What is Evangeline Parish, and where is it located?

Evangeline Parish is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. A parish is a type of administrative division in Louisiana, similar to a county in other U.S. states.

What was the population of Evangeline Parish as of the 2020 census?

According to the 2020 United States Census, the population of Evangeline Parish was 32,350.

What is the parish seat of Evangeline Parish?

The parish seat, which is the administrative center, of Evangeline Parish is Ville Platte.

When was Evangeline Parish established, and from which larger parish was it formed?

Evangeline Parish was created in 1910 from lands that were formerly part of St. Landry Parish.

What historical groups were among the early settlers of the land that became Evangeline Parish?

The area that became Evangeline Parish was initially settled by French Canadian colonists and former colonial marines, known as 'coureurs de bois.' Later, 19th-century French-speaking soldiers and immigrant families also settled there.

What diverse European ancestries contributed to the population of Evangeline Parish during its colonial and early periods?

Many early residents of Evangeline Parish were of French, English, and Spanish descent. Specifically, people of Spanish heritage from the Canary Islands, known as Isleños, settled in the parish, alongside English colonists from the eastern United States and descendants of French colonists.

What is the origin of the name 'Evangeline Parish'?

Evangeline Parish was named in honor of the Acadian heroine featured in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's narrative poem, 'Evangeline.' The namesake was proposed by founding father Paulin Fontenot, who reportedly envisioned tourism centered on the Acadian saga.

How is Evangeline Parish referenced in popular culture, specifically in music?

Evangeline Parish is mentioned in the Randy Newman song 'Louisiana 1927,' which describes the Great Mississippi Flood that inundated the area with six feet of water.

What is the origin of the name for the parish seat, Ville Platte?

Ville Platte was named by Marcellin Garand, an Adjutant Major from Savoy, France, who had served under Napoleon Bonaparte.

What is the total area of Evangeline Parish, and how is it divided between land and water?

Evangeline Parish has a total area of 680 square miles (1,800 km²). Of this, 662 square miles (1,710 km²) is land, and 17 square miles (44 km²) is water, making up 2.5% of the total area.

Which major highways traverse Evangeline Parish?

Key highways serving Evangeline Parish include Interstate 49, U.S. Highway 167, U.S. Highway 190, Louisiana Highway 10, Louisiana Highway 13, and Louisiana Highway 29.

Which parishes are adjacent to Evangeline Parish?

Evangeline Parish is bordered by Rapides Parish to the north, Avoyelles Parish to the northeast, St. Landry Parish to the east, Acadia Parish to the south, and Allen Parish to the west.

Are there any national protected areas within Evangeline Parish?

Yes, a portion of the Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge is located within Evangeline Parish.

Which state parks are located in or near Evangeline Parish?

Chicot State Park and the Louisiana State Arboretum are state parks associated with Evangeline Parish.

What are the designated communities within Evangeline Parish?

Evangeline Parish includes one city, Ville Platte (which is also the parish seat and largest municipality). It also contains the towns of Basile and Mamou, and the villages of Chataignier, Pine Prairie, and Turkey Creek.

What unincorporated areas and census-designated places are located in Evangeline Parish?

The parish includes the census-designated place of Reddell. Other unincorporated communities listed are Barber Spur, Bayou Chicot, Beale, Beaver, Belaire Cove, Centerville, Clarks Landing, Clearwater, Cypress Creek, Dossman, Duralde, Easton, Fenris, Frilot Cove, Johnson Landing, Lake Cove, L'Anse Grise, Lone Pine, Meridian, Nobrac, Point Blue, Redland, Saint Landry, Squealer Point Landing, Tate Cove, Tyrone, Unatex, and Vidrine.

How has the population of Evangeline Parish changed over time, based on census data from 1920 to 2020?

Evangeline Parish experienced population growth from 23,485 in 1920 to a peak of 33,343 in 1980. After 1980, the population generally declined, falling to 31,629 in 1950, then rising slightly to 33,343 in 1980, before decreasing to 32,350 in 2020. Notable percentage changes include a significant increase of 19.7% between 1930 and 1940, and decreases of 4.1% in 2010 and 4.8% in 2020.

What were the racial and ethnic compositions of Evangeline Parish in the 2020 census?

In the 2020 census, Evangeline Parish was composed of 65.42% non-Hispanic White, 26.61% Black or African American, 0.14% Native American or Alaska Native, 0.57% Asian, 0.01% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 0.28% other races, and 2.85% multiracial. Additionally, 4.13% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino (of any race).

What are the most commonly reported ancestries among residents of Evangeline Parish, according to the 2020 census data?

The most commonly reported ancestries by residents of Evangeline Parish, based on 2020 census data, include African American (14.4%), English (13.1%), French (7.1%), Cajun (2.9%), Irish (2.5%), and German (2.1%).

Which entity operates the public schools in Evangeline Parish?

Public schools in Evangeline Parish are operated by the Evangeline Parish School Board.

What are some of the public elementary and secondary schools serving Evangeline Parish?

The parish is served by several public schools, including Bayou Chicot Elementary School, Chataignier Elementary School, James Stephens Montessori School, Mamou Elementary School, Vidrine Elementary School, Ville Platte Elementary School, W. W. Stewart Elementary, Basile High School, Mamou High School, Pine Prairie High School, Ville Platte High School, and Evangeline Central School.

Besides public schools, what other educational institutions serve Evangeline Parish?

Evangeline Parish is also served by Sacred Heart School, a Catholic school under the Diocese of Lafayette, and Christian Heritage Academy, an unaffiliated private school. For higher education, the parish is within the service area of South Louisiana Community College, with its C. B. Coreil Campus located in Ville Platte.

Who are some notable musicians associated with Evangeline Parish?

Evangeline Parish is associated with several notable musicians, including Creole singer and Cajun accordion virtuoso Amédée Ardoin, Cajun fiddlers Dewey Balfa and Harry Choates, zydeco musician Jeffery Broussard, Cajun musician Austin Pitre, accordion player Steve Riley (co-founder of Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys), and Cajun musician and recording artist Leo Soileau.

Which notable figures from Evangeline Parish have had careers in professional sports?

Notable sports figures from Evangeline Parish include Danny Ardoin, a former MLB catcher; Austin Deculus, an NFL offensive lineman; and Barry Manuel, a former professional baseball pitcher.

What notable individuals from Evangeline Parish have served in the U.S. Congress?

Two former U.S. Representatives from Louisiana's 7th congressional district have roots in Evangeline Parish: Rene L. De Rouen (served 1927-1940) and Ladislas Lazaro (served 1913-1927). T. Ashton Thompson also served as a U.S. Representative from the same district from 1953-1965.

Are there any notable figures in the military or government from Evangeline Parish?

Yes, Ronald G. Richard, a retired Marine Corps major general and former commandant of Camp Lejeune, hails from Evangeline Parish. Eric LaFleur is a lawyer and Senator known for sponsoring important bills, and Clyde Vidrine served as a bodyguard for former Louisiana governor Edwin Edwards.

What notable figures in religion, arts, or academia are from Evangeline Parish?

Notable individuals include J. Douglas Deshotel, a Roman Catholic bishop; Winston De Ville, a genealogist and publisher; Keith Sonnier, an artist and sculptor; and Arthur Vidrine, a physician who treated Huey P. Long and former dean of LSU Medical School in New Orleans. Joseph Verbis Lafleur, a Roman Catholic priest and U.S. Army chaplain who died in WWII, is also noted for being in the preliminary stages of canonization.

How has Evangeline Parish voted in U.S. Presidential elections over time?

For much of the 20th century, Evangeline Parish was a Democratic-leaning parish, with Republicans winning only in significant landslide years like 1972, 1980, and 1984. However, in the 21st century, it has shifted significantly towards the Republican party, a trend observed in other Acadian parishes, attributed to cultural issues and Democratic stances on the oil and gas industry.

What is the voting trend in Evangeline Parish in the 21st century?

In the 21st century, Evangeline Parish has shown a strong trend towards the Republican party in presidential elections, a shift from its historical Democratic leanings. This change is noted to be similar to other Acadian parishes and is linked to cultural issues and differing views on the oil and gas industry.

What is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Evangeline Parish?

The article mentions that there are listings on the National Register of Historic Places in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana, though specific sites are not detailed in this section.

What is the role of the 1086th Transportation Company in Evangeline Parish?

The 1086th Transportation Company of the 165th CSS Battalion is stationed in Ville Platte, Louisiana, and belongs to the 139th RSG (Regional Support Group).

What is the significance of the 'Evangeline' poem to the parish's naming?

The parish was named 'Evangeline' in honor of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's famous narrative poem, which tells the story of an Acadian heroine. This naming was intended to foster an association with the Acadian heritage and potentially attract tourism related to the Acadian saga.

What were the population figures for Evangeline Parish in the 2000, 2010, and 2020 censuses?

The population of Evangeline Parish was 35,434 in 2000, decreased to 33,984 in 2010, and further decreased to 32,350 in 2020.

What is the population density of Evangeline Parish based on the 2020 census?

Based on the 2020 census data, the population density of Evangeline Parish is 48.9 people per square mile (18.9 people per square kilometer).

Which specific U.S. Congressional district includes Evangeline Parish?

Evangeline Parish is located within Louisiana's 4th congressional district.

What time zone does Evangeline Parish observe?

Evangeline Parish observes the Central Time Zone, which is UTC-6. During daylight saving time, it observes Central Daylight Time, which is UTC-5.

What is the historical context of French and Spanish influence in Evangeline Parish?

The area that became Evangeline Parish was part of 'la Nouvelle France' (New France) and later came under Spanish rule. This history is reflected in the French and Spanish family names found among the descendants of early settlers.

What role did the French Revolution play in the development of melodrama, a theatrical form mentioned in the context of 19th-century arts?

The French Revolution led to the abolition of theatre monopolies in France, which created an environment where melodrama could emerge and gain popularity. This theatrical form became dominant throughout the 19th century.

What is the significance of the 'Acadian saga' in relation to Evangeline Parish?

The 'Acadian saga,' referring to the history and culture of the Acadians, is central to the identity of Evangeline Parish. The parish itself is named after the heroine of Longfellow's poem about the Acadian experience, and the area has historically been a focus for Acadian culture and tourism.

What is the approximate percentage of water area within Evangeline Parish?

Approximately 2.5% of Evangeline Parish's total area is water.

What is the relationship between Evangeline Parish and the Acadiana region?

Evangeline Parish is considered part of the Acadiana region of Louisiana, which is known for its Cajun and Creole culture and French-speaking population. The parish's history and naming are deeply connected to the Acadian heritage.

What is the primary function of the Evangeline Parish School Board?

The Evangeline Parish School Board is responsible for the operation of public schools within the parish.

What is the significance of the 'Isleños' in the history of Evangeline Parish?

The Isleños were people of Spanish heritage from the Canary Islands who settled in Evangeline Parish, contributing to its diverse population and bringing surnames such as Aguillard, Casaneuva, De Soto, Ortego, Rozas, and Segura.

How did the political leanings of Evangeline Parish change from the 20th to the 21st century?

Evangeline Parish shifted from being a Democratic-leaning parish for most of the 20th century to becoming a Republican-leaning parish in the 21st century, particularly noted in presidential election results. This shift is attributed to cultural issues and the influence of the oil and gas industry.

What is the role of the Evangeline Parish Tourism Commission?

The Evangeline Parish Tourism Commission likely works to promote tourism within the parish, potentially capitalizing on its Acadian heritage and cultural attractions.

What geological information is available for Evangeline Parish?

A specific geological quadrangle map titled 'Ville Platte 30 x 60 minute geologic quadrangle' was produced by the Louisiana Geological Survey in 2002, indicating detailed geological studies have been conducted for the area.

Evangeline Parish Louisiana Wiki: Evangeline Parish: Louisiana's Acadian Heartbeat

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Parish Overview

Location & Identity

Evangeline Parish, established in 1910 from St. Landry Parish, is situated in the heart of Louisiana. It is named in honor of the heroine of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's narrative poem, "Evangeline," reflecting the deep Acadian heritage of the region. The parish seat and largest municipality is Ville Platte.

Geographic Context

Covering a total area of approximately 680 square miles (1,800 km²), Evangeline Parish is characterized by its landscape, with 662 square miles (1,710 km²) of land and 17 square miles (44 km²) of water, representing 2.5% of its total area.

Population & Culture

As of the 2020 census, the parish was home to 32,350 residents. Evangeline Parish is a significant center for Cajun culture, known for its vibrant music, distinctive cuisine, and strong sense of community, deeply rooted in its French, Spanish, and Acadian ancestry.

Historical Tapestry

French & Acadian Roots

The area's settlement began with French Canadian colonists and colonial marines. Subsequent generations were born under French and Spanish rule, inheriting a rich colonial legacy. Prominent French family names like Fontenot, Brignac, and LaFleur are prevalent, underscoring the enduring French influence.

Spanish & English Contributions

Spanish heritage is evident through families with Canary Islands (Isleños) ancestry, such as Aguillard and Segura. English American colonists also settled the region, integrating with Acadian families, bringing surnames like Chapman and Young. This blend of European influences shaped the parish's early development.

Naming & Cultural Significance

The parish was officially named Evangeline in 1910, inspired by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem. This naming choice highlights the parish's connection to the broader Acadian narrative and the emerging American interest in this cultural saga, particularly as tourism centered on the Acadian experience began to develop.

Geographic Landscape

Area Statistics

Evangeline Parish encompasses a total area of 680 square miles (1,800 km²). Of this, 662 square miles (1,710 km²) constitute land area, while 17 square miles (44 km²) are covered by water, making up 2.5% of the parish's total surface.

Transportation Networks

Key transportation arteries facilitate connectivity within and beyond the parish. Major highways include Interstate 49, U.S. Highways 167 and 190, and Louisiana Highways 10, 13, and 29, ensuring access to regional centers and markets.

Natural Resources

The parish is adjacent to significant natural and recreational areas, including parts of the Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge and Chicot State Park, which also houses the Louisiana State Arboretum. These areas highlight the region's natural beauty and ecological importance.

Communities

Municipalities

Evangeline Parish is organized into several types of incorporated and recognized communities:

City: Ville Platte (Parish Seat & Largest)
Towns: Basile, Mamou
Villages: Chataignier, Pine Prairie, Turkey Creek
Census-Designated Place (CDP): Reddell

Unincorporated Areas

Beyond its formal municipalities, the parish includes numerous unincorporated communities that contribute to its unique character. These include Bayou Chicot, Centerville, L'Anse Grise, Saint Landry, and many others, each with its own local history and identity.

Demographic Profile

Population Trends

The parish experienced population growth through the mid-20th century, stabilizing in the latter half before seeing a slight decline in recent decades. The 2020 census recorded a population of 32,350, with a density of approximately 48.9 persons per square mile.

Historical Population
Census	Population	% Change
1920	23,485	—
1930	25,483	8.5%
1940	30,497	19.7%
1950	31,629	3.7%
1960	31,639	0.0%
1970	31,932	0.9%
1980	33,343	4.4%
1990	33,274	−0.2%
2000	35,434	6.5%
2010	33,984	−4.1%
2020	32,350	−4.8%

Racial & Ethnic Composition

The demographic makeup of Evangeline Parish reflects Louisiana's diverse population. The majority identify as White, with a significant African American population. Hispanic or Latino individuals represent a growing segment, with various other racial groups also present.

Evangeline Parish, Louisiana – Racial and ethnic composition
*Note: The U.S. Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.*
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic)	Pop 1980	Pop 1990	Pop 2000	Pop 2010	Pop 2020	% 1980	% 1990	% 2000	% 2010	% 2020
White alone (NH)	24,853	24,235	24,730	23,071	21,162	74.54%	72.83%	69.79%	67.89%	65.42%
Black or African American alone (NH)	7,856	8,645	10,041	9,565	8,609	23.56%	25.98%	28.34%	28.15%	26.61%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)	19	30	75	98	45	0.06%	0.09%	0.21%	0.29%	0.14%
Asian alone (NH)	41	38	51	112	183	0.12%	0.11%	0.14%	0.33%	0.57%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH)	x	x	3	3	2	x	x	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%
Other race alone (NH)	24	56	34	33	91	0.07%	0.17%	0.10%	0.10%	0.28%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH)	x	x	132	326	922	x	x	0.37%	0.96%	2.85%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)	550	270	368	776	1,336	1.65%	0.81%	1.04%	2.28%	4.13%
Total	33,343	33,274	35,434	33,984	32,350	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

Educational Landscape

Public School System

Public education in Evangeline Parish is overseen by the Evangeline Parish School Board. The district operates several elementary, middle, and high schools serving the parish's youth, including institutions like Ville Platte Elementary, Mamou High School, and Pine Prairie High School.

Private & Higher Education

Complementing the public system, Sacred Heart School, a Roman Catholic institution, provides K-12 education. For higher learning, the C. B. Coreil Campus of South Louisiana Community College in Ville Platte offers accessible post-secondary education and vocational training.

Notable Individuals

Cultural Icons

Evangeline Parish has been a fertile ground for cultural talent, particularly in Cajun and Zydeco music. Figures like Amédée Ardoin, Dewey Balfa, Harry Choates, Jeffery Broussard, Jimmy C. Newman, and Steve Riley are celebrated musicians who have significantly contributed to Louisiana's rich musical heritage.

Public Service & Academia

The parish has produced notable figures in public service, academia, and sports. This includes former U.S. Representatives like Rene L. De Rouen and Ladislas Lazaro, religious leaders such as Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel, and athletes like NFL player Austin Deculus. Winston De Ville, a noted genealogist, also hails from the area.

Political Landscape

Electoral History

Historically a Democratic-leaning parish for much of the 20th century, Evangeline Parish has shown a significant shift towards the Republican party in the 21st century. This realignment is often attributed to cultural issues and the economic interests of the region, particularly concerning the oil and gas industry.

United States Presidential Election Results for Evangeline Parish, Louisiana
Year	Republican	%	Democratic	%	Third Party(ies)	%
1912	31	5.68%	457	83.70%	58	10.62%
1916	26	2.99%	808	92.77%	37	4.25%
1920	587	51.99%	542	48.01%	0	0.00%
1924	153	20.21%	603	79.66%	1	0.13%
1928	300	13.81%	1,873	86.19%	0	0.00%
1932	52	1.64%	3,115	98.36%	0	0.00%
1936	331	8.68%	3,484	91.32%	0	0.00%
1940	220	5.81%	3,569	94.19%	0	0.00%
1944	275	8.32%	3,029	91.68%	0	0.00%
1948	206	3.57%	1,149	19.90%	4,418	76.53%
1952	2,445	41.84%	3,398	58.16%	0	0.00%
1956	2,170	38.20%	3,336	58.73%	174	3.06%
1960	1,105	11.32%	7,865	80.55%	794	8.13%
1964	3,975	39.21%	6,163	60.79%	0	0.00%
1968	1,549	13.40%	2,647	22.90%	7,362	63.70%
1972	5,523	60.03%	2,919	31.72%	759	8.25%
1976	3,715	32.14%	7,578	65.56%	265	2.29%
1980	7,412	51.26%	6,722	46.48%	327	2.26%
1984	8,680	54.78%	6,981	44.06%	183	1.16%
1988	7,437	48.29%	7,693	49.95%	270	1.75%
1992	5,147	31.43%	8,564	52.30%	2,665	16.27%
1996	5,278	35.53%	7,847	52.83%	1,729	11.64%
2000	7,290	53.56%	5,763	42.34%	559	4.11%
2004	7,949	56.86%	5,757	41.18%	273	1.95%
2008	9,793	61.30%	5,853	36.64%	330	2.07%
2012	10,181	64.56%	5,330	33.80%	259	1.64%
2016	10,360	69.61%	4,208	28.28%	314	2.11%
2020	11,053	71.72%	4,158	26.98%	201	1.30%
2024	10,483	73.95%	3,526	24.87%	167	1.18%

Related Information

Historic Places

Evangeline Parish is home to sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reflecting its rich architectural and historical heritage. These designations preserve important landmarks and stories from the parish's past.

Acadiana Context

As part of Acadiana, Evangeline Parish shares in the broader cultural and historical identity of Louisiana's French-speaking population. Its unique blend of Cajun, Creole, French, Spanish, and English influences contributes to the distinctive character of the region.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Evangeline Parish Louisiana" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about evangeline_parish_louisiana while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

klaus hentschel

united states army special operations command

sadullah ergin

yolanda gonzález artist

reichstag building

winwick cheshire

monarchy

north carolina tar heels men's basketball

andretti global

arminianism

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Evangeline Parish, Louisiana Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not be entirely comprehensive, accurate, or up-to-date. It is not intended to substitute for professional consultation or primary source verification.

This is not professional advice. The information provided is not a substitute for professional historical, geographical, or cultural consultation. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified experts for specific research needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Evangeline Parish: Louisiana's Acadian Heartbeat

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Parish Overview ℹ️

📍 Location & Identity

🗺️ Geographic Context

👥 Population & Culture

Historical Tapestry 📜

🇨🇦 French & Acadian Roots

🇪🇸 Spanish & English Contributions

✍️ Naming & Cultural Significance

Geographic Landscape 🗺️

📏 Area Statistics

🛣️ Transportation Networks

🌳 Natural Resources

Communities 🏘️

🏛️ Municipalities

🏡 Unincorporated Areas

Demographic Profile 📊

📈 Population Trends

🌐 Racial & Ethnic Composition

Educational Landscape 🎓

🏫 Public School System

⛪ Private & Higher Education

Notable Individuals 👤

🎶 Cultural Icons

🏛️ Public Service & Academia

Political Landscape 🏛️

🗳️ Electoral History

Related Information 🔗

📜 Historic Places

⚜️ Acadiana Context

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Parish Overview

Location & Identity

Geographic Context

Population & Culture

Historical Tapestry

French & Acadian Roots

Spanish & English Contributions

Naming & Cultural Significance

Geographic Landscape

Area Statistics

Transportation Networks

Natural Resources

Communities

Municipalities

Unincorporated Areas

Demographic Profile

Population Trends

Racial & Ethnic Composition

Educational Landscape

Public School System

Private & Higher Education

Notable Individuals

Cultural Icons

Public Service & Academia

Political Landscape

Electoral History

Related Information

Historic Places

Acadiana Context

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice