The Avoyelles Arts & Music Fest celebrates its sixth year as “Louisiana’s July 4th Destination Festival” with an event that truly rivals any statewide. Thousands of festival goers from all over the state and beyond converge on Marksville for a day-long celebration featuring live music, arts, crafts, food, BBQ cook-off, kids games and activities, bake-off, car and truck show, the state’s longest running July 4th parade and a dazzling fireworks display presented by the city.
Centered in the middle of the festival grounds surrounding Broken Wheel Brewery on Highway 1 between Main and Washington streets, is the DETEL main stage, which plays host to a number of notable acts, including headliners J Paul Jr. & The Zydeco Nubreeds and the Grammy nominated Lost Bayou Ramblers. While J Paul Jr. has become one of contemporary Zydeco’s biggest superstars, he is also the recipient of the prestigious Clifton Chenier Award and has been a featured artist at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. The critically acclaimed Lost Bayou Ramblers hail from the Lafayette area and tour the world with their distinct rhythmic Cajun sound. Legendary Cajun artist Bruce Daigrepont, who has roots in Avoyelles, and regional Country powerhouse Charley Rivers both grace the AAMF stage for the very first time, while local favorites Jamboxx and Lee’s Last Stand play all the songs people know and love. Throw in the Cenla Brass Band with their big, infectious Nola sound, and clearly this is the only place to be this July 4th!
While live music fills the air, festival goers can enjoy a number of activities, from the kids area with games, rides and art projects to a festive BBQ Cook-Off with cash prizes and lots of great food, arts and crafts vendors. Added this year is a Car and Truck show in the parking lot of Broken Wheel Brewery. Don’t be alarmed at 6:00pm when you hear the wailing sirens of fire trucks from municipalities parish-wide, it only means Louisiana’s longest running July 4th parade is rolling down Main Street, soon to pass right in front of the DETEL stage! This year’s special guest and parade Grand Marshal is none other than Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. Festival grounds close at 8:00pm, at which point people will begin to migrate approximately one mile down for the spectacular fireworks display at nightfall. From the opening ceremonies at 10:00am until nightfall, there’s only one place to be to celebrate this beloved patriotic holiday…and that’s in Avoyelles Parish at AAMF!
Don’t wait for the 4th to get your party started! Join us at the Official AAMF Red, White & Brew Kick Off Party with Louisiana’s rising rock titans When All Is Lost presenting an exclusive pre-release performance as we welcome and recognize this year’s sponsors and VIPs! Hosted by Jason Denais State Farm and Broken Wheel Brewery, the party gets started at dusk.
AAMF is free and open to the public thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, including title sponsors DETEL, Paragon Casino Resort, The Marksville Chamber of Commerce and The City of Marksville. No ice chests or golf carts are allowed on festival grounds. For more information about AAMF, call Allison Ravare-Augustine at (318) 264-9392 or Van Roy at (318) 240-3495. To register as a vendor, call (318) 201-5877. For information or to register for the BBQ Cook-Off, call Lexie Leger at (318) 359-2906 or e-mail [email protected]. For Car & Truck Show registration and information, call Jason Denais at (337) 207-0947 or (318) 253-6868.
