Dear Community,
Since our last update, we’ve spent a lot of time listening, observing, and researching how chess is already showing up across Acadiana. What we’ve discovered is exciting: Lafayette is blooming with opportunities to play. From the Breaux Bridge Chess Club to casual games at the new Sojourn Tea and Carpi Diem Cafe, there seems to be a new place to find a chessboard every week. If you’ve ever been curious about learning the game, there’s never been a better time to be a chess player or a beginner in Acadiana.
One of our favorite moments came during Festival International de Louisiane. While enjoying the music and energy of downtown, we found ourselves playing a game of chess on a cardboard box with a vendor from New Orleans. Throughout the festival, we spotted chess sets and pieces for sale in all kinds of creative shapes and styles. It was a reminder that chess, much like music, is a universal language that brings people together.
Our biggest effort since winning the 24 Hour Citizen Project has been researching the best locations, dates, and times to host pop-up chess events. While we originally hoped to move a little faster, we’re being honest when we say life sometimes gets in the way. Between work, family, and everyday responsibilities, progress took longer than expected.
But that delay also taught us an important lesson: before making our first move, we wanted to understand the board. Taking the time to research and build relationships has helped us better understand where this initiative can have the greatest impact.
As a result, we’re excited to share that 64 Squares of Lagniappe is ready to make its debut. Our next phase focuses on launching pop-up chess experiences throughout downtown Lafayette to build awareness, gather feedback, and grow a community around the project before pursuing a permanent installation.
Our timeline has shifted slightly, but our vision remains the same: creating welcoming, accessible spaces where people can connect through chess. Budget projections remain on track, and we’ve identified new community resources and partners who share our enthusiasm for expanding chess opportunities throughout the region.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned so far, it’s that Acadiana is more ready for public chess than we ever imagined. The pieces are already moving. Our job now is to help bring them together on the same board.
Thank you for continuing to support 64 Squares of Lagniappe. We can’t wait to share what’s next.
Warmly,
The 64 Squares of Lagniappe Team