The hottest festival ticket this July 4th is in downtown Marksville as the Avoyelles Arts Council presents the first annual Avoyelles Arts & Music Fest! Nestled between Main and Washington streets off of Highway 1 on the grounds around Fresh Catch Bistreaux, this festival combines everything every self-respecting Louisianan loves; great music and great food in addition to arts, crafts and fun and games for the kids. The event will begin at 10:00am and last until 6:00m, in time for festival-goers to enjoy Marksville’s July 4th Parade and fireworks display.

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Headlining the event are two of Louisiana’s finest musicians, including Grammy Award-winning Zydeco artist Chubby Carrier and rising country star, Avoyelles’ own Nashville star David St. Romain.  The Elements, one of Louisiana’s hottest reggae bands, will also be performing in addition to the critically acclaimed and world-travelled TBC Brass Band from New Orleans.  Local acts Southwind and Gerard ‘The Stump Jumper’ Dupuy kick off the festivities at 10:00am.

This spirited festival also features an IBCA sanctioned BBQ Cook-Off complete with custom trophies and $2,000 in cash prizes! To register your BBQ team, simply call Bart Jones at (318) 305-6000 or e-mail [email protected].  There will be food and drink vendors on deck as well, including a restored antique beer wagon from Budweiser.

Rounding out the festivities are arts and crafts vendors and activities for the kids including face painting, a dunking booth, a rock wall and much more! Booths are still available for vendors, including artists, craftspeople, retail and food vendors. For more information, please call Alyce McKinney at (318) 359-0119 or Van Roy at (318) 240-3495.  For more information please find the Avoyelles Arts Council and Avoyelles Arts & Music Fest on Facebook!