Shreveport - Bossier, Louisiana's Other Side

Upwards of 300 delegates expected; Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne to present annual keynote

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, LA – The 2012 Louisiana Tourism Industry Summit, an annual conference organized by the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association (LTPA), will take place, Jan. 24-26, at the Shreveport Convention Center. Over 300 delegates from throughout Louisiana are expected to attend. Lieutenant Governor Jay Dardenne will speak at the annual “Breakfast with the Lieutenant Governor” session at 8 a.m. on Wed., Jan. 25. Throughout the conference, delegates will network with fellow tourism industry professionals, attend educational break-out sessions, and learn about emerging travel industry trends. The Louisiana Tourism Industry Summit was last held in Shreveport-Bossier in 2005.

During the conference, delegates will also participate in familiarization tours of Shreveport-Bossier, becoming acquainted with our area’s offerings. Four themed tours organized by the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau will acquaint delegates with Shreveport-Bossier’s thriving film industry, unique local eateries, haunted places, and popular shopping destinations. Each tour will have 25-50 participants.

“While you can measure its immediate economic impact in dollars, the on-going impact of Summit is immeasurable,” said Kim Brice, vice president of convention marketing for the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau. “There is no better opportunity for us to showcase our hometown than by hosting the state’s tourism professionals.”

In addition to the Lieutenant Governor’s presentation, highlights of the conference program include an opening reception at Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center, a travel industry update from the Louisiana Office of Tourism, and the annual Louisiana Travel Fair Breakfast. 

To follow happenings at the 2012 Louisiana Tourism Industry Summit on Twitter, follow the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau at @sbctb or on Facebook by searching for “Shreveport-Bossier ~ Louisiana’s Other Side.”

NOTE TO MEDIA: For local media seeking to coordinate on-site interviews during the event, please contact Chris Jay at (318) 272-1696 (cell).

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The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau is sponsoring a fun, festive and food-filled media tour during one of our most popular events – Mardi Gras. Shreveport-Bossier’s Mardi Gras celebration is the second-largest in Louisiana, led only by New Orleans.

We are currently organizing a group of qualified, fun-loving travel journalists to be a part of this four-day Mardi Gras Media FAM Tour. Participating travel writers will arrive on Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, and depart on Monday, Feb. 20, 2012. The tour will celebrate all of the revelry and excitement of an authentic Louisiana Mardi Gras while also highlighting some of the best restaurants, arts and culture, night life and, of course, the big personalities that make Shreveport-Bossier: Louisiana’s Other Side an unforgettable place to visit.

We’ll be attending two very different Mardi Gras parades: the fantastic Krewe of Gemini, one of the largest parades on Shreveport-Bossier’s Carnival schedule; and the funky and unusual Krewe of Highland parade, a neighborhood parade that rolls through Shreveport’s historic Highland neighborhood tossing throws as strange as grilled hot dogs and SPAM sandwiches.

We will cover the cost of transportation to and from Shreveport-Bossier and meals and accommodations during the media tour for all accepted journalists.

Interested? Just give us a call or sign up here. Complete the “Request a Tour” form – we’ll be in touch shortly thereafter!

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, LA-Louisiana has seen an increase in international visitors in the past year, and the benefits are showing up as additional revenue to the state coffers. Locally, this trend holds true. According to Visa Vue Travel Report published by the research and development team at the Louisiana Office of Tourism, international tourists generated more than $1.3 million in visa and cash expenditures while in Shreveport-Bossier for the first two quarters of 2010.

“These numbers are indicative of a growing interest in Shreveport-Bossier from those abroad,” said Stacy Brown, president of the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau. “We have seen an increase in international visitors, in particular, in the group tour market.”

The top three visiting countries to the sister cities were Canada, United Kingdom and Mexico, according to the report released in August 2010.

Recently, the tourist bureau announced that one of the major new groups to come to the area is Globus, a United Kingdom group tour company. Globus has not visited Louisiana since Hurricane Katrina. The tour company’s first tour back to Louisiana was Sept. 21-23, 2010, and Globus stopped here. They have booked another nine international groups to visit Shreveport-Bossier in 2011.

In addition, the tourist bureau has been working with another international group called Sweet Magnolia Tours. They will be bringing a group of 200-250 from Ireland on October 22-25, 2011 to spend three nights in Shreveport-Bossier. This is part of a weeklong tour that will include Lafayette, New Orleans and Memphis, Tenn.

The group is being led by Robert Mizell who is the “George Strait” of European Country music and a Shreveport native. Mizell has not been to Shreveport in 20 years and is hosting this tour so his avid fans can learn more about his home town. He hopes to make this an annual trip. Mizell has a number one country song on the European Music Charts called “Mama Courtney” about his African-American mother figure who is buried in Shreveport.

“I foresee more growth. As we come out of the recession people want to go back to traveling,” said Jody Hanson, Sales and Marketing Director for Travel and Tourism Marketing, a company that provides marketing tips and advice for the tourism industry. “Specifically, people from the U.K. want to travel, because of their sense of adventure.”

She also explained that “Visitors from the U.K. typically come to Shreveport-Bossier for festivals, historical buildings, and casinos. They want to experience the music and history [you all] have to offer. Packaging all these things together is what draws attention.”

New legislation may also be cause for the rise in international tourism. In early 2010, the Travel Promotion Act was signed into law. It is a multi-million dollar, public-private partnership to promote the United States as a premier travel destination to other countries.

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

Starting with the 12th Night Celebration - Saturday, Jan. 8, at the Shreveport Convention Center - until the midnight Texas Street Bridge Closing Ceremony Fat Tuesday, March 8, one of the most highly anticipated parties will rev up into high gear. The celebration typically draws some 400,000 people from around the region to experience the pageantry and ostentatious show of Mardi Gras.

The majestic floats are being painted and trimmed with bright eye catching colors and razzle, dazzle lights for the evening parades of Krewe of Centaur (www.kreweofcentaur.org), Saturday, Feb. 26 and Krewe of Gemini (www.kreweofgemini.com), Saturday, March 5. Both parades roll at 4 p.m. starting on the corner of Clyde Fant Parkway in downtown Shreveport and end at the Duck Pond on East Kings Highway. 

Purple, gold, green, and multicolor beads are being gathered, stacked and distributed throughout the large floats that carry the masked and outrageously clad krewe members.

“We will toss millions of beads,” said Robby Woods, Krewe of Gemini King. “We will have four or five tractor trailer loads of beads for the thousands of people who line the parade routes.”

Robby has been a krewe member for five years and he’s accustomed to the frenzied crowds shouting “Throw me something, Mister” in the hopes of taking home hundreds of beads, some doubloons, cups and “lagniappe” or a little something extra.

When asked why people go nuts over Mardi Gras beads, in particular the coveted limited edition king and queen specialty beads, Robby said, “It makes them feel like they are a part of the celebration.”

Besides the Krewe of Centaur parade and Krewe of Gemini parade, Shreveport-Bossier has other great parades like the Krewe of Sobek, Krewe of Highland and Krewe of Barkus and Meoux. Click here (http://www.shreveportbossierfunguide.com/search.php?terms=mardi+gras&mode=search) for a complete list of parades and dates.

“Mardi Gras allows us to connect with our Louisiana heritage and traditions,” Robby said. “It is one of the greatest free shows on earth. Mardi Gras is a gift from the krewe to the community.”

So book (www.shreveport-bossier.org/hotels) your hotel stay today. If you are a group of 10 or more and are interested in attending a private Mardi Gras party at the start of the parade then contact Erica Howard, group sales manager, at the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau at 800-551-8682 ext. 104 or ehoward@sbctb.org. The party includes food, band, specialty bead, and t-shirt all under a covered tent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shreveport, LA- Please join The Gardens of the American Rose Center, AEP Swepco, Gribsy Petroleum, Perkins & Associates, The Robinson Film Center and GAP Broadcasting for the 26th Annual Christmas in Roseland festival every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening beginning Friday, November 27 through Sunday, December 20.

The Gardens are transformed into a whimsical winter wonderland featuring dozens of lighted displays, the Christmas Cards to the Community, nightly entertainment, photos with Santa, rides on the Roseland Express train, a model train display, and tons of fun for the whole family. New this year, Movies and Moonbeams will be showing a Christmas classic each Saturday night on the giant 30-foot outdoor screen including The Grinch, The Polar Express, Elf and The Muppet Christmas Carol.

Gates are open from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. with the last admittance at 9:30 p.m. Admission is $5 per person or $15 per carload. Children ages 2 or younger get in free. Group rates are available. For more information, please contact Ellen Trice at (318) 938-5402 ext 109.

FAST FACTS:

WHAT: 26th Annual Christmas in Roseland Festival

WHEN: Fridays, Saturday, Sundays- November 27, 2009-December 20, 2009 from

5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Last car admitted at 9:30 p.m.

WHERE: Gardens of the American Rose Center, just off I-20, Exit 5 in Shreveport, LA

Released By:

Maria Scott, Advertising/Marketing Manager, 318-938-5402 ext 101, maria@ars-hq.org

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