Once a small community festival organized almost two decades ago to help local non-profit organizations and charities raise funds for their groups’ activities, the Gretna Heritage Festival has become one of the most exciting and well-attended regional events and Jefferson Parish’s premiere annual attraction. Last year it was estimated that more than 130,000 people attended the event, located in the heart of the Gretna National Register Historic District on Huey P. Long Avenue and within 25 surrounding city streets. This year’s festival is Friday, October 1, to Sunday, October 3, and organizers indicate that this year will be the biggest and best yet. The festival is sponsored by the Gretna Economic Development Association and has become an economic powerhouse responsible for thousands of dollars being pumped into the local economy annually.
During the three days of merriment, 45 musical acts will perform on seven stages throughout the festival grounds. Internationally-renowned groups REO Speedwagon, the Doobie Brothers, and the Charlie Daniels Band are sure to be a big hit with crowds. The list of performers includes Louisiana legends Irma Thomas, Louis Prima, Jr., Doug Kershaw, and Amanda Shaw and the Cute Guys and local favorites Chicken on the Bone, The Wiseguys, Benny Grunch and the Bunch, The Top Cats, and Aaron Foret. A complete listing of the festival’s musical entertainment is available at www.gretnafest.com.
There’s excitement and fun for kids of all ages with Carnival rides and games and dozens of vendors will be selling arts-and-crafts—everything from woodwork to jewelry to homemade candles and clothing. It’s a great opportunity to help local organizations and individuals while getting started on your Christmas list!
Outstanding food is available in dozens of booths in the food court and in specialty areas such as the German Beer Garden and the Italian Village. Traditional American comfort fare, hamburgers, hot dogs, and French fries, are available as are Louisiana staples jambalaya, po-boys, gumbo, and boiled seafood. More than 50 different items cooked up by dozens of outstanding area restaurants and non-profit organizations will delight festival attendees.
Christy Works-Boutte, the festival’s official poster artist since 2003, has created another wonderful poster for the event. She’ll be on hand to sell copies and meet festival attendees. Five hundred signed, numbered posters will be available for $50 each.
Last year, more than 80 mayors from across the United States descended upon Gretna to meet with officials to learn how the festival is planned and produced. While they hope to copy the city’s success, festival chairman Ricky Templet indicates that it won’t be easy for other communities. “This is difficult to reproduce anywhere else,” said Templet, “because the Gretna Heritage Festival is rooted in community. The event is about the organizations it helps and having a great time in a great city.”
Also in 2009, The Southeast Tourism Society named the festival for the fifth year in a row to its Top 20 Events list, which the organization promotes in over 1,600 newspapers and magazines, through radio and television stations, and in American Automobile Association publications. The Society promotes tourism throughout the southeastern United States and considerations in awarding events a place on the list include years in existence and number of attendees. Publicity as a result of this designation brought visitors to Gretna from all over the country, translating into a significant economic boost to the Gretna and the West Bank. “A lot of people have worked really hard to make the festival not only fun and exciting for families, but an economic engine for the city of Gretna,” said Templet. The festival also has been recognized by the American Bus Association Top 100 Events in North America 2006-2009 and AAA Southern Traveler Official Travel Treasure 2006.
A free shuttle is available with free parking at Westside Shopping Center and Oakwood Center, and a free pedestrian ferry ride from Canal Street to Gretna’s Huey P. Long landing is available. Admission is only $15 per day or $40 for a weekend pass; free admission for children age 12 and under.
For more information including detailed maps of the festival grounds, log on to www.gretnafest.com.
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
