Shreveport - Bossier, Louisiana's Other Side

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, LA-The Louisiana Office of Tourism, along with other state and federal government agencies and private sector entities, continue to work together to monitor the impact of the oil spill and cleanup efforts in the Gulf of Mexico.

Much of the Louisiana Gulf Coast is unaffected by the oil spill and remains open for commercial and recreational fishing. All nine Louisiana coastal parishes (counties) continue to offer travelers historic and cultural attractions, world-acclaimed indigenous food and music, and notable restaurants and overnight accommodations.

Shreveport-Bossier, located in the northwest corner of the state, has not been affected by the oil spill. The sister cities, like most of the other parts of the state, are open for business and hope the remainder of the country will continue to support tourism, which is one of the state’s biggest economic engines.

The primary affected area is around the mouth of the Mississippi River in the southeast region of Louisiana. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast maps identify an "area of uncertainty" that extends around the origin of the spill.

“The nation has been so supportive of Louisiana over the years,” said Stacy Brown, president of the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau. “One of the most helpful things people can do for Louisiana is to continue to visit the state and enjoy all of our cultural attractions, festivals and events.”

Memorial Day weekend around the state will be festive. Starting in Shreveport-Bossier, the Mudbug Madness Festival, which celebrates the beloved crawfish, will be held May 27-30 at Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport. There will be great zydeco and Cajun bands, lots of crawfish cooked just the way you like it, games and activities for the kids, and an overall great time for the entire family. For more information call 318-222-7403 or visit www.mudbugmadness.com.

In West Monroe, the Louisiana Southern Fried Festival will be happening May 28-30. It will feature a regional high school rodeo, lawnmower races, square dancing, chainsaw sculpting, furniture-making and more. For more information call 318-325-9160 or visit www.lasouthernfriedfestival.com.

The Jazz Pilgrimage Brunch is May 30, 8:15 a.m., in New Iberia at St. Edward Cafeteria. There will be a Pilgrimage March and Second Line. For more information call 337-560-5595.

The New Orleans Wine and Food Experience is May 25-29 is one of the most prestigious festivals of its kind, celebrating 19 years of wine and food. The 2010 event brings together world-renowned winemakers, celebrated chefs and industry insiders in a showcase of signature events and one-of-a-kind seminars designed to entertain, educate and inspire.

For more information and updates on the oil spill visit www.louisianatravel.com. For more information about Shreveport-Bossier visit www.shreveport-bossier.org and www.shreveportbossierfunguide.com.

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Pinching tails and sucking heads! That’s what the fun is all about at the Mudbug Madness Festival, May 27-30, at Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport.

Mudbug Madness is a four-day festival held each Memorial Day weekend and is nationally recognized as one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events, drawing as many as 56,000 people in one day. The event offers mouth-watering Cajun and Creole cuisine, contests, and activities for all ages.

The festival features three entertainment stages and fun games. Some of the entertainers will be Grammy-winning Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience as well as Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers. To get a full list of entertainment visit www.mudbugmadness.com

But that’s not all the Memorial Day weekend has to offer in Shreveport-Bossier: Louisiana’s Other Side. The Steve Miller Band will be performing at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs (www.harrahslouisianadowns.com), May 29. Sam’s Town Casino and Hotel (www.samstownshreveport.com) will have a performance by the Beach Boys, May 30.

Make plans to take in some other great summer concerts and entertainment. Get your tickets early for the following events:

• Star Wars in Concert, May 20 at 7:30 p.m. Star Wars in Concert is a massive multi-media event which features stunning visuals, live orchestra, choir and narration, plus an exclusive exhibit of Star Wars costumes, props and production artwork.

• Sugarland “"The Incredible Machine" Tour, June 19 at 7:30 p.m. Grammy award winning country music duo Sugarland will be live in concert, performing their number one hits and treating concert-goers to a one-of-a-kind show.

• Jeff Dunham “Identity Crisis Tour”, June 25 at 8 p.m. Dunham has taken the art of ventriloquism to new heights transforming it into a cutting-edge comedy experience and proving that dummies can be funny! Known worldwide for his unique act, Dunham will bring his brand of comedy to Bossier City for an unforgettable night of laughter.

For more information on ticket prices and upcoming shows or to purchase tickets call 318-747-2501 or visit www.centurytelcenter.com.

Shreveport-Bossier, the festival capital of north Louisiana, is gearing up for a very busy festival season. Things kick off with the Holiday in Dixie Festival (April 16-25), followed by the Mudbug Madness Festival (Memorial Day weekend, May 27-30) and the Let the Good Times Roll Festival (June 18-20).

The music, the food, and the cultural display of Shreveport-Bossier is fun for the entire family. Experience everything from a midway of carnival rides to sucking and peeling crawfish. But that’s not all you can experience. The festivals feature some of the best entertainment in the country including many wonderful home grown local bands. Be sure to book a hotel room and spend a weekend during any of these and other festivals at www.shreveport-bossier.org.

Holiday in Dixie will be celebrating its 62nd year in the Shreveport-Bossier area, making it one of the oldest running festivals in Louisiana and proving that some things do get better with age! The event will run from April 16-25 in downtown Shreveport’s Festival Plaza.

Holiday in Dixie began in 1949 and was a five-day pageant held at the State Fair stadium. The event celebrates the Louisiana Purchase, the arrival of spring and the spirit of community involvement and pride.

This year’s festival includes the 10-day carnival at Festival Plaza, the Doodah Parade, block parties, special events, entertainment, food and art from local vendors, as well as family-oriented activities. The parade, April 17, will start at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Shreveport at the Municipal Auditorium.

Also, no Holiday in Dixie festival is ever complete without the ever popular Treasure Hunt! This annual event stimulates the mind and gets thousands involved in searching for treasure and a grand prize of cash.

For more information visit www.holidayindixie.com.

Then roll into Memorial Day weekend with the Mudbug Madness Festival pinching tails and sucking heads. What began in 1984 as a crawfish boil quickly grew (as do all good Louisiana parties, it seems) into a two-day street festival in downtown Shreveport and is now one of Louisiana’s largest and most popular Cajun festivals featuring Cajun, zydeco, blues and jazz artists.

Mudbug Madness has grown into a four-day festival held each Memorial Day weekend and is nationally recognized as one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events, drawing as many as 56,000 people in one day. The event offers mouth-watering Cajun and Creole cuisine, contests, and activities for all ages. The Madness begins Memorial Day weekend, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., May 27-30, 2010, at Festival Plaza downtown Shreveport.

The festival features fun games and three entertainment stage. The women’s, men’s, and children’s crawfish-eating contests set the true Louisianans apart from the crowd.  Contestants must eat all the meat inside of the crawfish tail (no head sucking required!). The person who eats the most will be given the high honor of Crawfish Eating Winner. For those who have never witnessed the spectacle of eating a crawfish, you won’t want to miss this! Everyone has their own technique and no one walks away clean.

When you’re not indulging in the food from the various pavilions offering everything from crawfish etouffee to gumbo and alligator-on-a-stick you can enjoy the live performances. The MetroPCS Stage, located on the area of Festival Plaza between Market Street and Spring Street, is the venue where nationally recognized entertainers perform and contests and special events are held. This year the MetroPCS Stage will welcome Grammy Award-winning artists Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience. In 2001 Simien won the Grammy in the Cajun category. His music was also featured in the new Disney movie “The Princess and the Frog.”

For a complete schedule of events and entertainers visit www.mudbugmadness.com.

But the party does not stop there. The 24th annual Let the Good Times Roll Festival celebrates the music, art and food of the African American culture and highlights its immense influence on Louisiana culture and heritage. The festival is held the third weekend in June at Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport. This year’s dates are June 18-20.

For more information visit them online at rhoomega.com.

Shreveport, LA- Please join The Gardens of the American Rose Center, AEP Swepco, Gribsy Petroleum, Perkins & Associates, The Robinson Film Center and GAP Broadcasting for the 26th Annual Christmas in Roseland festival every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening beginning Friday, November 27 through Sunday, December 20.

The Gardens are transformed into a whimsical winter wonderland featuring dozens of lighted displays, the Christmas Cards to the Community, nightly entertainment, photos with Santa, rides on the Roseland Express train, a model train display, and tons of fun for the whole family. New this year, Movies and Moonbeams will be showing a Christmas classic each Saturday night on the giant 30-foot outdoor screen including The Grinch, The Polar Express, Elf and The Muppet Christmas Carol.

Gates are open from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. with the last admittance at 9:30 p.m. Admission is $5 per person or $15 per carload. Children ages 2 or younger get in free. Group rates are available. For more information, please contact Ellen Trice at (318) 938-5402 ext 109.

FAST FACTS:

WHAT: 26th Annual Christmas in Roseland Festival

WHEN: Fridays, Saturday, Sundays- November 27, 2009-December 20, 2009 from

5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Last car admitted at 9:30 p.m.

WHERE: Gardens of the American Rose Center, just off I-20, Exit 5 in Shreveport, LA

Released By:

Maria Scott, Advertising/Marketing Manager, 318-938-5402 ext 101, maria@ars-hq.org

SCI-PORT: LOUISIANA’S SCIENCE CENTER NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release 10/16/09
Media contact: Eric Gipson (318) 424-8678; egipson@sciport.org
Programs contact: Lou Papai (318) 424-8714; lpapai@sciport.org

Celebrate the season with holiday programs galore at Sci-Port!

Holiday camps, a new IMAX film, a party just for adults, candy workshops, drop cookie and gingerbread house competitions, a New Year’s celebration and more will offer something for all ages this holiday season at Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center. Programs and events include:

Holiday Day Camps

November 23 - 25, December 21 - 23 & 28 - 30, January 4 - 5

Give your kids some Sci-Port fun and yourself a little sanity during the holidays! Holiday Day Camps accommodate specific grade groups. Each Day Camp is a standalone experience and explores themes ranging from archaeology and colors to boats, rainforest adventures and the amazing human body (call Sci-Port or see www.sciport.org for the complete list). Choose your dates and find out what Sci-Port has to offer this holiday season!

Times and rates

K-1st grade session: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Members $30 General $35

2nd - 5th grade session: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Members $40 General $45

Camps include a mid-morning and afternoon snack, all materials and supplies needed for the session, a thirty minute supervised lunch provided by Sci-Port’s Galaxy Café’ and an IMAX film. Extended Care Options are available for a slight charge. Call Visitor Services to register (318) 424-8660.

Holiday Affair on the Red

December 5, 7 p.m. to midnight

Perfect for small business, groups and couples, this adult-only holiday party features a lavish buffet by LA Food Service & Catering, a cash bar by Thrifty Liquor, music & karaoke by Jowers Entertainment, special Sci-Port programs throughout the evening and professional photography by Sunshine Photos (available for an extra fee). Tickets are $30 per person and tables for eight are available for $220. Holiday attire. RSVP by Tuesday, November 24 by calling Marion Smith at (318) 424-8667.

Candymaking Workshops

December 19 – December 30

Stop in during your winter vacation and stir up some sweet fun as you learn all about the science behind different kinds of candies and confections. Science never tasted so sweet! Programs include:

Edible Glass

December 19 & 27 at 1:30 p.m.; December 21 & 30 at 3:15 p.m.

Make a tasty hard candy that looks just like real glass that you can eat. Learn about melting point and a fun way to make candy very quickly (or tout de sweet)!

North Pole Bureau of Investigations – Case #007:

The Cookie Caper Catastrophe & The Best Drop Cookie Recipe Ever Contest

December 19 & 27 at 2:30 p.m.; December 22 at 3:15 p.m.

Oh No…Mrs. Claus had the perfect cookie recipe and one very absent-minded elf has misplaced it! We need your expertise to help us unravel this Cookie Caper Catastrophe give Sci-Port your Best Drop Cookie Recipe Ever! Win notoriety ArkLaTex-wide and a $25 gift certificate the Discoveries Unlimited Gift Shop just in time for the holidays. Send your Best Drop Cookie Recipe Ever to Sci-Port, Attn. Public Programs Manager. Recipe entries should include name, address, phone and email address. Deadline for entry is Friday, December 11, 2009. Winners will be notified by Wednesday, December 17, 2009 and your recipe will be used in our Cookie Caper Catastrophe holiday program!

Chocolate Balloon Bowls

December 20 & 26 at 1:30 p.m.; December 23 & 29 at 3:15 p.m.

Learn about melting points and the science of chocolate. Then use a balloon to make your own edible chocolate bowl!

Hot Chocolate Wars

December 20 & 26 at 2:30 p.m.; December 24 & 28 at 3:15 p.m.

All’s fair in fun and war! The misguided Snowman has taken one of Santa’s shiny new flutes and hidden it away in his ice fort. Come help Santa’s elves retrieve the flute using one of his most awesome and tastiest weapons – Hot Chocolate! The ice fort doesn’t stand a chance.

Gingerbread House Competition

December 20; Set-up noon – 1 p.m.; Judging: 1 – 3 p.m.; Awards Ceremony 3:30 p.m.

Let your imagination run yuletide wild! Create confectionary and edible architectural wonders and enter them into our delectable competition that has become a holiday favorite. With walls of gingerbread, candy rooftops and doorways, and icing lined driveways, these delicious creations are nothing short of edible art. Visit www.sciport.org for a complete set of competition rules and an entry form.

The Light Before Christmas IMAX film

Daily showings November 23 – January 3

Celebrate Christmas in a big way with this new giant screen film produced in stop-motion animation! The Light Before Christmas is the delightful tale of young Katie and her brother Makean, who, after losing their way in a Christmas Eve blizzard, are rescued by the Candleman, a wise, gentle man who invites them to his warm and cozy forest cottage and sparks their imagination with the timeless poem, The Night Before Christmas. Sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace, the children are magically transported into the story and actually become the central characters as it unfolds on the giant movie screen, complete with Santa’s visit to their home with his full team of reindeer, all assisted by Hob, Santa’s Chief Elf. Of course, no visit from Santa can end until the stockings hung on the fireplace are filled and gifts abound under the glittering Christmas tree. As Santa and his sleigh take off into the night sky, the children find themselves back in the Candleman’s cottage, eager to wend their way home and find what treasures await them, but not before the Candleman shows them that the true meaning of Christmas is found through giving to others unselfishly. Then, just as the film seems to end, the theatre audience is treated to a fun-filled tour of movie-making magic, watching how the artists at Tandem’s studios build life-like miniature sets and characters, while the animators bring the story to life before our eyes with their special cameras.

Santa vs. the Snowman IMAX film

Daily showings November 23 – January 3

This animated classic from the makers of Jimmy Neutron returns by popular demand! Here’s the story of a lonely Snowman who finds Santa's workshop but is chased away when he sets off the perimeter alarm. Envious, he devises a plan to take over Santa's empire and thus be the most popular figure around Christmas time this year. Having enlisted "Snow Minions Made Easy," he pits his snow army against Santa's elves and captures Santa, setting off a hilarious, epic-scale polar war. Featuring the voices of celebrated Emmy Award-winning comic Jonathan Winters, Ben Stein and Victoria Jackson.

New Year’s at Noon!

December 31, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

You don't want to stay up until midnight? Then celebrate the "noon year" at Sci-Port’s unique New Year’s Eve party! As the clock strikes noon here in Shreveport, Vietnam will be celebrating Tet Nguyen Dan (literally, "the first morning of the first day of the new period"). Sci-Port families can celebrate the traditions of Tet, and then count down to "midnight" with a balloon drop- Sci-Port-style!

Sci-Port: Louisiana's Science Center is a 92,000 square-foot science and entertainment center featuring 290 hands-on exhibits, a Space Center and Space Dome Planetarium, IMAX Dome Theatre, demonstration theater, daily changing programs, gift shop and cafe. Sci-Port is located at 820 Clyde Fant Parkway on the downtown Shreveport Riverfront. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. For general information call (318) 424-3466, toll-free (877) 724-7678 or see www.sciport.org.

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IMAX Schedule

2009

Nov 23 - Jan 3

Holiday Schedule

Mon - Fri.

9:45 Animalopolis

11:00 Dinosaurs Alive!

12:00 The Light Before Christmas

1:00 Alps

2:15 Santa VS Snowman

3:30 The Light Before Christmas

Sat

11:00 Alps

12:00 The Light Before Christmas

1:30 Dinosaurs Alive!

2:30 Santa vs Snowman

3:30 The Light Before Christmas

4:30 Alps

Sun

1:30 Dinosaurs Alive!

2:30 Alps

3:30 Santa vs Snowman

4:30 The Light Before Christmas

Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival 2009

Oil City, La. – Revel in the captivating Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival on the banks of Caddo Lake in Oil City’s Earl Williamson on Saturday, Dec. 5.

The festival will kickoff at 3:30 p.m., followed by the fireworks display at 6:30 p.m.

The annual festival will feature the best in local entertainment, in addition to delicious food, comical clowns, creative arts and crafts, and much more. Children will be amazed by the clowns, games, lights, and of course Santa Claus. He will make his way to the festival, bearing a gift for each child the event. Children may also have their picture taken with Jolly Old St. Nicholas.

"This event gives the people of north Caddo Parish something to enjoy with their families and friends," said Festival Organizer Mary Dunn. "The event is free to all and the fireworks and decorations will be wonderful."

Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival, Inc. was formed 15 years ago as a partnership between the Vivian Chamber of Commerce and the Oil City Rotary Club.

The organizations invited all 10 towns in northwest Caddo Parish to join together to plan the free event with fireworks, food, entertainment, Santa Claus and activities for children with a goal of serving the people of North Caddo and the surrounding area.

Those towns are Belcher, Blanchard, Gilliam, Hosston, Mira, Ida, Mooringsport, Oil City, Rodessa and Vivian.

The event now brings in more than 12,000 people from throughout the Ark-La-Tex, some of which camp at the park in RVs.

Each year the event has been held the first Saturday in December at Earl Williamson Park in Oil City. The Caddo Parish Commission, who is in charge of the park, helps to set up holiday decorations, lighting, electricity, a stage and other details and services.

Directions: Take I-20 to I-220, exit Highway 1 and 71 North. Take Highway 1 North toward Oil City. The event is in Earl Williamson Park on Caddo Lake at Oil City, LA. Locals can head north up Highway 1 to Oil City.

For more information, please call (318) 631-0182 or email mdunn76635@aol.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Tarah Holland, Public Relations/Social Media Manager

Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau

(318) 429-0653 or tholland@sbctb.org

October 20, 2009

Trail Offers 40 Nights of Holiday Lights

Annual Holiday Trail of Lights offers the season’s best

free or affordable events for those seeking memorable experiences

There’s nothing like being home for the holidays. So why not experience the best that the season has to offer by creating fun, festive memories at free or affordable, family-friendly holiday events right in your own backyard.

For years, the annual Holiday Trail of Lights has been a one-of-a-kind, regional partnership between two states – Louisiana and Texas – and six cities – Shreveport, Bossier City, Natchitoches, Marshall, Jefferson and Kilgore to promote holiday festivities along I-20 and I-49.

Shreveport-Bossier’s annual Lighting Ceremony will kickoff the season’s 40 nights of wondrous nights of lights on Nov. 20. Other nightly, self-guided tours of lights and other events will follow through Jan. 1, 2010.

The partnership held a kickoff event Tuesday, Oct. 20 at the Klima Center at the Gardens of the American Rose Center in Shreveport.

"Given the financial strains on families in our current economy, we understand that it can be difficult to plan holiday leisure travel," said Iris Harper, president of the Natchitoches Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. "But affordability is what makes the Holiday Trail of Lights so unique. For a spectacular 40 nights of holiday lights, this year’s trail offers so many free or affordable options within driving distance for families in a 100-mile radius of the six cities."

This year’s trail will feature an abundance of free holiday events for families, couples and individuals alike including the Lighting Ceremony at the Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City on Nov. 20; Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival north of Shreveport on Dec. 5; the Wonderland of Lights Festival in Marshall on Nov. 25; the Turn on the Holidays Festival in the Natchitoches Historic District on Nov. 21; a walk through the Enchanted Forest amid a sparkling wonderland of beautifully decorated Christmas trees in Jefferson, Nov. 27-Dec.31; and a slide down the Mt. Kilgore Snow Hill in Kilgore, Dec. 11-12.

Holiday Trail of Lights is the only marketing coalition of its kind that is not limited by state boundaries. In addition, the trail is an example of economic growth that is bred from successful regional partnerships. Similar initiatives have been lauded as models for building economic development, while expanding limited resources.

Not only does the trail offer visitors an abundance of things to see and do, it also offers a boost to the economies of each city through holiday tourism dollars spent at retail shops, restaurants and hotels.

"We encourage visitors to take a day drive or plan a weekend stay along the Holiday Trail of Lights to create lasting holiday at spirited events, while holiday shopping, browsing the arts or any of the other activities in each of the six cities," said Mike Coston, president of the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau.

Shreveport, Bossier City and Natchitoches, Louisiana, and Jefferson, Kilgore and Marshall, Texas each have classic and also new and exciting events along this year’s trail. For a complete list of holiday events, please visit www.holidaytrailoflights.com, and while there, sign up to receive our e-newsletter and monthly updates.

Oil City (north of Shreveport) – The Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival will be 3:30 p.m.-9 p.m., Dec. 5, at Earl Williamson Park, 11425 LA Hwy 1 in Oil City. The annual event features family-oriented fireworks display with booths, concessions, entertainment, Santa, thousands of lights and a multitude of light sculptures. Fireworks will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Bossier City – The annual Lighting Ceremony will take place at 6 p.m., Nov. 20, at the Louisiana Boardwalk. This year's event will feature a 40-foot Christmas tree, 5,000 twinkling lights, performances by musical guest John Frazier and local dance groups, a snow blizzard and Santa's first area appearance.

Natchitoches – Downtown Natchitoches will kick off the holiday season during "Turn on the Holidays" on Nov. 21. The event is full of free family entertainment and the highlight is the official turning on of thousands of Christmas lights that illuminate the Natchitoches Historic District. Events begin at 11 a.m. with a holiday concert featuring the Northwestern State University "Spirit of Northwestern" Marching Band. That evening, Josh Hyde and the Hitchhikers will perform blues, jazz and zydeco hits from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Marshall – The city’s Wonderland of Lights, Nov. 25, rivals any lighting scene in the country, with more than 10 million lights throughout the community. The Historical Harrison County Courthouse, located in the center of the Downtown Square, is the festival’s jewel with more than 125,000 tiny white lights.

Jefferson – Take a spectacular walk through the city’s Enchanted Forest, Nov. 27-Dec. 31, to see the sparkling wonderland of beautifully decorated Christmas trees. The trail starts at 6 p.m. at Lions Park, 600 East Jefferson St.

Kilgore – A snow hill in Texas? Travel to Kilgore to take a slide down the Mt. Kilgore Snow Hill, Dec. 11-12. While you're there, enjoy activities for the whole family including cut your own family Christmas tree and holiday shopping in downtown Kilgore. Don't miss the "City of Stars" spectacular display of stars atop over 70 oil derricks throughout the town, starting Nov.19.

Media Contact

Brandy Evans

Vice President of Communications

318-218-6126 or bevans@sbctb.org

September 25, 2009

Shreveport-Bossier: Louisiana’s Other Side outperforms state, national tourism trends

Shreveport-Bossier, La. – Shreveport-Bossier: Louisiana’s Other Side tourism industry is strong with Louisiana’s highest hotel occupancy rates, despite a drop in travel figures for many destinations nationwide.

The July Smith Travel Research report shows the Shreveport MSA leading all other Louisiana cities in hotel occupancy for the month of July with 73.5 percent. Baton Rouge’s is 64.1, Lafayette – 49.6, and New Orleans – 64.6. Year-to-date hotel occupancy in the Shreveport MSA has dipped 1.2 percent from 68.9 to 68.1.

According to the Smith data, the U.S. hotel occupancy rate in July was 64.1 percent, down from 69.2 percent in July 2008. Year to date, the U.S. hotel occupancy rate was 56 percent, down from 62.5 percent from last July.

On the upside, Shreveport-Bossier’s upbeat tourism market can be attributed to several factors including a new brand, strong leadership, fiscal responsibility, successful regional partnerships, strong marketing efforts and positive national and regional media attention, according to Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau President Stacy Brown.

"Though we are doing extremely well in light of a sluggish economy, we do recognize that we have some challenges, in particular in the gaming sector," Brown said. "That is why we are forming a coop with all of our local casinos to reposition ourselves in the Dallas/Ft. Worth and East Texas market."

Hotel revenue has nearly doubled from 1998 to 2008. Along with the growth in revenue has been a steady increase in hotel inventory. In 1998, there were about 5,000 hotel rooms. Today, there are about 9,500 rooms. In 2009, year-to-date supply has increased by 6.3 percent and demand has increased by 5 percent. New projects on the horizon will push the number of hotel rooms past the 10,000 mark.

In a June article in the Savannah Morning News, Randall cited Shreveport-Bossier’s increase in tourism over last year as a bright spot in the south’s tourism outlook. The sister cities offer varied attractions, such as casinos, a steady film industry, sports and conventions. Repeat customers also are a factor, according to the article.

In a recent Visitor Intercept Survey conducted for the tourist bureau by Randall Travel Marketing, repeat visitation to Shreveport-Bossier saw a growth of 13 percent over last year’s figures. In total, 87 percent of visitors are coming more than once a year.

"We find Shreveport to be an affordable destination," said Texas residents Carol and Calvin McCall. "We visit once or twice a year, for one or two nights each time."

Shreveport-Bossier’s convenient location in between Dallas, Texas and Jackson, Miss. also offers the couple a midway point to meet family for birthdays and other outings.

"We also enjoy the Bass Pro and Boardwalk shopping," the McCalls said. "We have visited the shops every time we visit and find the Farmers Almanac Store and Bass Pro to be especially enjoyable."

In 2008, the tourist bureau spent more than $1.6 million on direct sales and marketing efforts to generate overnight visitation. Over and above that, the tourist bureau allocated another $329,000 for partners such as the Shreveport Convention Center, CenturyTel Center, Shreveport Regional Sports Authority, Shreveport-Bossier Film Office and funds assistance for many other local organizations.

Moreover, it also has a cooperative advertising budget in 2009 of $146,211 to help local attractions and events keep visitors walking through their doors. Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center, Robinson Film Center, Artspace, Barnwell, Shreveport Little Theatre and many more have benefited from the coop dollars and programs such as the spring/summer digital billboard campaign.

The tourist bureau has facilitated advertising in Louisiana newspapers for a recent IMAX program, helped the museum secure billboard advertising for programs in the early summer and, in addition, regularly splits the cost of Sci-Port’s property brochure, according to Rebecca Proscino, Sci-Port’s Director of Marketing and Strategic Projects.

"But the biggest help was this year when they awarded us a marketing start-up grant for our inaugural Mad Scientist Cycle for Sci-Port – a bike ride benefit to support the center that showcases rural Louisiana," Proscino said. "As a result of that extra help with marketing dollars, so far, we have over 100 riders in the first year of an event. The tourist bureau is helping us, help ourselves by giving this event a solid foundation."

Another partner that has benefited is Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival held in Oil City annually. Mary Dunn, organizer, said the tourist bureau’s efforts help her to reach so many more people than the committee could by itself.

"Partnering with the tourist bureau has made a tremendous difference in the attendance at our event. The tourist bureau has an excellent brochure program. As a non-profit, we would not have the funds to do this alone."

The national media is turning its attention to Shreveport-Bossier and all the wonderful things happening in the area.

In 2009, Shreveport-Bossier has been featured in USA Today Weekend, the Miami Herald, the Dallas Morning News, the Houston Chronicle, Convention South Magazine, Group Tour Magazine and others.

A recent article in the Dallas Morning News (Shreveport-Bossier City has more than gambling to offer – Sept. 11, 2009) characterized the area as "Gambling, of course, is the big draw, with five riverboat casinos and a horse-racing track. But when you need a break from the slots, tables and ponies, there's plenty beyond the neon."

For Immediate Release

September 9, 2009

For more information, contact Jessica Oliver / office (318) 741-7800, cell phone (318) 207-7363

LOUISIANA DOWNS TO CELEBRATE 30TH ANNIVERSARY RUNNING OF SUPER DERBY

(Bossier City, LA) – Louisiana Downs is celebrating the 30th anniversary running of the Super Derby! Bring the whole family out to experience the majesty and excitement of live thoroughbred racing! Enjoy Louisiana’s biggest race of the year and prelude to the 2009 Breeders’ Cup World Championship. There’s something for all ages at Louisiana Downs. Super Derby is scheduled for Saturday, September 19th with the first post time at noon.

Saturday, September 12th

Wiener Dog Races and Kid Races – Saturday, September 12 starting at 10am

Come out to watch daring dachshunds dash for the finish line! The wiener dog races are hilarious to watch and fun for all ages. The kids’ races will be between each dog race.

Saturday, September 19th

IFOCE Grits Eating Contest – 10:00am

The annual Grits Eating Contest is back! Watch some of the top eaters in the country compete for the prized Grits Championship trophy. Eater X, Tim Janus, will defend his Grits Champion title against Joey Chesnut, the world’s best eater, and Bob Shout the #5 ranked eater, plus many more! Also, cheer on your favorite local radio disc jockeys and t.v. news reporters as they scarf down pounds of grits. Deejays and news reporters from K94.5, 99X, MIX 97.3, KRMD, 710AM, and KSLA Channel 12 News will compete against one another and some of the world’s best eaters! Don’t miss the greatest Grits Eating Contest in the world only at Louisiana Downs!

Family Day Tent – 10:00am-6:00pm

The kids (and parents, too) will have a great time with sand art, face painting, a sand box and much more! Join us in the tent located on the apron.

Jockey Meet & Greet – 10:30am-11:30am

Mix and mingle with star Super Derby jockeys and Anna Roberts, the country’s prettiest jockey.

Super Derby Hat Contest – 10:00am-1:00pm

Ladies, get into the spirit of Louisiana’s premier thoroughbred race, Super Derby. Register to enter into the Annual Super Derby Hat Contest between 10am and 1pm. Hat contests will be judged between races. You could win one of three categories: Spirit of Louisiana, Classic, or Most Original.

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