Shreveport - Bossier, Louisiana's Other Side

The Prairie View A&M Panthers and Southern University Jaguars return to the Port City for the first time since 2003 in the inaugural Shreveport Classic on Saturday, Oct. 23 at Independence Stadium.

Kickoff between these two Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Western Division powers is set for 4 p.m.. This year’s matchup promises to be an exciting one as the Prairie View A&M Panthers are fresh off a SWAC Football Championship while Southern features a new head coach in Stump Mitchell. This will mark the second-ever meeting in the city between both teams as they played in Shreveport during the 2003 campaign.

From 1989 to 2005, Southern dominated the series with 16 consecutive wins. However, the tide has turned in Prairie View’s favor as head coach Henry Frazier III has a two-game winning streak over the Jaguars and wins in three of the past four meetings.

The Classic will take place on the site of the annual State Fair of Louisiana and will provide tons of entertainment on and off the field. This also marks the first of two games in Shreveport for the Panthers as they’re slated to take on Jackson State in the 2011 edition of the Shreveport Classic.

Tickets can be purchased at the following venues:
Southern University-Shreveport
3050 MLK Jr. Drive
318-670-6305

Prairie View Ticket Office
936-261-9100

Online
www.shreveportclassic.com

Southern University • Baton Rouge Ticket Office
225-359-9328

Independence Bowl Office
401 Market Street, Suite 120
Shreveport, LA 71101
318-221-0712

Ticket Prices:
Club Level: $52
General Admission: $25

Game ticket entitles you to enjoy the game, State Fair of Louisiana, and a FREE concert after the game.

Game day info is available at www.ShreveportClassic.com. Hotel and tourist information is available from the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, www.shreveport-bossier.org or by calling 888-45-VISIT.

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Shreveport-Bossier, La. - Football, zydeco music, thrilling rides and games of all kinds all go together like a good pot of zesty gumbo at this year’s State Fair of Louisiana, Oct. 21-Nov. 7. Fair organizers have simply outdone themselves this year.

For the first time, the Shreveport Classic will be played in conjunction with the fair. Texas’ Prairie View A&M Panthers will take on the Southern University Jaguars, Oct. 23 at the nearby Independence Stadium. The halftime showdown of the two bands will be as competitive as the gridiron action between the two powerhouse football teams.

There will be big fun under the big top with a daily circus and an exciting midway of 60 rides including the Expo Wheel, Cliff Hangar and more. What’s a fair without turkey legs, nachos, funnel cakes, popcorn and other great festival foods? Come get your fill of it.

Take a camel ride and encounter elephants and tigers at this year’s Ultimate Safari. Other events and performances include PJ the Clown, Balloon-a-tics, Washboard Willy, and more.

If that’s not enough, there will be 14 days of toe-tapping, hip-swaying music – free with fair admission. Some of the featured bands include the Dixie Traditions, the Bellamy Brothers, Wayne Toups & Zydecajuns, and Midnight Star. Check the State Fair’s website for a complete list of entertainment. www.statefairoflouisiana.com/entertainment.aspx

More exciting fair firsts are the World Championship Blacksmiths Competition, Oct. 22-24 at the nearby Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, and the Arena Cross motorcycle competition at Hirsch Coliseum, Nov. 6. 

The State Fair has a special Opening Day deal for you. Admission and parking are free on Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. From 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., admission and parking are $1 and Bill Lowery Carnival rides are $1 each. Many food items also will be $1.

After opening day, ticket prices are $8 for gate admission or $28 for an all-inclusive pass that includes admission and rides. Fun passes cost $75 per person for all 14 days of fun.
For more information call 318-635-1361.

The State Fair’s website has details about hotel packages starting at $74 a night (www.statefairoflouisiana.com/specials.aspx). Visit www.shreveport-bossier.org for a complete list of accommodations.

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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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Tales of terror, shrieks of delight, screams of horror and pumpkins alight.   Have a ghoulishly good time in Shreveport-Bossier during the 13 Days of Halloween. Check out our recommendations for frighteningly fun events that run Oct. 19-31. 

Tuesday, Oct. 19
Pumpkin Patch at St. Luke's United Methodist Church

The Pumpkin Patch is a mission project for St. Luke's, and 100 percent of the profits made are given to local missions. In addition to pumpkins, cookbooks, T-shirts, baked goods and much more can be found at the patch. This is a free family event that is guaranteed to add to a memorable Fall.  The Pumpkin Patch will be open Oct. 3-31, Sunday, 12-7 p.m., Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Call (318) 868-3613 for more information.

Wednesday, Oct. 20
Corn Maze at Country Fun Farms

Come get lost on 8.5 acres of land in over five  miles of pathways. This year’s maze design is inspired by “Billy the Exterminator, the A&E television series.” Friday and Saturday night’s introduce you to a haunted maze full of frightful ghouls and characters at every turn. The Corn Maze is a family event that opens Sept. 25 – Nov. 20, every Friday -Sunday Children 3 and under get in free, tickets for ages and 4 and up are $10-20. The scheduled times and dates change daily. Visit the Corn Maze at www.dixiemaze.com for more information

Thursday, Oct. 21
The State Fair of Louisiana kicks off at the Fair Grounds

Football, zydeco music, thrilling rides and games of all kinds all go together like a good pot of zesty gumbo at this year’s State Fair of Louisiana, Oct. 21-Nov. 7. Fair organizers have simply outdone themselves this year.

Check out their haunted house brought to you by the Gaslight Players. This year the title is Gentleman Death Shocktale with a theme of Imaginaruim of Immortals. See the collection of sword swallowers, clowns, and other sideshow freaks.

The Freakshow will be open everyday of the Fair.  Hour of operation are weekdays 6:30-10 p.m. and Saturday -Sunday, 11:30 a.m. - closing. Cost is $5 in addition to gate admission.

The State Fair has a special Opening Day deal for you. Admission and parking are free on Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. From 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., admission and parking are $1 and Bill Lowery Carnival rides are $1 each. Many food items also will be $1.

After opening day, ticket prices are $8 for gate admission or $28 for an all-inclusive pass that includes admission and rides. Fun passes cost $75 per person for all 14 days of fun. For more information call 318-635-1361.

Friday, Oct. 22
Monster Mash at Artscare

Artscare Monster Mash at Artspace will have all the guys and ghouls dressed in their best and scariest on October 22.  Artscare is an annual fundraising costume party for Shreveport Regional Arts Council held at Artspace. The event kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and admission is $25.  So, dust off your most frightening monster wear and head out to dance the night away with other fright-minded party-goers.

Saturday, Oct. 23
Scary Central at the Louisiana Boardwalk

Visit the Party Central Haunted House: Scary Central's Big Top of Terror at the Louisiana Boardwalk. This haunt features a carnival theme under a large "big top tent"

with a terrifying elevator ride, darkened maze, twisted clowns and surprises around every corner.
This family event begins 7p.m. – 12a.m., Sept. 30-Halloween night, Thursday – Sunday for the weeks of September 30 – October 24, then Wednesday – Sunday the week of Halloween night: October 27 – 31.

Sunday, Oct. 24
Trunk or Treat at Asbury Methodist Church

Head to Bossier City and check out the Asbury Methodist Church “Trunk or Treat” event from 5-7 p.m., Oct. 24. This free and safe trick-or-treat alternative allows people of all ages to go trunk to trunk of decorated vehicles and scare up a bag full of treats.

Monday, Oct. 25
Spooky Science Week Begins at Sci-Port

Watch mad scientists summon the Sci-Port Ghost and conjure up a Witch's Brew. Be amazed by the eerie Frankenhand. See Glow-in-the-Dark Slime and Ghost Crystals. Learn the science behind strange spectacles in their CheMystery production. Have your face painted like a ghost or goblin, make your own Itsy-Bitsy Spider or Edible Blood, and learn nighttime safety tips just in time for Sci-Port's Tricks & Treats Night.  Spooky Science week is from Oct. 25-29 and the events begin at 4 p.m. daily. Rustle up more information on more “spooky” events at www.sciport.org.

Tuesday, Oct. 26
Haunted Tours at Shreveport’s Municipal Auditorium

Has Elvis really left the building? Take a haunted tour at the Municipal Auditorium and you might get a chance to see the King or one of the many other Rock-&-Roll legends that have played at the Municipal. The October tour will be held from 4-6 p.m., Oct. 28. Admission is $10 per person.

Wednesday, Oct. 27
Pumpkin Shine on Line at Betty Virginia Park

The Pumpkin Shine on Line event offers up an evening of unusual spectacles. Want to see a serviceman, arm raised in salute to his country, stand near a gigantic candy apple, a pink dog, spotted brown, sitting next to her dog house, and a pumpkin painted in many different colors? Well, you can, and they are all part of the nearly one thousand jack-o-laterns that will line the trails in and around Betty Virginia Park for the 19th annual Pumpkin Shine on Line event, 5-7:30 p.m., Oct. 27. This event is free and fun for the entire family.

Thursday, Oct. 28
Ultimate Fear Haunted House at 1035 Texas Ave.

According to police reports, the Edwards, a crazed, sadistic family residing in a farmhouse in north Shreveport went on a murdering spree from 1976-78. Upon investigation of the farmhouse, police discovered the tortured bodies of several reported missing people. The Edwards’ were taken to trial, convicted of their crimes, and were placed in an insane asylum. Somehow, the Edwards’ managed to escape and have evaded police for over 30 years. Recent sightings have placed the Edwards in the heart of Shreveport. Many believe the family is back to unleash their terror on anyone who happens upon their land. Do you dare?
If so, check out the Ultimate Fear Haunted House, Oct.1-31. Tickets are $16 each. Must be 13 years or older to participate. For more information log on to www.ultimatefear.com.

Friday, Oct. 29
Night of the Living Dead at Eastbank Theatre

On October 29, The Eastbank Theatre will present the stage rendition of George A. Romero’s classic Zombie film “Night of the Living Dead.” The fall out from a satellite probe shot to Venus returns to Earth carrying a mysterious radiation that transforms the unburied dead into flesh-eating zombies. Seven people trapped in an isolated farmhouse, held hostage by the ravenous ghouls, begin to turn on each other as the dead encroach. Are you brave enough to watch the terror? The show begins at 8 p.m. and tickets are $20. Call 318-741-8310 for more information.

Saturday, Oct. 30
Areas Largest Costume Party featuring the Molly Ringwalds at the Horseshoe Casino and Hotel

On October 30, The Molly Rigwalds, the world’s greatest 80’s tribute band, will have you spell-bound as they perform their best 80’s covers at the Horseshoe Riverdome. Rustle up your best costume and hit the dance floor. Show starts at 9 p.m. Admission is $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Must be 21 or older to attend. This event will sell out fast! Go to www.riverdome.com to order your tickets today.

Sunday, Oct. 31
Trick or Treat…if you dare!

Wrap up your 13 Days of haunting, fiendish activities, and spine tingling thrills on Oct. 31. Gather the family and Trick-or Treat in your scariest costumes.

The Spirit of the Red River Cruise will be offering a Halloween Tour on the Red River. The tour lasts one hour and will have a story teller on board. The cruise starts at 7 p.m. Reservations are required. Call 318-564-3560 or 318-286-4899 for additional information or to make reservations.

Whatever you decide to sink your teeth into, Shreveport-Bossier City has something for the whole family to find scarily fun.

    
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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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September 14, 2010

According to police reports, a horrific tragedy befell a group of campers in April of 1976. The Foursome went hiking in the woods off of Highway 1, on the outskirts of Shreveport, La. When the campers didn’t return home, loved ones filed missing person’s reports to local police. After months of searching with no results, the case was deemed an unsolved mystery and locked away in police archives.

Over the next 18 months, dozens of individuals were reported missing, all linked to the same remote area north of Shreveport. Police and search teams scoured the region, but yet again turned up with nothing. Several months later, officials received a call about a domestic disturbance at an old farmhouse that belonged to the Edwards’ family. When the family refused to cooperate, police forcibly entered the home. The result was one of the bloodiest shootouts in Louisiana history.

Upon investigation of the farmhouse, police discovered the tortured bodies of several of the missing people. The Edwards’ were taken to trial, convicted of their crimes, and were placed in an insane asylum. Somehow, the Edwards’ managed to escape and have evaded police for over 30 years.

Recent sightings have placed the Edwards in the heart of Shreveport. Many believe the family is back to unleash their terror on anyone who happens upon their land. Do you dare?

The Ultimate Fear Haunted House, located at 1035 Texas Ave., opens at 7 p.m., Oct. 1. The attraction will once again scare thousands of patrons in its second season with movie quality sets and scares that come from every direction! Do you know your limits?

All proceeds from opening night will be donated to the Kidd's Kids Foundation.

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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NEWS RELEASE

CONTACT:  
Whitney Lary
(318) 673-7703

 "And then my heart with pleasure fills, and dances with the daffodils." -William Wordsworth (1770-1850)

Join Mary Lou McFarland as she gives a presentation on daffodils at the Barnwell Garden and Art Center, 10 a.m.-noon, Sept. 14. McFarland is a master gardener who specializes in self-sustaining bulb gardens. She has taught classes on bulbs for the Northeast Master Gardener landscaping classes and is a sought-after speaker by garden clubs and luncheon groups for her talks on daffodils.

Having lived in both north and south Louisiana, she is keenly aware of the different requirements and possibilities of both areas. The thousands of daffodils on her property have earned her the nickname, “The Daffodil Lady".

The program, "Dancing with Daffodils,” is free. Door prizes will be available and light refreshments will be served. Registration for the lecture will begin at 9:30 a.m. The Barnwell is located at 601 Clyde Fant Parkway in Shreveport. For more information call 318-673-7703.

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SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, LA- The people of Dixie, Belcher, Gilliam, and Ida, La., treasure their past and want to share it with the community and visitors at the 10th annual Harvest & Heritage Tour, Saturday, Sept. 25.

This tour includes beautiful old homes, historical churches, cotton gins, museums and fields of cotton. It begins on Hwy. 3049 north of Shreveport. The Harvest & Heritage tour signage leads you to Hwy. 71 North to the beloved towns of Dixie, Belcher, Gilliam and Ida.

One of the highlights of the Harvest & Heritage Tour is the tour of homes. There is a tour guide at each of the two homes and the cost is $10. Tickets can be purchased at each home, Belcher Presbyterian Church or Crossroads Museum. The tours will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The two featured places are the Storer Home, located at 516 Gray Street in Belcher, and the Duggan Home, located at 4610 Shreveport-Dixie Road in Shreveport. The Storer Home was built in 1918 on the Briarfield Plantation by John Glassell, Jr. He was one of the first land owners in the area. It is Greek revival architecture.

The Duggan Home is beautifully decorated and the furnishings are elegantly appointed in this plantation-style home.

These communities really take pride in their past and want to share those places that make the heart of their communities beat. So for the first time, the Lynn Plantation Old Gin and Barn, located halfway between Belcher and Gilliam on Hwy. 3049, will be open to the public. On display will be a metal sculpture and other plantation farm equipment.

Another first on the tour is the Old Blacksmith Shop in Gilliam and Granny’s Goodies in Ida. These sweet spots will offer homemade baked goods, jellies, and various crafts by local artists.

Other points of interest on the tour include the Red River Crossroads Museum, Main Street Restaurant, and Shield’s Lawn and Flower Gardens, just to name a few. 

For a brochure about this event contact the Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau at 800-551-8682. For additional information visit www.shreveportbossierfunguide.com  or call 318-296-4393 or 318-296-4303.

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