Everyone looks forward each year to the Red River Revel on the riverfront in downtown Shreveport. It takes place the first week of October just when the weather is beginning to cool off. The days are usually crisp and clear which makes it a wonderful time to stroll through Festival Plaza taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells. So really, when you mention the Revel there are only three things to talk about: art, music, and food.
ART
It's hard to say which is the biggest draw for people, but the art has to be it for many. There are over 100 artists selling their wares, and you can find anything from the expected paintings and watercolors to fiber arts, jewelry, and wood working. Many artists have been coming to the Revel for many years and have a devoted following. The organizers are sure to include new artists each year, though, to keep things interesting.
MUSIC
This is perhaps my favorite part (well, okay, except for the food) because there is such a variety of performers. From the jazz, zydeco, and R&B to the rock, funk and country, you can hear it at the Red River Revel. Each night nationally recognized headliners perform on one of the three stages. And local acts get in on it when groups such as the Centenary Suzuki string students, gospel quartets, and dance ensembles perform. And if you feel like dancing, there's plenty of room!
FOOD
Okay, a LOT of people come to the Revel for the food alone. There are over 20 food booths carrying whatever your little heart might desire. Almost all of the booths are run by civic and school organizations as part of their fundraising efforts, so you are supporting worthy causes as you eat. What an excuse to indulge!
Offerings include commercially available foods such as Domino's pizza and Blue Bell ice cream for those who like to stick to the familiar. But the real beauty of the food at the Revel is the number of homemade and regional favorites like Natchitoches meat pies, barbeque, blackened catfish and dirty rice, "Down Home" dogs, crawfish bread, roasted corn, and fried pickles. I won't even go into the sweet stuff. Let's just say you could seriously hurt yourself!
Another nice thing about Red River Revel is that the children are not left out. There is a plethora of activities for the kids such as clay pot painting, a mock geological dig, storytelling, cultural exhibits, dance workshops, a mini medical center, hair braiding, and sand art to name just a few things. There are also street performers, a rock wall, and music just for them including the well-known Trout Fishing in America.
Now you can see why everyone in Shreveport, Bossier City and the surrounding areas look forward to this festival each year. After 22 years, the organizers know how to throw a week-long party where everyone feels welcome.
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