Holiday in Dixie — Your Traditional Southern Festival

Our first spring festival of the year kicks off tomorrow. Chris Jay with the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau says this is your traditional southern festival. "That's what I love about it so much," Jay says. "It's going on 65 years this year, which is noteworthy. And it has everything from your carnival atmosphere and rides and food to the Classic Parade, which is going on Saturday, the 13th, at 5:30 p.m."

And he says the newly-added BBQ Cookoff is sure to be a hit. "Bar-be-cue cookoffs are becoming incredibly popular. There's a big one in New Orleans that's become a major tourism draw called Hogs for the Cause. And we think that the Holiday in Dixie BBQ Cookoff will be a great addition to this area's offerings."

Let's not forget about the economic impact of the festival. Jay says the local tourist bureau markets to eastern Louisiana, south Arkansas and east Texas, so folks from those regions can get in on the fun. There's no cost for admission, unless you're attending next Saturday's cookoff. But for $10, you get to sample three different BBQ dishes.

CLICK HERE for hours and entertainment schedules -- plus details on the Holiday in Dixie Treasure Hunt.

Be sure to tune in to KEEL Morning News tomorrow for my complete interview with Chris Jay.