Shreveport - Bossier, Louisiana's Other Side

This will mark the 13th year of the festival, which is hailed as one of the largest and longest-running food and wine festivals in the world and ranked one of the best food and wine festivals in the United States by Forbes Magazine.

"We are delighted to be able to showcase our amazing food, culture and heritage," said Stacy Brown, president of the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau. "This unique opportunity will allow others to see, experience and learn what makes this region so great."

Louisiana will be the only state featured in this around-the-world sensory experience. The Louisiana exhibit will feature a food kiosk, artisan area, cooking demonstrations, entertainment, children’s activities, and a merchandise and artisan shop.

Each week, one of Louisiana’s six culinary regions will showcase their individual flavors, centered on the state’s newly launched Culinary Trails program:

The Red River Riches will be the focus of the fourth week of events, Oct. 19-25.

• Chef Saul Williams, Guillaumes Gourmet Services – Outdoor cooking demonstration

• Chef Ben Fidelak, Maison Louisiana Catering – Outdoor cooking demonstration

• Chef David Bridges, Bella Fresca Restaurant – Party for the Senses; City Taste

• Glenda Etheridge – Tamale demonstration

• Eugene Mosely – Demonstration of pen and ink drawings

• Debbie Paul, Shelaghley Woods – Demonstration of fine wood turning

• Panderina Soumas, Soumas Heritage Creole Gift Shop – Storytelling

• Dixie Tradition Band – Entertainment

• Professor Porkchop and the Dirty Dishes Band – Entertainment

• Regional cultural ambassadors – Guest relations and face stenciling

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival provides an opportunity for Louisiana to showcase its unique culture to an international audience with a high tendency to travel.

"Louisiana is a state with such a strong heritage and an incredibly vibrant culture, and will serve as a great experience along with all the other festival offerings at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival," said Jim MacPhee, Epcot Vice President.

Visitors to the festival come from across the globe to experience the finest in culinary traditions, culture and entertainment. In addition, the festival will provide the state an opportunity to showcase the Louisiana Culinary Trails program to a global audience that has a higher focus on culinary tourism.

"We are honored to be invited to take part in such a respected and successful event as the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival," said Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu in an announcement on Monday. "Louisiana’s participation in the festival will provide us the opportunity to share our unique culture and authentic heritage with travelers from all over the world."

Complete list of events:

Week 1: Creole Fusion region in the New Orleans area, including St. Tammany and Jefferson parishes

Week 2: The Delta Delights region, covering northeast Louisiana including Ruston and Monroe, in partnership with the Prairie Home Cooking region in the center of the state, including Alexandria

Week 3: Seafood Sensation region, including Lake Charles and the surrounding area

Week 4: Red River Riches region in the northwest corner of Louisiana, including Shreveport

Week 5: Cajun/Bayou Bounty region in Acadiana, including Lafayette

For more on the Shreveport-Bossier: Louisiana’s Other Side, visit www.shreveport-bossier.org.

For more information about the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival, call (407) 939-3378 or visit www.disneyworld.com/food.

For more information on Louisiana, visit www.louisianatravel.com.

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