisiana, area, there are a number of fun events and festivals for you and your family in 2017. With something for everyone, you can plan ahead and attend any or all of these unique happenings in the area.
Cinema on the Bayou Film Festival
This eight-day event starts at the end of January and goes through the first of February. You can attend screenings of various films from local and international filmmakers. 2017 will be the 12th annual occurrence of this event and includes a showing of the feature film, “Zachary Richard, Cajun Heart.” The film premiered several months ago at the Festival International du Cinema Francophone to a sold-out crowd. It also earned a variety of awards and accolades. The festival will also include other films that are visually beautiful and tell amazing stories.
Service Chevrolet Cadillac Ragin’ Sales Team Places 2nd Overall at National Sales Competition

We’d like to give a big shout out and congratulations to our UL Lafayette Ragin’ Sales Team for placing 2nd Overall at the 10th Annual National Sales Challenge! As the team sponsor we couldn’t be more proud of this team and all the hard work each member has put into this competition. All their hard work certainly paid off with impressive placings by the team, as at least one member placed within the top 10 in every category. Now that’s one huge accomplishment!
The National Sales Challenge was hosted by the Russ Berrie Institute at William Patterson University from Nov. 16-18. The sales challenge included selling competitions, workshops and networking opportunities with 113 executives from 16 sponsor companies, who served as judges and interacted with the students. Over a 100 students from 31 universities from around the country competed in this challenge, and our amazing team dominated it, with UL Lafayette senior marketing majors Caeleb Young and Salvadore Crifasi placing in several awards throughout the competition!
Awards for individual members of our Ragin’ Sales Team include:
- Speed Selling Competition – Caeleb Young placed 10th
- Referral Role Play Competition – Caeleb Young placed 1st and Salvadore Crifasi placed 2nd.
- Role Play Competition – Salvadore Crifasi placed 2nd while Caeleb Young placed 4th
- Sales Challenge Champions – Caeleb Young placed 4th and Salvadore Crifasi placed 5th
Photo: Members of the Service Chevrolet Cadillac Ragin’ Sales Team. From left to right: Reece Theriot (faculty mentor), Salvadore Crifasi, Summer Romero, Nicholas Neumeyer, Caeleb Young and Dr. Brent Baker (faculty mentor).
Lafayette boasts some great diners and cafes that cook up breakfast for locals and visitors every morning. When you want to fill up on some great Southern hospitality and comfort food, we recommend the following eateries.
The French Press
A wonderful French Quarter-style restaurant in the heart of Cajun country, The French Press is a local favorite that never disappoints. Situated on Vermilion Street, The French Press offers a casual dining experience that happens to be one of SAVEUR Magazine’s Top 100 Inspiring Places and Things to Eat. Enjoy brunch during the day and fine dining at night. Either way, you’ll savor innovative takes on traditional American and Cajun cuisine using only the freshest ingredients.
Since breakfast is what you’re looking for, you’ll be happy to know that The French Press offers a variety of items. Choose from homemade granola, French toast, breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, chicken fried steak and eggs, eggs Benedict, and chicken and waffles. We recommend the eatery’s signature breakfast dish: Sweet Baby Breesus, which is three buttermilk biscuit sliders with bacon, cane syrup, and fried boudin balls.
Reviewers are weighing in on the 2017 Chevrolet Volt, and they’ve got quite a lot to say about the eco-friendly vehicle. If you’ve been thinking about purchasing the new Volt this year, here are a few things the experts want you to know about it.
The Volt Has an Impressive Range
The Volt is a plug-in gasoline electric hybrid that was updated during the 2016 model year, so you know the 2017 version will have user-friendly controls, an intuitive center console, and an updated interior. Its engine performance alone is impressive. The Volt can drive up to 53 miles on a single electric charge. This is because the car features a gas-powered generator that charges the battery and powers the front wheels.
When the gas-powered engine is in use, that range extends to a whopping 420 miles. Imagine going on a road trip and not even having to stop for gas! According to some reviews, the ability to commute to work on all-electric power frees you up from weekly visits to the gas station, reducing workweek anxiety and stress. For most people, that’s worth the investment.
While the XT5 has a cool exterior and exciting powertrain, millennials generally value practical features, safety, and technology. In these areas the XT5 shines the brightest, so read on to see why this Cadillac is ideal for younger drivers seeking a compact luxury crossover.
Pleasant Cabin
Similar to the CT6 of the same year, the XT5 was fully re-designed inside and out for a cleaner, more welcoming style. The rear seats offer competitive head room and leg room compared to other compact crossovers, and an eight-way power driver seat is standard. The soft leatherette upholstery is luxurious, yet tougher and easier to clean than leather.
A reclining second row with 40/20/40-split sliding seats makes it remarkably simple to load or unload passengers, as well as expand the cargo area for larger objects. As for comfort, base models include dual-zone automatic climate control, while higher trims offer three-zone climate control, heated rear seats, and premium leather.
Looking for a fun time during the holiday months in the Cajun and Creole town of Lafayette? Check out some of these fun festivals and other events, each one full of charming activities, food, and community spirit.
Safari of Lights
Head down to the Zoo of Acadiana in December for a dazzling light display that little ones will love. Taking place from 5:00-9:00 p.m. on most December nights, Safari of Lights offers a unique experience at this popular zoo. Stroll through pathways glowing with colorful lights, animal figurines, and holiday decorations, including a giant Coca-Cola truck. Take the North Pole Express Train for a ride and get a hot cocoa or cappuccino to stay toasty. Santa will even be making stops on certain nights! Check the Safari of Lights page for the most up-to-date info.
Who says luxury cars can’t be family vehicles as well? Younger children may pose a threat to the valuable materials in your ritzy cabin, but there are many ways to keep your vehicle safe and at maximum value. Read on to see some effective methods to protect your car from inevitable spills or other messes.
Insurance
Some insurance companies offer policies that cover interior damage of all kinds. This can not only protect you from kid damage, but also tears from equipment or heavy objects. Call your broker or company if you already have a policy, and see if you can get this type of coverage added.
At Service Chevrolet Cadillac, and Home for the Holidays is just one of many organizations and events that we support every year in Lafayette, LA. Home for the Holidays is an annual project of the Acadian Home Builder’s Association and KATC-TV 3 in which a brand new home is built and then given away in a raffle drawing right before Christmas. All raffle ticket proceeds are donated to local, shelter-related charities.
At this year’s Home for the Holidays event, Service Chevrolet Cadillac has donated a brand new Cadillac ATS sedan as a prize! One lucky winner will be driving away in a brand new Cadillac ATS sedan on November 17, 2016!

