Monthly Archives: January 2026

Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism Announces Departure of President/CEO, Cody A. Gray

Raceland, La. (January 28, 2026) – The Board of Directors for Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism (LCBT), the destination marketing organization for Lafourche Parish, has announced the departure of longtime President/CEO, Cody A. Gray who will step down on February 20, 2026. He will leave Lafourche Parish to assume the position of Executive Director for the Columbia County Tourist Development Council in Lake City, Florida.

“Over the past six years, it has been a sincere privilege to lead Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism” said Cody A. Gray. “I have often said that moving to Lafourche Parish was the best decision I have ever made, both personally and professionally, a statement I still stand by today. I cannot adequately express my gratitude for the trust and support throughout my tenure from this community. There truly is no place on earth like Lafourche Parish, and it will forever hold a very special place in my heart.”

Mr. Gray first joined Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism as Director of Sales and Marketing in April 2020 and became President/CEO in December 2020. Throughout his nearly 6 years in Lafourche Parish, Cody led the organization and Lafourche Parish through significant tourism growth amid challenges from the Covid-19 Pandemic and Hurricane Ida. He also played a significant role in the construction of a brand-new Visitor Center in Raceland, the launch of new marketing campaigns to attract further visitation to the parish, and accepted multiple awards and recognitions from state and regional tourism associations on behalf of the work done at LCBT.

Board Chair Marguerite Knight-Erwin thanked Cody for his leadership over the past years highlighting his outstanding role in guiding the Lafourche Parish Tourist Commission through new initiatives and growth.

The Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism Board of Directors will conduct a thorough search to find a new tourism director for Lafourche Parish. For more information on the position, please visit lacajunbayou.com/about/careers.

LOUISIANA TRAVEL ASSOCIATION HONORS LOUISIANA’S CAJUN BAYOU TOURISM WITH 2026 LOUEY AWARD FOR CVB OF THE YEAR

Raceland, LA (January 26, 2026) – The Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) proudly introduced Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism (LCBT) as the winner of the 2026 Louey Award for CVB of the Year at its Annual Meeting in Lafayette, La. In addition, Sales & Marketing Manager, Ian Wallis, was recognized for completing the Louisiana Tourism Leadership Academy, a unique professional development and leadership program hosted by LTA.

The award which highlights the outstanding work done by a Convention and Visitors Bureau in the state of Louisiana was received by members of the LCBT staff including President/CEO, Cody A. Gray, Sales & Marketing Manager, Ian Wallis, Office Manager/Administrative Assistant, Brandi Hebert, and Chair of Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism’s Board of Directors, Margeurite Knight Erwin. To present the Louey Award were former Parish President, Archie Chaisson, III, and President/CEO of Visit The Northshore, Donna O’Daniels.

This year, LTA celebrated excellence in the Louisiana tourism industry by presenting Louey Awards to those who have made significant contributions to promoting and enhancing Louisiana's vibrant tourism landscape. LCBT was recognized for their work throughout 2025 including the opening of a brand-new Visitor Center in Raceland, the launch of the Geaux Bold Marketing Campaign, and the significant progress made toward implementation of new wayfinding signage coming to Lafourche Parish in 2026.

“We are beyond thankful and honored to receive the 2026 Louey Award for CVB of the Year,” said Cody A. Gray, President/CEO of Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou. “Our team has worked tirelessly throughout the last year to continually position Lafourche Parish as a year-round tourism destination and we are extremely proud to see our hard work recognized.”

“I am incredibly proud of the recognition earned by our organization and parish,” said Marguerite Knight-Erwin, chair of Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism’s Board of Directors. “Through our creative and forward thinking, we continue to spotlight our unique Cajun culture that attracts visitors to Lafourche Parish from around the world.”

Y’Allstars Southern Skate Showdown Returns to Thibodaux in 2026 with National and International Roller Derby Teams

Raceland, Louisiana (January 14, 2026) – Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism, the destination marketing organization for Lafourche Parish, is set to welcome 20 national and international roller derby teams at this year’s Y’Allstars Southern Skate Showdown. The premier tournament returns for its fourth year in Thibodaux with a full weekend of competition taking place: February 26 to March 1.

Hosted at the Warren J. Harang Municipal Auditorium on N. Canal Blvd, this year’s tournament features an exciting lineup of new and returning roller derby teams and three divisions of play: Main, Open, and Junior (youth). The event itself is hosted by Red Stick Roller Derby Juniors, the youth roller derby team based in Baton Rouge.

“This year marks the fourth time Lafourche Parish will host the Y’Allstars Southern Skate Showdown, and its continued growth speaks volumes about the impact this event has on our community,” said Cody A. Gray, President/CEO of Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism. “Competitions like this generate meaningful visitor spending that directly supports our local businesses and jobs, while strengthening our parish’s tourism economy. We are honored to welcome national and international teams from across the globe to compete here in Thibodaux, and I invite everyone to join me in extending them a warm Cajun Bayou welcome.”

With 20 teams and competitors coming to Thibodaux, the Y’Allstars Southern Skate Showdown is growing to become one of the largest sporting events in Lafourche Parish. It is expected to have a notable economic impact again this year. In 2025, hotel room nights in Thibodaux exceeded 500 nights booked with additional visitor spend at local restaurants, shops, and attractions.

Tickets are available for purchase and can be bought as a Single Day Pass or a Weekend Pass. More information about tickets and the tournament weekend can be found at the link below. For vendor/sponsorship opportunities, contact Kaitlyn Estes, Tournament Organizer at [email protected].

https://www.yallstars.com/

2026 Y’Allstars Southern Skate Showdown Participating Teams:

Main Division:
Fuego Latino
Team Philippines
API Fury
Missouri Roller Derby
Illinois-Iowa Roller Derby
Team Indigenous Rising
Black Diaspora
Jersey All Stars
Team Alaska
Bipolar Rollers
SALAAM Roller Derby
Team Desi

Open Division:
Beast Side Roller Derby
Team Badass
Team Puerto Rico
Team New York

Junior Division:
Red Stick Roller Derby Juniors
FOCO Junior Roller Derby
MARS Junior Beasts
Rampage Junior Roller Derby