Around Acadiana for April 24, 2012

The Acadiana Center for the Arts in downtown Lafayette will present the Second Annual Local Filmmakers Showcase on May 12 and May 13.

“Tchoupatoulas,” a film that explores New Orleans night life, will show at 9 p.m. May 12.

“T-Galop: A Louisiana Horse Story,” a documentary about the equine culture in south Louisiana, will show at 6 p.m. May 13.

The filmmakers will be available for question-and-answer sessions at the screenings.

The event is free.

Preservation celebration

The Preservation Alliance of Lafayette will hold a Historic Preservation Month Celebration fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 6 at Shagwood Manor, 1414 E. Bayou Parkway.

The cost is $60 per person.

A champagne brunch will be prepared by French Press.

Proceeds will benefit the restoration of Lafayette’s first city hall, La Vieille Mairie downtown.

For information, call (337) 291-8431.

Step outside

The Sherburne Wildlife Management area in the Atchafalaya Basin will hold its annual Step Outside Day on May 12.

The event offers hands-on outdoor activities for special-needs individuals but is open to all children and adults.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., and activities are planned from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event is sponsored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

For registration information and directions, call (337) 585-0853.

Iberia redevelopment

The New Iberia Main Street Program is accepting applications for redevelopment grants for buildings in the downtown historic district.

The grants range from $2,500 for minor projects to $10,000 for major projects. Local applicants will compete with other communities in the state’s Main Street program.

For information, call (337) 369-2330.

Fish release

State and federal wildlife officials are seeking volunteers interested in helping release 50,000 bass fingerlings at the Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge on Thursday.

For information, call the refuge office at (337) 774-5923 between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Toddler French

L’Alliance Française de Lafayette is sponsoring a French class for children ages 2 to 4.

Classes are held at 9:30 a.m. Fridays at Vermilionville in Lafayette.

The fee is $135 for 8 weeks.

For information, call (337) 261-1002 or email Jessica Cormier at yeuxdesoco@gmail.com.

Hospice support groups

The Hospice of Acadiana is hosting support group meetings at noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays for those who have lost a loved one.

To register, call (337) 232-1234.

To submit items to Around Acadiana, email Acadiana Bureau chief Richard Burgess or fax submissions to (337) 269-0410.