New Iberia has a new bingo parlor after the opening of Bayouside Bingo in The Village off Main Street last week.

The bingo shop opened with the help of the Teche Area Builder’s Association, Van’s Kiddie Care and Blessing New Iberia, and a grand opening ribbon cutting welcomed the bingo parlor to the area.

“We want to try to give the best possible service and product as possible,” Alan Broussard with the Teche Area Builder’s Association said. “We’re in a great location and we’ve got everything that’s needed.

“You realize there’s not a lot going in smaller towns but this is one of the things that especially older people can do to get out and have a good time.”

Keith Bowles, chief financial executive officer for Van’s Kiddie Care, said his business and the Teche Area Builder’s Association have been working together for more than a decade with other bingo businesses, and added that he was excited about the newest one.

“We serve the community,” Bowles said. “We serve seven different parishes and Iberia Parish is our biggest one. We’re truly happy to be here.”

Local residents were already streaming into Bayouside Bingo on opening day trying out the video bingo machines inside. A steady stream of customers have continued to filter in since opening day.

Business owners and even a few public officials were on-site for the opening, and a ribbon cutting followed a short ceremony.