Shreveport - Bossier, Louisiana's Other Side

Shreveport-Bossier will having you seeing stars this holiday season.  Whether it’s a movie star filming around town, or the glittering lights along the Red River, Shreveport-Bossier will brighten your holidays with dazzling lights and neon nights.

Holiday fun starts for the sister cities, 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 18 at the coolest place – the Louisiana Boardwalk. Thousands of visitors and residents gather for the ceremonial switching on of the lights on the tallest outdoor Christmas tree in Shreveport-Bossier standing at 30 feet tall.

The Saturday after Thanksgiving, the KCS Christmas Train rolls into downtown Shreveport’s Festival Plaza, Nov. 26 at 4 p.m. with Santa Clause and his elves. The train only visits select cities in the South.

But the crown jewel of holiday celebrations is Christmas in Roseland with its whimsical, bedazzled rose park. More than one million sparking, white lights transform the gardens. The well-crafted, eight-foot tall Christmas cards, crafted by area students, tell a story of cherished holiday activities. This weekend event runs from Nov. 26-Dec. 19.

“The holidays in Shreveport-Bossier are meant to be enjoyed with family,” said Stacy Brown, president of the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau. “That’s why you find something to see and do almost every night from the official lighting ceremony until the end of the year.”

The riverfront areas on both sides of the Red River will offer fun with shopping and programmed activities on the Boardwalk to new events like the laser show at Barnwell Garden and Art Center and toy making workshops at Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center.

Last year, the Barnwell introduced the community and visitors to a laser light show. Well, organizers of last year’s event have brought it back bigger than ever. There will be a fast-paced laser show every 20 minutes in the conservatory and constant kid activities outside on the patio. Local artists will be showcasing and selling their works for those looking for a one-of-a-kind gift.

In north Caddo Parish, Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival promises a grand fireworks display, starting at 3 p.m., Dec. 4 in Earl Williamson Park in Oil City. This is the area’s only fireworks extravaganza.

“This event was started some 16 years ago by the Vivian Chamber and Rotary Club for the north Caddo area, because there was virtually nothing going on up there,” said Mary Dunn, festival organizer. “But today our entire community embraces it and that’s what makes it so special and so successful.”

Shreveport-Bossier has so much happening. Other great events include: Benton on the Square Festival, Dec. 11; Highland Home Tours, Dec. 11-12; Sci-Port’s Toy Making Workshops, Dec. 18-30; and Advocare V100 Independence Bowl, Dec. 27.
For more holiday events, check out www.holidaytrailoflights.com.

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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Your magical holiday experience should begin with the Holiday Trail of Lights.  Be transported to all kinds of memorable experiences such as ice skating, fireworks, parades, and toy workshops all in six cities and two states.  
You are sure to love dining, shopping, and sight-seeing in Shreveport-Bossier, Natchitoches, Louisiana and Marshall, Jefferson and Kilgore, Texas to promote holiday festivities along Interstate 20 and 49.
Running until New Year’s Day, the Holiday Trail of Lights will leave you breathless trying to fit everything in.  Shreveport-Bossier’s annual Lighting Ceremony will kickoff the season’s 40 nights of wondrous lights on Nov. 16. Other nightly, self-guided tours of lights and other events will follow through Jan. 1, 2011.
Shreveport-Bossier shares the Red River and close proximity in northwest Louisiana.  The riverfront offers fun with shopping and programmed activities at the Louisiana Boardwalk.  Bigger and better to this year’s event lineup is a laser show at Barnwell Garden and Art Center and toy making workshops at Sci-port: Louisiana’s Science Center to compliment holiday home tours, fireworks festival, and other events.

Head south of the sister cities to Natchitoches.  This city has the oldest festival in Louisiana dating back to 1927 when city employees at the utility department decided to give their customers a Christmas present - an eight-foot star made of white lights and placed downtown for everyone to enjoy.  The festival has grown quite a bit since 1927 and now includes shopping, entertainment, carolers, fireworks and snow. Carriage tours will be available in the evening through the National Landmark Historic District.                                                                                             
Cross the Louisiana state line to Texas and its all aboard in Jefferson, on the Rail of Lights Christmas Train.  The unforgettable ride on an old-fashioned steam train will have passengers in awe as they view the lights along the Cypress Bayou River and are told of the origins of the Christmas tree and how it has evolved over the centuries. 
Mosey on over to Marshall for the most spectacular 40-day Wonderland of Lights Festival in its history.  In keeping with its name, the 2010 Wonderland of Lights extravaganza will feature more than one million lights and 400 lighted displays in the historic downtown area and throughout the city. Just one of the exciting additions this year will be entitled the Wonderland Experience Light Show, which is a nightly choreographed light performances surrounding Wonderland’s crown jewel- the magnificently restored 1901 Harrison County Courthouse.
Just a few miles west is the Christmas in the Oil Patch in Kilgore.  Marvel at the majesty of star-topped oil derricks that dot Kilgore’s skyline. You and your family can experience the thrill of sliding down a real snow hill in downtown Kilgore along with train and carriage rides, clowns, and other activities. Cut the family’s Christmas tree at a local tree farm, visit with Santa at the historic seasonally decorated  library Open House, or enjoy the world famous Kilgore College Rangerettes at their showcase museum on the Kilgore College campus.
The Holiday Trail of Lights truly is a unique and magical holiday tour.  It’s sure to warm your heart and give you an unforgettable experience in any of the six cities and two states.  For more information call 888-45-VISIT or visit www.holidaytrailoflights.com.

Holiday Trail of Lights, Christmas cheer radiates throughout the season. This Trail is the only holiday tour of its kind, spanning six cities across two states. For more than two decades - Natchitoches, Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana and Marshall, Jefferson, and Kilgore, Texas - have been delivering an amazing holiday experience.  Food, fun, and holiday splendor await visitors in each city that is an easy one-hour drive along Interstates 20 and 49. Come experience the Holiday Trail of Lights. You're just six cities and two states away from your most memorable holiday.

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For further information please contact:
Pam Atchison, SRAC Executive Director
(318) 673-6500; pam@shrevearts.org
LJ Thomas, artspace Director:
(318) 673-6535; lj@shrevearts.org
Julia Foley, SRAC Marketing Director
(318) 673-6500; julia@shrevearts.org
 
Release the Monster within at this year's annual Artscare friend-raiser for artspace. It will be a “Monster Mash” at artspace, 710 Texas Street, Downtown Shreveport, on Friday, October 22nd, beginning at 7:30 pm. Tickets for the party are $25 per person and can be purchased online in advance by visiting the artspace website at artspaceShreveport.com.

On Friday, October 22nd, artspace will be transformed into a ghostly graveyard where Monsters come alive. You’ll catch on in a flash and have a sMASHing good time at this annual devishly delightful debauch.

Food and drinks abound at Artscare. Monsters can dine on Mummy Toes, Dead Sea Scroll Chips, a bountiful Mashed Potato Bar, Frankenstein’s cheeseHead, Road Kill and more. They’ll drown themselves at the cash bar with Bloody Mary’s, Silver Bullet Beer, Mummy Martini’s or in a “Bottomless Beer” mug for $10. Beware of the Jello Shots, they’ll haunt you later on.
Entertainment for the evening will be provided by Shreveport’s favorite DJ, Bill Sharp. Among the evening’s events, attending Monster’s will enjoy drinking a "Purple People Eater,” drawing on the Monster Within Mural, dancing the Transylvania Twist, competing in the cool ghoul Costume Contest, screaming along to Scare-ee-oke, and having your Monster Mugshot taken.

Donna Poimboeuf, the Chair for this year’s Artscare, and her co-chair, Rhonda Dossett, assure that “2010’s Artscare will be the best friend-raiser for artspace yet.” Artscare is held annually to support the continuing operations and exhibitions that make artspace the “Destination for Arts, Food and Fun” in Northwest Louisiana.

artspace is Shreveport’s first Arts Center dedicated to the creation, production, presentation, promotion and exploration of all of the art disciplines and forms for multi-generational audiences. artspace is not a museum or a gallery, rather it is a place where the public can connect to the arts in wonderful, new, and exciting ways. artspace features art exhibitions by local, regional and nationally known artists; performing arts events in theatre, dance, music, and spoken word; children’s educational programming in the Anderson Family Fun-A-Torium that teach fundamental skills through hands-on arts activities; culinary arts experiences in the café @ artspace where lunch is served daily and the monthly second Tuesday program – Someone’s In The Kitchen featuring a local culinary artist/chef preparing unique meals with selected wine pairings; adult educational classes and tours including Life Draw sessions for professionals and art students; TNT Trolley Tours take riders on tours of downtown Shreveport to galleries and artistic venues every third Thursday; and anything else that can be Imagined! artspace is a project of the Shreveport Regional Arts Council and is available for event rentals and catering, along with unique children’s birthday parties. For more information on artspace’s programs call (318) 673-6535 or visit the website at www.artspaceShreveport.com.

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The 7th annual Highland Jazz and Blues Festival welcomes the "Gourds," fresh from live performances on Austin City Limits, to Columbia Park in Shreveport on Saturday, November 13.

The Gourds, a rockabilly-country-bluegrass group with blues roots, has released nine CD's, their latest called "Haymaker" in 2009. In addition to appearances on Austin City Limits, the Gourds are popular performers at Austin's national music showcase SXSW.

Quirky and entertaining, the group's songs include a twangy remake of Snoop Dogg's "Gin and Juice" and the offbeat "I Ate the Haggis." The Gourds will headline the HJ+B Festival on the Pavilion Stage beginning at 4 p.m.

The lineup for the two stages showcases some of the best in regional sounds. The Schedule for the Pavilion Stage (the stage closest to Creswell Avenue) includes Robin and the Bluebirds from noon-12:45 p.m., AJ and the Two Tone Blues Band from 1-1:45 p.m., last year's rave fave AJ Haynes and the Monkey Business from 2-2:45 p.m., Total Choice playing cool jazz from 3-3:45 p.m., and headliner, the Gourds, beginning at 4 p.m.

On the Gazebo Stage (closest to Columbia Street), Buddy Flett and Friends will kick off at 12:15-1 p.m., newcomers to the Blues Fest are Otis Ockley who will play from 1:15-2 p.m., the Space Travelers who take the stage 2:15-3 p.m.. and David Egan and Twenty Years of Trouble will play from 3:15-4 p.m.

In addition to music, the festival also offers great choices in local food and artwork in two food courts and art enclaves in Columbia Park.

For the seventh year, admission to the Highland Jazz and Blues Festival is FREE to the public. For more information on the festival, please go to www.highlandjazzandblues.com.  

Comedian and actor Kevin Hart will keep the audience laughing on Friday, October 22, 8 p.m. at downtown Shreveport's beautiful Strand Theatre.

Hart has burst onto the scene as one of the most versatile comedy actors in film and television. He can most recently be seen in "Death at a Funeral," alongside Chris Rock, Tracy Morgan and Martin Lawrence. Previously, Hart was seen on the big screen in the FOX comedy "Meet Dave" opposite Eddie Murphy, and in the SuperHero Movie. He also co-starred with Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson in "Fool's Gold." His biggest break came when he landed the lead in MGM's "Soul Plane" opposite Tom Arnold, Method Man and Snoop Dog. His recent film credits include "Not Easily Broken," "Extreme Movie," "Drillbit Taylor," "Epic Movie," "The Last Stand," "Scary Movie 4," "In the Mix," and "The 40 Year Old Virgin." Also, he'll soon be seen in the Meet the Fockers Sequel - "Little Fockers" set to be released December 2010.

In January 2009, Hart premiered his new one-hour comedy special "I'm a Grown Little Man" on Comedy Central. The special debuted as one of the highest rated specials for the network. He recently took over as host of BET's classic stand-up comedy series "Comic View: One Mic Stand" when the show re-launched in 2008. Hart follows in the footsteps of past hosts such as D.L. Hughley and Cedric the Entertainer. Hart's other television credits include ABC's "The Big House" which he also executive produced and wrote, and recurring roles on "Love, Inc.", "Barbershop", and "Undeclared".

Hart debuted on amateur night at a Philadelphia comedy club and was instantly hooked.He quit his job as a shoe salesman and began performing full time at such clubs as The Boston Comedy Club, Caroline's Stand-UP NY, The Laugh Factory and The Comedy Store in Los Angeles. However, it was his first appearance at the Montreal Just for Laughs Comedy Festival that led to work in such feature films as "Paper Soldiers", Scary Movie 3", and "Along Came Polly" opposite Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston. With his passion for stand-up, Hart continues to tour the country to sold-out audiences.

Tickets are $29 and $39 and are available at the Strand Theater box office, 619 Louisiana Ave. in downtown Shreveport, by phone at 318-226-8555 or 800-313-6373, online at www.tickets.com, online at www.thestrandtheatre.com. Email strand@thestrandtheatre.com for more information.

Visit Hart's website at www.khartonline.com.

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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.

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Shreveport-Bossier, La. – 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 forSci-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 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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