Atchafalaya Basin Festival

About Us

Since its inception in 2007, the Atchafalaya Basin Festival has remained a beacon of cultural immersion and community unity, and it continues to be a completely FREE admission experience for all. This annual extravaganza not only offers an array of fun activities such as live band performances, captivating artwork displayed on its souvenir t-shirts, unique local merchandise, raffle, and engaging live and silent auctions, but it also tantalizes the taste buds with a diverse range of locally inspired cuisine. The annual festival provides a welcoming space for campers and invites travelers to immerse themselves in the heart of Louisiana's unique culture while enjoying the festivities. The Atchafalaya Basin Festival stands as a testament to the enduring vitality of local traditions by ensuring that both residents and tourists alike can savor the authentic flavors and vibrant spirit of this enchanting region.

Local Information - Henderson, Louisiana

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church was found in 1952 by the Diocese of Lafayette, LA. Sacred Heart of Jesus Chapel in Butte La Rose is a mission church serviced by the pastor. Located at 1452 Henderson Highway, the church provides services for approximately 200 families. Weekend mass times are Saturdays at 3 pm at Sacred Heart of Jesus Chapel in Butte La Rose and 5 pm in Henderson and Sundays at 8 am and 10 am in Henderson.

Visit our website at OLMHendseron.com or

call our rectory at (337) 228-2352 for more information.

church website

Henderson - Gateway to the Atchafalaya Basin

The Atchafalaya Basin is America’s largest wetland and the site of the nation's last cypress-tupelo. If the Mississippi River had its way and was not contained by levees then today most of the flow from the Mississippi would be into the Atchafalaya River and the volume of water through New Orleans would be a trickle compared to it current volume. The Basin is the largest flood protection system in the world and the key components of the flood control plans for Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Today the basin is a wonderful playground for fishing, frogging, skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, birding, hunting and much more. The basin has been a tremendous resource for South Louisiana and has been mined for Cypress trees, oil & gas, fish, animal and more. From levees to canal, oil to lumber, alligators to fish, natural habitat to hunter paradise, house boats to hardwood forests, the basin has a long and emotional history.