Shreveport - Bossier, Louisiana's Other Side

As Carnival season nears, it seems the air in Shreveport-Bossier is saturated with the aroma of Mardi Gras. Parades, king cakes and festive décor are everywhere you look, and before you know it, beads of vibrant colors are being hurled in every direction. Many Louisiana residents take for granted the rich tradition that is Mardi Gras, and most may not even be aware of the heritage that is the foundation of the celebration.

Robert Trudeau, a local expert on this subject, has written a guide called How to Mardi Gras, a comprehensive 36-page guide to Carnival in Louisiana with 36 illustrations.

“It covers everything from food and costumes to Cajuns and Creoles, and it even touches on global Mardi Gras,” said Trudeau. It also brilliantly demonstrates the Second Line Tradition, a group that walks throughout the parade behind a brass band.  The guide is great for visitors, those new to the area, people who haven’t experienced Louisiana, students, and party planners.

Trudeau who is involved with everything Second Line related in Shreveport-Bossier is the co-founder of the Blanc et Noir Marching Society that marches in the Krewe of Highland Parade. Highland’s Parade is March 6 through the historic Shreveport neighborhood.

He said, "We have a commitment to the rituals of traditional New Orleans Carnival. There is no float. We march and do the Second Line to the music of a Crescent City-style brass marching band."

He also has a commercial group, Robert Trudeau’s Second Line that will figuratively and literally bring the music to your table. They are one of only a few in Shreveport-Bossier to bring authentic New Orleans Jazz Music to the streets of the city. The goal is to get the people dancing!

Copies of How to Mardi Gras can be found at The Enchanted Garden and Tower Books in Shreveport and Tubb’s Hardware and Rentals in Bossier City.

To learn more about the history of The Second Line Traditions click here http://frenchquarter.com/history/SecondLine.php

For more information about the Blanc et Noir Marching Society go to http://blancetnoirmarchingsociety.blogspot.com

Shreveport-Bossier, La. – For 35 years the Red River Revel Arts Festival has attracted thousands of people who love art, food, music, and fun. This year’s event will take place Saturday, Oct. 2-Saturday, Oct. 9.  This eight-day festival is held at downtown Shreveport’s Festival Plaza on the banks of the Red River.

The featured attraction at the Revel is the variety of art on display and for sale by more than one hundred juried artists. It’s the perfect place to find unique jewelry, paintings, acrylics, clothing, pottery, photography, wood work and much more. This year will offer 40 new artists.

Another popular activity at the Revel is eating! Many festival-goers count down to the event in anticipation of eating their Revel favorites, most of which are prepared by local non-profit organizations. From the Muffaletta pizza and turkey legs to the Italian ice and funnel cakes, there are many Revel foods you just can't do without!

This year the 50-foot Ferris Wheel is back and will be in a new location overlooking the Children’s Arts Education Area and the Red River. Children’s events include Artist for a Day, “Twister” Tot Tent, Architecture Alive, Salto Trampoline and the Rock Climb. Bring the kids out for a full day of fun.
 
Raising the bar in local entertainment without the expected, high-priced concert ticket, Revel 35 is offering really hot entertainment. For the price of a regular Revel admission ticket you can enjoy as many of the evening’s concerts as you like. Plus, Revelers can enjoy local bands and regional Revel favorites throughout the eight-day festival. Remember, the eight-day Reveler Pass allows unlimited admission throughout the festival for one low price.

Scheduled entertainment includes:
 
Steel Magnolia, October 2, CHASE Stage
Steel Magnolia is country music’s hottest new duo. Meghan Linsey and Joshua Scott Jones proved to be a winning combination in winning CMT’s “Can You Duet?” Their first single - the Top 5 hit, “Keep On Lovin’ You,” - introduced country radio to the duo’s fresh sound, earning them two 2010 Academy of Country Music Award Nominations, as well as two 2010 CMT Music Award Nominations a mere eight months after launching onto the music scene. “Our voices blend uniquely,” Josh says of the Steel Magnolia sound. “Meghan has more of a low end and my voice is kind of in a little higher register, which normally isn’t the case with a male/female duo. It’s usually the other way around. So it’s a weird blend, but it works. It’s country with our own edge.”

Sister Hazel, October 9, CHASE Stage
Sister Hazel began when Ken Block started playing with Drew Copeland around Gainesville in the early '90s. They added Jett Beres on bass, guitarist Ryan Newell and drummer Mark Trojanowski. The band struck gold with their chart-topping hit, "All For You." Over the years the band has sold more than two million albums and had six top 30 singles; they earned a platinum disc with 1997's “Somewhere More Familiar” and gold with 2000's “Fortress”. "We're getting to live a dream," Copeland proclaims. "As kids, we grew up thinking, 'Man, one day I am going to be a rock star!' and man, we are getting to do that. And we don't take that for granted." Their latest album, “Release,” debuted on Billboard's Top 200 Albums Chart at #37, the highest chart number ever attained by any of the band's albums on that chart. “Release” also hit #3 on the Billboard Indie Chart and #14 on the Billboard Digital Album Chart. On release day, the album went all the way to #1 on the iTunes Rock Chart and #7 on the overall iTunes sales chart.
 
The Hunt Family, October 2, CHASE Stage
The Hunt Family is a cross between World Ranked Step Dancers and Champion Fiddlers. They are a family of nine that brings a high-powered energetic and refreshing experience to the stage. They perform original, Celtic, bluegrass, inspirational and popular tunes, offering a unique blend of diversity to every show. Their latest CD, Hearts Held High, is available now and features eight exciting brand new original compositions.  The Hunt Family has completed four US tours and performed at places such as “The Tony Danza Show,” the World Championships for Irish Dance and “Virginia’s Royal Welcoming” for Queen Elizabeth in Richmond, VA.

The Band Perry, October 7, CHASE Stage
"Daddy rocked us to sleep with the Rolling Stones; Mama woke us up with Loretta Lynn. So we get it honest." - Kimberly Perry
Inheriting a cross-pollinated love of country and rock & roll from their parents, The Band Perry - siblings Kimberly, Reid and Neil Perry - say that they bleed the bright red blood of American music. The three have always felt the drive to perform and create music, beginning when Kimberly strapped on her first Gibson guitar and fronted her first high school band - at age 15, employing Reid, then 10, and Neil, only eight, as her roadies. In July of 2005, the siblings decided to join forces as one band. The Band Perry was then invited by the Coca-Cola Bottling Company to open all of the dates on their "New Faces of Country" tour that year. They caught the ears of Republic Nashville and signed to the new label in the summer of 2009.
 
Blues Old Stand Featuring Brady Blade, Jr., October 8, CHASE Stage
Blues Old Stand is a Southern funk n' roll band that established itself as one of the early "Jam Bands" of the ‘90s. The music is based in the blues, funk and soul of the fathers of groove, with musical influences ranging from Muddy Waters to Curtis Mayfield. Blues Old Stand has been touring and playing large festivals for more than 20 years.
 
Brady Blade Jr. has joined Blues Old Stand both on the stage and in the studio on various records produced by BLADE Studios. Brady is a Grammy winning artist and producer who has recorded and toured with Dave Matthews, Jewel, the Indigo Girls and Bob Dylan. Blues Old Stand has shared the stage with everyone from Ben Harper to Buddy Guy, from Widespread Panic to the Allman Brothers. They have been an accompanying band for many blues greats including Hubert Sumlin, Bob Margolin, Johnny Shines and Kent Duchaine. The unique blend of tone, and vast and diverse song list of original and cover songs, make Blues Old Stand a festival favorite.

Dirtfoot, October 9, CHASE Stage
Whether performing on big stages at festivals, or playing intimate settings in pubs and the finer taverns all over the Midwest & South, Dirtfoot puts on an uproarious show. The crowds come to take part in the fun and chaos, hollering to all the calls and responses, shaking their bean cans, and getting down with the infectious grooves. There is only one Gypsy Punk Country Grumble Boogie band in the land… Dirtfoot.
 
Led by the organic writings of Matt Hazelton with each player adding his own flavor and feeling to the songs and sound of the group, Dirtfoot is a blend of eclectic styles, as well as diverse personalities. All of their instruments are acoustic, but their energy and ingenuity will make you swear they are plugged in. Featuring instruments ranging from an acoustic guitar, banjo, upright bass, pots n' pans, drums, bells, saxophone, xylophone and more, this band has a truly engaging sound, a real dose of Gypsy, Punk, Country, Grumble Boogie!
 
You can view a listing of participating artists and food vendors, plus information on tickets and Revel hours at the Revel’s website: www.redriverrevel.com. Be sure to check back for updates on entertainment, kids’ activities, and food.

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Shreveport-Bossier, La. - Just about anyone can toss together some ingredients and bake a cake, but it takes real talent and the best ingredients to create something people will talk about long after they’ve eaten it.

The same is true of planning a successful group tour. The ingredients include great dining, efficient scheduling and a well-planned itinerary. Put it together in the right way, and the experience will have participants excited before the tour even starts, and talking about it for weeks afterward.

Shreveport-Bossier has recently added a couple of new additions to the group tour mix that will help group leaders create a memorable event.

The Louisiana Boardwalk now boasts a brand new Courtyard by Marriott property right on the grounds of Louisiana’s largest lifestyle and shopping destination. With 119 rooms and nine suites, it also offers a state-of-the-art lobby with free Wi-Fi, access to the latest news and weather, and comfortable and flexible spaces that are just right for settling in with a cup of coffee and your laptop.

Courtyard by Marriott also offers a complimentary fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a 24-hour business center. The location is popular with visitors, too. It’s just steps away from more than 60 outlet shops, a variety of dining choices, nightlife and a movie theater. Louisiana Boardwalk has parking designated for tour buses.

The property is located at 100 Boardwalk Boulevard in Bossier City, La. For more information call 318-742-8300.
 
Another exciting addition to the group tour mix is the Main Street Shops at Villaggio. Set amidst a village of Tuscany-styled buildings, gardens and courtyards, this upscale shopping destination looks as if it belongs in a lakeside village in Italy with its pedestrian storefronts on the ground level and its balconies and windows on the story above.

Shoppers have a variety of choices from food and dining, spa/salon, clothing and apparel, gifts and accessories: there’s even a tattoo salon. Actress Katie Holmes is a huge fan of the cupcakes at Buttercups Cupcakes. While in Shreveport-Bossier filming the movie Mad Money, she frequently treated people on set to cupcakes. She even ordered a supply to take home with her when filming was complete.

The Main Street Shops at Villaggio is a special collaboration shaped by the vision of the Villaggio development team, fashioned by the insight of custom caliber architects and articulated by craftsmen and artisans who welcome the highest expression of the arts.

The Villaggio is located at 5200 E. Texas in Bossier City, La. For information contact info@villaggiobossier.com or call 318-746-6107.

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Shreveport-Bossier, La. - Just about anyone can toss together some ingredients and bake a cake, but it takes real talent and the best ingredients to create something people will talk about long after they’ve eaten it.

The same is true of planning a successful small meeting. The ingredients include great speakers, efficient scheduling and a venue delegates can enjoy during meeting sessions as well as in the breaks. Put it together in the right way, and the experience will have participants excited before the meeting even starts, and talking about it for weeks afterward.

Shreveport-Bossier has recently added a couple of new additions to the small meetings mix that will help planners create a memorable event.

The Louisiana Boardwalk now boasts a brand new Courtyard by Marriott property right on the grounds of Louisiana’s largest lifestyle and shopping destination. With 119 rooms and nine suites, and a 920-square-foot meeting room, it’s the perfect spot for meetings of up to 60 people. The state-of-the-art lobby provides free Wi-Fi, access to the latest news, weather and airport conditions, and comfortable and flexible work spaces that are just right for meeting with three or four people at one time.

Courtyard by Marriott also offers a complimentary fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a 24-hour business center. The location is also popular with delegates. It’s just steps away from more than 60 outlet shops, a variety of dining choices, nightlife and a movie theater. Hotel guests enjoy parking separate from the Louisiana Boardwalk.

The property is located at 100 Boardwalk Boulevard in Bossier City, La. For more information call 318-742-8300.
 
Another exciting addition to the meetings mix is the Villaggio Lakehouse on the grounds of the Main Street Shops at Villaggio. It is scheduled to open on Sept. 25, 2010.

Set amidst a village of Tuscany-styled buildings, gardens and courtyards, the Lakehouse looks as if it belongs in a lakeside village in Italy with its pedestrian storefronts on the ground level and its balconies and windows on the story above.

The Lakehouse is perfect for a variety of events but it’s much more than a typical meetings and banquet facility. With its own Porte Cochere entrance, the space can stay open even when other Villaggio operations are closed.

In the upstairs meeting rooms guest are treated to views of a private garden. With 3,000 square feet, the room will accommodate 25 tables with ten seats per table for a total fo 250 guests.

At the very top guests are rewarded with a 3,000-square-foot, church-like space that frames remarkable views stretching out over the development and the lake. This room will accommodate 200 seats in a church/assembly setup. A covered deck provides an additional 1,893 square feet of space.

The Lakehouse is a special collaboration shaped by the vision of the Villaggio development team, fashioned by the insight of custom caliber architects and articulated by craftsmen and artisans who welcome the highest expression of the arts.

The Villaggio is located at 5200 E. Texas in Bossier City, La. For information and booking contact Nealy Digilormo, Chez Rivage Events, at Nealy@villaggiobossier.com or 318-510-2218.

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Shreveport-Bossier, La. – There’s a pulse that you can’t miss, a blend of American cultures, where Texas cattle country brushes shoulders with Cajun spice.  Where life is simple and our hearts are big.  Cupid, or the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau has its sights set on area residents and we want them to Fall in Love with Shreveport-Bossier all over again.   Rediscover what makes Shreveport-Bossier so loveable with fall festivals and events like the Red River Revel Arts Festival, Oct. 2-9, Brew…A Premier Beer Tasting Event, Oct. 16; State Fair of Louisiana, Oct. 21-Nov. 7, Holiday Trail of Lights, Nov. 20-Jan. 1, and Independence Bowl, Dec. 27.  There is something for everyone.  Join us on Facebook and sign up for a chance to win a vacation package for two, in the Fall in Love Sweepstakes.  It comes complete with a two-night hotel stay and tickets to area festivals and attractions.  Whether you visit for a day or stay for a lifetime, you can’t help but fall in love with Shreveport-Bossier. 

Love starts here.  What began life as a log-jammed river port, has now become home to an impressive convention center, world-class hotels, family-friendly lodges, and charming bed and breakfasts. Our dining is unparalleled.  We offer cuisines from all over the world as well as our own home-town version of East Texas Cajun. And who could forget the shopping. From the malls to specialty boutiques throughout the city and on the riverfront, the Louisiana Boardwalk.
We add the spice to love and life.  In Shreveport-Bossier our artistic and musical traditions run deep. Elvis got his start here during the Louisiana Hayride. Our many museums tell the story of other famous musicians, stars, explorers and tycoons who called Shreveport-Bossier home. You can experience a modern day blending of traditions at our concerts, festivals and nightclubs that offer a variety of musical styles.

Celebrate love and life.  As Southerners, we do like to have fun. What better way to celebrate life on the Red River than an almost non-stop series of festivals and events the Highlight the cultural heritage of music, food and art in Shreveport-Bossier. From the first warm breeze of spring into the cool weather of fall, as some of us say, “Let the good times roll!” And that includes gaming on our glittering riverboats, offering entertainment, fun and the good life.

Home is where the heart is.  As the weather cools and the leaves begin to change, we see the bright red, white, and blue tents fill the Festival Plaza; the first indication that the Red River Revel and Brew are drawing near.  Soon after carnival rides and food booths start filling the Fairgrounds and the hearts of children warm as they think of the State Fair of Louisiana.  With so much to do this Fall, Shreveport-Bossier is the perfect place to stay, play and fall in love.
Follow us on Facebook and you could win our Fall in Love Sweepstakes which includes a two night hotel stay, four tickets to the Red River Revel and four tickets to Sci-Port.

Shreveport-Bossier is full of relaxing modern conveniences wrapped in welcoming Southern charm. We take care of our visitors like family, filling you up with our tastiest food and treating you to as much entertainment as you want.  We are Louisiana's Other Side, and here, we are a mix of wide-open Texas spirit and spicy Cajun attitude. We took the best of big Texas and the tastiest of Louisiana and blended it into our own brand of entertainment and fun.  With so much to do in Shreveport-Bossier…why go anywhere else?!  Fall in love with Shreveport-Bossier! To learn more about all there is to see and do in Shreveport-Bossier, visit www.shreveportbossierfunguide.com.

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The Villaggio, Bossier City’s new upscale community, is located at 5200 E. Texas Street, at the intersection of Interstate 20 and Highway 80 in north Bossier City. It offers 239 luxury apartment residences and the scenic six-acre Lake Villaggio, as well as shops and soon-to-open restaurants for people to enjoy. The focal point of the development is a 45-foot clock tower located in the promenade area overlooking the lake.

Villaggio incorporates the rich traditions of Italian living in its architecture, streetscapes, sidewalk cafes, residences and shopping.

Recent announcements by The Villagio are sure to enhance the experience for shoppers and diners looking for a little variety. Check out what’s coming and be sure to visit Villaggio’s website often for new openings and updates at www.villaggiobossier.com.

Esther’s Heavenly Sweet Things: Sweet treats available just in time for Easter, brought to you by Mrs. Esther! Esther’s Heavenly Sweet Things is now open at the Villaggio. Mrs. Esther offers cakes, pies, cookies, pralines and more for you to enjoy.

Archie Hebert’s Sports Bar and Grill: Scheduled to open in mid-June, this sports bar and grill will offer a menu of burgers, steaks, seafood, signature drinks and seasonal Louisiana dishes. With a spectacular view of the six-acre lake, outdoor patio seating and 11 high-definition televisions, Archie Hebert’s Sports Bar and Grill will be the place to go this summer.

The Lakehouse: The Lakehouse, Villaggio’s state-of-the-art conference center, is now under construction and expected to be open in mid-June. The facility will hold 500 attendees for major events and seat 250 for weddings, business meetings, family reunions, church services, or parties. The Lakehouse boasts a grand view of Lake Villaggio and the Villaggio Clock Tower. For booking info, contact Chez Rivage Events at 318.747.5558.

Current shops and stores offer everything from medical spa services to handmade French soaps. There are more than 20 stores currently opened in The Villagio. Be sure to visit some of the already open shops such as Boutique di Bambini, Soumas Heritage  Creole Gift Shop, Pretty Medical Spa and others.

The Villaggio is open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday – Saturday and closed on Sunday. For more information call 318.746.6107 or check out The Villaggio online at www.shopvillaggio.com.

The Shreveport Farmers’ Market will soon have something new to boast about. Southern Living magazine is including the local market in its new book, Farmer’s Market Cookbook. The book, focused on farmers’ markets from around the country, went on sale March 16.

The summer market will be held on Saturdays, 7 a.m. to noon, starting June 5 through September 4 and Tuesdays from 3-6 p.m. in June and July only. The fall market will open after the Red River Revel Arts Festival leaves and will stay open until Thanksgiving.

Noma Fowler-Sandlin has been the manager of the Shreveport Farmers’ Market for three years and has been a vendor for five years. She says that the local market is made up of a diverse group of individuals that keep the past alive through handed-down methods and recipes, yet keep up with the future by new marketing strategies.
 
“It’s a great market and one that is really growing every year. Our farmers and vendors really know what they’re doing, and the shoppers recognize that. It’s no surprise that such a creative and knowledgeable group would be featured,” says Sandlin.

She doesn’t give the vendors all the credit for making the Shreveport Farmers’ Market so unique, though.

“It’s not just the vendors that make it special – it’s our committed shoppers, too, who have their favorites and come back every time the market is open. There are more of them each year. They are learning a new way to shop and staying connected with their food and who produces it.”

So what can shoppers expect from the 2010 Shreveport Farmers’ Market? According to Sandlin, a lot!

“Every year we are seeing more interesting foods. Last year, we got cheese for the first time. We will have hot, fresh beignets and café au lait this year, and maybe even a juice bar.”

The market offers produce, wine, beef and ready-to-eat foods that you can eat at the market or take home with your purchases. “It’s not just the greens, but the hot sauce for the greens. It’s a gourmet field day,” boasts Sandlin.

On Tuesdays shoppers are treated to home-grown music to go with the food. “It’s truly a family-oriented experience that draws people together and blurs that producer/shopper line.”

You can purchase the Farmer’s Market Cookbook at most book stores nationwide for $29.95. Sign up on Facebook to learn more about the Shreveport Farmers’ Market, Click here for the facebook page.

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."