OPELOUSAS, La. — If you're looking for a unique Christmas gift this holiday season, look no further than St. Landry Parish. For only $30 you can now score your very own limited edition Opelousas-Opoly. The Monopoly style board game features local businesses and landmarks as game-play properties and even the game pieces reflect local icons. "What a creative and unique way to showcase all of the great things about Opelousas, than to put it in the form of a game that can be played by adults and kids", Opelousas Tourism Director Melanie Lebouef explains.
The idea was developed by the Opelousas Tricentennial Committee and the proceeds will go towards next years 300th birthday celebration. Why the committee decided to go with the board game was simple Lebouef explains, "we feel like tihs was one way that we can tell everybody, both locals and visitors, about all of the neat things that we have around our city and to celebrate our tricentennial as well".
There are several unique things about this version of Opelousas-Opoly, one of them being when you roll the dice and you land on a spot, it will either be an actual business or landmark in Opelousas like Tony Chacherie's headquarters. Local businesses were given the opportunity to sponsor the spots to help raise even more funds for next years celebration. The playing pieces are unique to the area as well and include a jukebox, horse head, chili papper, train, antique car, and a book.
You can pick up your very own Opelousas-Opoly game at the Opelousas Tourist Information Center, 828 E. Landry St., or at Sebastian Dupre Jewelry, Back in Time, Frank's Po'boys and the Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center.
