Annual Banquet March 11

Please mark your calendar for our Annual Membership Banquet on Saturday, March 11! We will be celebrating our accomplishments from 2022 at Albania Mansion (21066 Hwy. 182 W) on the bayou in Jeanerette.

Albania was built in 1842 by Charles Grevemberg in the Greek Revival architectural style and sits on eight acres surrounded by hundred-year-old oak trees. It was featured in the movie adaptation of “All The King’s Men,” and Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley are both said to have stayed on the property. Inside, a curving staircase rises three stories, and some decor from previous owner artist Hunt Slonem is still evident. Now under new ownership, Albania is open to the public and available for events and private parties.

In addition to house tours, we will be offering paddling in advance of the banquet. If you’d like to paddle, just arrive between 3-4 p.m., and you can launch your own kayak right from the dock at Albania or our official dock at T.J. Viator City Park.

House tours will be offered from 3:30-4:30 p.m. See below for the full banquet schedule.

Banquet Schedule

Registration & mingling: 4:30-5 p.m.
Welcome & business meeting: 5-5:30 p.m.
Dinner & guest speakers: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Social & silent auction with live music by Drew Simon & Lukas Meaux: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

About the Speakers:

Visual artists Kristie Cornell and Marla Kristicevich strive to create a conversation between people and the environment through the exploration of waterways with their Meander Mindset: Bayou Teche project. Together, they meandered the Teche, collecting organic samples and making photographs, textural rubbings, audio recordings and eco sculptures along the waterway. These collected materials and works create a visual narrative of the artists’ findings and encourage the viewer to reevaluate their connection to the natural world and to take the time to observe and appreciate their surroundings. They have also recently published a book, which will be for sale (and signing) at the banquet.

Admission

If you are a current member of The TECHE Project, you get in free. Non-members can sign up at the door (starting at $25 for an individual membership).

Dinner is included in the admission price. Beer and wine will be available with the purchase of a $10 commemorative glass.