<P> Ville Platte has significant Creole and Cajun cultural associations (cuisine, music, language etc .). It lies at the northern point of the "French Triangle" with a significant francophone population residing in the city as well as the parish . It is one of the birthplaces of the Afro - creole zydeco music that has become one of the signatures of Louisiana culture throughout the world, as well as the Choctaw - Métis tradition of "viande boucanee" or smoked meat . </P> <P> Ville Platte hosts two large festivals each year . The Louisiana Cotton festival, run in conjunction with the Le Tournoi, and the Festival de la Viande Bouccanee (Smoked Meat Festival) are held in Ville Platte annually . Ville Platte and the surrounding areas participate in the traditional Mardi Gras held in Mamou . </P> <P> Radio host Jim Soileau, the "Voice of KVPI" throughout most of the past 50 years, is semi-retired but still host the French News as well as co-host "La Tasse de Café" ("The Cup of Coffee") on Monday and Wednesday mornings . He has one of the most recognized voices in Acadiana and hosted "This is Mamou Cajun radio" from location at Fred's Lounge for many years . </P> <P> Former U.S. Representative T. Ashton Thompson of Louisiana's 7th congressional district, since disbanded, was born in Ville Platte in 1916 . He died in office in 1965 as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Gastonia, North Carolina . His death paved the way for Edwin Washington Edwards to assume the seat . </P>

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