Red River Revel Runs October 1-8 in Festival Plaza

When I think about the Red River Revel, I think of all the fabulous memories I have with my two sons. Often we would drop by the Revel each afternoon after school. They would smile and jump with joy as they would dig for gold, shop in the grocery store set up just for youngsters, or interact with some of the many performers on stage in the Children's area.

If you have never enjoyed the Revel, I encourage you to take in this amazing event. The Revel started in 1976 as the Junior League of Shreveport’s Bicentennial gift to area residents.

The music lineup for the Revel is top notch again this year. The Kentucky Headhunters, Windstorm, the Casey Martin Band, Dirtfoot, Troutfishing in America and many others will take the stage to entertain the crowd this year.

The Red River Revel is ranked as one of the Top 100 Fine Arts Festivals in the United States by Sunshine Artist Magazine. Our local festival has also won numerous awards. You will find spectacular hand made arts and crafts, specialty food and amazing entertainers.

You'll find traditional festival foods like funnel cakes and hot dogs, but I encourage you to venture out to some of the booths that have such unique menu items. I often can't get beyond the Muffaletta Pizza, which is addicting. But I'm going to try the blackened catfish this year and I might even venture over to one of those donut grilled cheese sandwiches. All of the food and drink booths benefit local schools and charities. Your money will go to great causes.

If you are going to the Revel this year, you might want to map out your plan for enjoying this great family event. Here's a map of the festival layout. Parking should not be a big deal this year. Free parking is available at the Regions Center parking garage – entrance on Milam Street – after 5:30 on weekdays and all weekend long. Metered parking spots are free after 5 p.m. weekdays and all day on weekends.