Shreveport - Bossier, Louisiana's Other Side

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Event Contact: Melanie Bacon
Executive Director, Downtown Shreveport Unlimited
(318) 222-7403

CVB Contact: Chris Jay
Public Relations and Social Media Manager, Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau
(318) 429-0658

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER - BREW, Shreveport-Bossier’s premier beer tasting event, will take place in Festival Plaza on Saturday, October 15, 2011, from 3 until 7 pm.  BREW, a collaboration between the Mudbug Madness Festival and the Red River Revel, is presented by Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport.

Enjoy tasting over 80 domestic, foreign and home-brewed beers provided by local distributors and home brew clubs. Go to www.shreveportbrew.com for a complete list and description of the beers provided by Glazer’s Distributing, Eagle Distributing, Red River Beverage, the Malt Munching Mash Monsters, S.U.D.S., and East Texas Brewer’s Guild. BREW provides the opportunity to taste some great beers consumers may have seen but not purchased due to unfamiliarity or price points. 

BREW will also feature delicious samples of favorite dishes from local restaurants like Columbia Café, Ernest’s Orleans, Eldorado Resort, Overtime Sports Bar, Shaver’s Crawfish & Catering and more.

While sipping and tasting, attendees can also enjoy the music of Earshot Graffiti with Earshot Hornz or watch their favorite team play football on one of the many big screens throughout the site.

Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased at www.shreveportbrew.com beginning Monday, August 29. Reserved tables for 10 are available at $1,000 each and come with extra goodies and, of course, reserved seating!

The event’s planners are also excited to offer a Spiegelau Beer Connoisseur Tasting Seminar just before the opening of BREW. This $25 seminar will forever change the way you think about serving and enjoying craft beer. Learn firsthand how color, clarity, aroma, temperature and effervescence are all dramatically enhanced with Spiegelau glasses versus the standard beer glass. Come enjoy craft beer the way it was intended and go home with a beautiful Spiegelau Beer Connoisseur 4-piece set to keep. Tickets are also available at www.shreveportbrew.com.

Come join the fun and Revel in the Madness!

To view or download photos from the 2010 BREW event, click here.

Some Shreveport-Bossier Mardi Gras traditions aren’t found along the parade route – they’re found in a Styrofoam cup with a straw taped to the lid.  Inevitably a topic of much discussion among out-of-town guests, the to-go daiquiri is a Shreveport-Bossier institution. 

Employing a drive-through lane like that of a fast-food restaurant, many Louisiana liquor stores sell daiquiris and package liquor from a drive-through window.  Of course, it’s illegal to drink and drive, so don’t be surprised when the store employee seals your drink lid with tape.

Tony’s Liquors located at 6241 Line Avenue in Shreveport is the first name in seasonal daiquiris, having created the extremely popular Eggnog Daiquiri.  This Mardi Gras season, they’ll be debuting a new creation called the “Swamp Bomb,” a concoction devised by staff member Perry Woods, formerly a bartender at a Bourbon Street institution - The Famous Door. 

It’s clear that their goal is to create a Mardi Gras frozen drink to rival New Orleans favorites like the “Hand Grenade.” 

“We’re gonna bring a little bit of that New Orleans flavor up to Shreveport,” Woods said.

Cajun Daiquiri offers four locations throughout Shreveport, including a store just off the major parade route at 3306 Youree Drive offering two specialty drinks during parade season - the “Throw Me Something, Mister” and the “Mardi Gras.”  Both drinks will be available beginning in mid-February, but if you’ve got a taste for a regional daiquiri legend, try the Cajun Curse, a potent lemonade-style drink revered by locals. 

Interested in learning more about Shreveport-Bossier’s signature frozen drinks?  Visit the Drink Swamp Water blog (http://drinkswampwater.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. – 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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SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, LA--- Fertitta’s Delicatessen is celebrating 50 years of making the Muffy. To celebrate this achievement, Fertitta’s will have a birthday party for the Muffy, 11 a.m., June 12 at the restaurant, 1124 Fairfield Ave., in Shreveport, La. The event is open to the public. The band ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’ will perform and the small Muffy will be on sale. If you buy one small Muffy at regular price, you get the second one for just $0.50. Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover and other honored guests are expected to speak at the event.

Fertitta’s Delicatessen and Catering Service has undergone many changes, but owner Agatha Fertitta McCall says there are some things that will never change. “We won’t change the recipe for the Muffy. That is our signature sandwich and what we are famous for. Besides, my daddy said he would come back from the grave to haunt me if I ever changed his sandwich. I want my daddy to rest in peace.”

The Muffy, like many other good things in life, was a happy accident. In 1927, the Fertitta’s opened the first family-owned food store in the city and in 1960 they started ordering food products from New Orleans. One of those products was muffaletta bread.

The story goes that one day Papa Sam Fertitta decided to make himself a sandwich using the muffaletta bread and products he had in the store. A businessman came in and Papa offered him some of the sandwich to try the imported bread. The businessman went to a company Christmas party that evening and told everyone about the sandwich he had eaten at Fertitta’s.  On Monday morning, several people showed up for this highly-talked-about sandwich. As the days went on, more and more people came and the Fertittas were gently “forced” into the sandwich business.

Papa Sam stopped making Muffys in 1980 when Agatha took over. She has made the Muffy for 30 years now, longer than her father made it. “It’s a family place. It’s a part of the uniqueness of this city,” Agatha said. “The olive mix is the secret of the whole Muffy and only our family knows the recipe and makes it. We have a unique product. You can’t go anywhere to get anything like our sandwich.”

In 2008, they sold their one millionth Muffy.  “Muffy” is now a registered trademark owned by Agatha. “Selling one million Muffys is a big deal, but what makes it truly unique is that every Muffy has been made by someone in our family in that same little corner store,” she says. “We are going to just keep doing what we’re doing. It’s obviously working! I would love to see us make 100 years on this corner.”

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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.

SCI-PORT: LOUISIANA’S SCIENCE CENTER NEWS RELEASE

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

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

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

Holiday Day Camps

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

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

Times and rates

K-1st grade session: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Members $30 General $35

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

Members $40 General $45

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

Holiday Affair on the Red

December 5, 7 p.m. to midnight

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

Candymaking Workshops

December 19 – December 30

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

Edible Glass

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

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

North Pole Bureau of Investigations – Case #007:

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

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

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

Chocolate Balloon Bowls

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

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

Hot Chocolate Wars

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

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

Gingerbread House Competition

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

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

The Light Before Christmas IMAX film

Daily showings November 23 – January 3

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

Santa vs. the Snowman IMAX film

Daily showings November 23 – January 3

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

New Year’s at Noon!

December 31, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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

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

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IMAX Schedule

2009

Nov 23 - Jan 3

Holiday Schedule

Mon - Fri.

9:45 Animalopolis

11:00 Dinosaurs Alive!

12:00 The Light Before Christmas

1:00 Alps

2:15 Santa VS Snowman

3:30 The Light Before Christmas

Sat

11:00 Alps

12:00 The Light Before Christmas

1:30 Dinosaurs Alive!

2:30 Santa vs Snowman

3:30 The Light Before Christmas

4:30 Alps

Sun

1:30 Dinosaurs Alive!

2:30 Alps

3:30 Santa vs Snowman

4:30 The Light Before Christmas

Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Tarah Holland, Public Relations/Social Media Manager

Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau

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

October 20, 2009

Trail Offers 40 Nights of Holiday Lights

Annual Holiday Trail of Lights offers the season’s best

free or affordable events for those seeking memorable experiences

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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