If you haven’t heard by now, brace yourself for a shock: Festivals Acadiens et Créoles (FAeC) celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Halfway to the century mark is astoundingly remarkable for anything, corporations, marriages — let alone a grassroots, non-commercial festival.

Many around Lafayette are thrilled at the prospect of FAeC turning 50, including festival organizer and visionary, University of Louisiana Professor E...