As October rolls in families from New Iberia to Morgan City are greeted with a mix of fun fall festivals, important causes, and other celebrations.
This month also begins to bring cooler temps, the changing colors of the leaves, and the chance to cook and enjoy all of our favorite fall soups and dishes. But there's more to October than fall festivals and pumpkin spice. It's also a month packed with meaningful observances, causes, and fun holidays.
Here are ten events, holidays, and celebrations to recognize with your family this month!
 Image via grandriver | Getty Images Signature |
National Taco Day
Oct. 1
Tacos are a family favorite in our house. Not only are they easy to make, you can add so much more than just ground meat. Celebrate this holiday with one of 3 Quick Taco Recipes for Busy Families. It will make for the perfect family dinner doing a busy week night.
 Image by by BeritK | Getty Images |
National ADD / ADHD Awareness Month
Oct. 1-31
Take time out this month to learn more about ADD / ADHD and how to support those you love who may have this diagnosis. Many adults are now being diagnosed with ADD / ADHD after having gone through most of their lives either undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
There are other disorders that may also be assessed with those who are diagnosed with ADD / ADHD, such as Sensory Processing Disorder, social anxiety, and other learning disabilities. Take the time to learn more at these links and find out how to get yourself or a member of your family tested:
Center for Disease Control - ADHD Across the Lifetime: A Toolkit for Partner Organizations
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
 Image via Louisiana 4H / LSU Ag |
National 4H Week
Oct. 6-12
Your local 4H club offers a great opportunity for your children to learn more about community involvement, grow their leadership skills, learn about agriculture and science, health and nutrition, and so much more! Parents and adults can also get involved as a volunteer to support these efforts in the community.
This is the week to join, volunteer, or donate and become part of the 4H tradition. Get the information for the clubs in Iberia, Vermilion, St. Martin, and St. Mary parishes in Head, Heart, Hands, and Health: Celebrating National 4H Week!
 Image by Chiociolla | Getty Images |
National Work From Home Week
Oct. 6-12
As a Publisher with Macaroni KID, working from home is a huge plus for my family. Working from home allows our family to homeschool, participate and volunteer for events in the community, and offers the opportunity to balance home and work life easier due to the flexibility. Find out about openings at Macaroni KID!
If you are looking for more information on how you can find a work from home job, stay tuned for our article with some great tips and resources coming out later this month.
 Image via Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce | World Championship Gumbo Cook-Off |
National Gumbo Day
Oct. 12
Cool weather means one thing in Acadiana: gumbo season is here! And no, we don't put tomatoes in our gumbo!
Celebrate National Gumbo Day with by cooking your own gumbo at home but if you want to get a taste of some of the best gumbo around town, then be sure to get to New Iberia this October for the World Championship Gumbo Cook-Off in Downtown New Iberia. The event takes place over the weekend from Saturday, October 12, 2024 to Sunday, October 13, 2024.
On Saturday, the cookoff will feature a Cajun Creole Fest and Youth Gumbo Cook-Off as well as other events like a 5K Roux Run, children's activities, and live music. Then, come back Sunday for the gumbo cookoff and get a taste of over 75 different gumbos!
 Image viaby bit245 | Getty Images |
National Food Bank Week
Oct. 13-19
Many families in New Iberia, Abbeville, Morgan City, and St. Martinville rely on support from our local food pantries. This is the week to get your kids involved in gathering donations of non-perishable items to donate to your local food bank.
With so much disruption happening in our world right now, helping others with a simple donation of canned goods, fruit, and other pantry items can teach your kids how to give back to their community.
 Image via CanvaPro |
National Teen Driver Safety Week
Oct. 20-26
As a mother of teens, I know how important this week is for all parents. Take time to talk to your teenagers about driver safety. Apps like Life 360 allow you to track the driving habits of your children. Speak to them openly about speeding, texting and driving, and responsibility behind the wheel. You can get more information and resources from the links below:
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia - Teen Driver Source
Traffic Safety Marketing - NHTSA
 Image by ValentynVolkov from Getty Images |
National Apple Day
Oct. 21
Who remembers the old saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away"? I don't know if that's true but I love snacking on apples and so do my kids. Apples are easy to bring on-the-go and make the perfect snack to dip into yogurt, peanut butter, or chocolate sauce.
Apples are also fun fall staple so why not set up a good old fashioned apple bob with the kids? They'll love it! You can also Celebrate Apple Season with These 5 Must-Try Fall Recipes.
 Image by simonkr | Getty Images Signature |
First Responder Day
Oct. 28
With the effects of Hurricane Francine in Morgan City last month and now Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, first responders around the country are overwhelmed. As the daughter of a first responder, I know all too well they are on the front lines of catastrophic events offering help and support for others while being away from their own families. These are the folks that we hope we don't have to see, but yet are so grateful when they show up for us when we need them most.
Take the day to say thank you to the many first responders in our area for all they do. Have your kids make a card or bake a treat for a local first responder or treat them to a cup of coffee. It's the small gestures of kindness that will go a long way.
 Image by DAPA Images | CanvaPro |
Halloween
Oct. 31
Halloween is one of the most popular fall holidays for families from New Iberia to Morgan City thanks to all the family fun events and trunk-or-treats that happen in our area. Celebrate by dressing up in fun costumes, make plans for a scary movie night, or make a Halloween themed treat.
The City of New Iberia will celebrate the holiday with their annual Halloween Parade in downtown New Iberia on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 4:00 pm. First, they'll turn the fountain black in front of City Hall and then parade down Main Street for spooky fun and candy throws for the kids. After the parade, join the fun at the trunk-or-treat taking place at Bouligny Plaza.
Celebrate this October with Macaroni KID New Iberia! |
Macaroni KID New Iberia loves sharing all the news, events, and local celebrations that include all families from Morgan City to New Iberia!
Did you know you can submit your free and/or low-cost family-friendly event directly on our event calendar?
Events under $25.00 per person are reviewed and added to our calendar at no charge!
If your business or organization would like to be featured as part of a national day or monthly holiday to advertise your products or services, please reach out to us for more information on our advertising packages. Also, if you have a suggestion for a holiday or event recognized by your family for the upcoming months that you would like to see featured, please email your suggestions to us at mackidnewiberia@macaronikid.com.
We'd love to hear from you!
