Louisiana is known for its food, music, hunting and fishing, politics, and, of course, our joie de vivre. But what you may not know, is that the Bayou State is also the 'Home of' some interesting people and things. My friend Matt travels the region for work, and shared his photos of some of the welcome signs that greet visitors when they arrive in some Louisiana towns and cities. Most interesting is the fact that some of the signs are beautiful monuments to local history, while others are some 2 X 4s nailed together and decorated with some paint and a photo. Guess that indicates that fame is fleeting, but culture is forever.

  • photo by Matt R
    photo by Matt R
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    1

    Bunkie

    Bunkie, in central Louisiana, is the home of the Corn Festival. The annual event falls in June, and features arts and crafts, a parade, softball tournament, and car show. But here is where it gets interesting: The Bunkie Corn festival also includes a lizard race, a pirogue race, and lots of corn, prepared in more ways than you could ever dream of!

  • photo by Matt R
    photo by Matt R
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    2

    Church Point

    Church Point, in Acadia Parish, is the home of the Buggy Festival. This fest features Cajun and Zydeco music, a carnival, antique buggies on display, arts and crafts, parade, and the Buggy Queen pageant. But the most interesting activities are the baby crawling contest, accordion and fiddle contests, and French speaking contest. The Church Point Buggy Festival takes place in June.

  • photo by Matt R
    photo by Matt R
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    3

    Rosepine

    Rosepine is clearly proud of their high school. The town, which is near Toledo Bend, has a population of about 1700, and boasts that their community also hosts six churches within its 4 square mile area.

  • photo by Matt R
    photo by Matt R
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    4

    Urania

    Urania, home of reforestation, was founded by lumbering magnate Henry E. Hardtner, who is considered "Louisiana's first conservationist," according to Wikipedia. The town is located in north-central Louisiana.

  • photo by Matt R
    photo by Matt R
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    5

    Iberia Parish

    Iberia Parish, birthplace of former Louisiana governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, is also the home of the world-famous Tabasco hot sauce, and the beautiful Avery Gardens.

  • photo by Matt R
    photo by Matt R
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    6

    Vernon Parish

    Vernon Parish in West-Central Louisiana, is the home of Fort Polk. The U.S. Army installation is located just a few miles from Leesville.

  • photo by Matt R
    photo by Matt R
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    7

    Webster Parish

    Webster Parish is where Sarepta, Louisiana is located. That's the home of country superstar and reality TV star, Trace Adkins. There you'll find bayous, lakes, and terrific hospitality.

  • photo by Matt R
    photo by Matt R
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    8

    Vivian

    Vivian is the home of the Louisiana Redbud Festival. If you don't know what this is, a redbud is a tree that displays gorgeous purplish-pink flowers in spring.

  • photo by Matt R
    photo by Matt R
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    9

    Oil City

    Oil City, a small town in the northwest corner of the state, is the home of the Gusher Days Festival. They also host a holiday fireworks festival called 'Christmas on Caddo.'

  • photo by Judy J
    photo by Judy J
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    10

    Erath, a town in Southwest Louisiana, is the home of a Thoroughbred Horse Racing Hall of Fame jockey. Randy Romero, who rode over 4000 winning horses in his career, including three Breeder's Cup races.

  • photo by Matt R
    photo by Matt R
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    11

    Bernice

    Bernice, Louisiana, is a town in the tippy top of the state. So far north, it's practically Arkansas. Bernice is the home of the (in)famous Roberstson clan of 'Duck Dynasty' fame. Despite his appearance, Willie Robertson is said to have a net worth of $20 million, thanks to the family business of duck calls.

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