Acadiana's K-Town

In Acadiana (southwest Louisiana), the parish of Vermilion contains at least one small town which proclaims itself to be "the most Cajun place on Earth." The municipality of Kaplan, located about ten miles west of Abbeville, is also hailed in tourism guides as "the gateway to the coastal wetlands." Those people who live in and near the community often refer to it simply as K-Town.

The town's name honors its founder, Abrom Kaplan, a former peddler from Poland. In the late 1800's, Mr. Kaplan purchased land from the Todd Plantation holdings and literally gave parcels away to lure families into the area. Most of the original settlers were French-speaking Acadian descendants who established small farms; one of their main crops was called "providence rice" because irrigation then was dependent on the luck of rainfall. Incorporated in 1902, the town has a current population of about 4500 people. Agriculture-related businesses remain a major part of the local economy there.

Kaplan is one of the few places in the United States with a public celebration of Bastille Day. Also known as the French Fourth of July, Bastille Day commemorates the historic events of July 14, 1789. As the French Revolution began, insurgents stormed the walls of the Bastille Prison, a much-hated symbol of oppression in Paris. Since that insurrection, the anniversary date has been observed as France's national holiday. Kaplan's unique tradition was started in 1906 and has been sponsored through the years by different civic organizations. Bastille Day festivities are held during the weekend closest to the actual July 14 date. Events have included greased-pig chases, speeches, carnival, and musical entertainment accompanied by the inevitable Cajun fais-dos-dos (street dances). The main attraction is a reenactment of the storming of the Bastille; the most recent portrayal was a play presented by students of Kaplan High School students honoring their French heritage.

Three of the community's native sons have become very successful in the music industry. A prominent local talent, Richard LeBouef (luh-buff), still lives in the Kaplan area and performs with his popular Cajun band called "Two-Step." Known as the "Cajun Music Ambassador" is accordionist Cedric Benoit, whose Broadway-like productions are designed to encourage Louisiana tourism among audiences in the Branson, Missouri, theatre circuit. A favorite hometown hero is Sammy Kershaw, a country music star with a big heart, who returns to his roots periodically. The Sammy Kershaw Foundation has raised over $1 million for area youth programs through funds generated by outdoor concerts, a golf tournament, and other fun-filled events associated with his annual "Sam Jam."

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