All roads lead to Marksville this July 4th as the 7th Annual Avoyelles Arts & Music Fest returns to the grounds surrounding Broken Wheel Brewery in downtown Marksville. Festival organizers (The Avoyelles Arts Council), have revamped the popular July 4th event with exciting changes, beginning with a new start time for the city’s historic parade. Louisiana’s longest running July 4th parade, sponsored by the Marksville Chamber of Commerce, will kick off the festivities at 10:00am. The parade route will pass through festival grounds and roll in front of the main stage, which will now be located on Tunica Drive, another marked change for the festival. A Car, Truck and Jeep show featuring classic and custom vehicles of all kinds will be held on festival grounds on Main Street, where the main stage was formerly located. A BBQ Cook-Off with a cash jackpot and trophies will be held across from the Car and Truck show, also on Main Street, next to Walgreen’s.
The Main Stage is packed with an exciting line-up with a little something for everyone and an extra dose of rockin’ zydeco! Headlining this year will be none other than zydeco chart topper Lil Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers. Lil Nathan continues a distinguished Zydeco dynasty and tours relentlessly. He says AAMF is one of his favorite festivals to play and can’t wait to return. This year’s spirited line up also includes a first-time appearance from the Mardi Gras Indians, Kevin Naquin and the Ossun Playboys and Hyperphlyy, an infectious funk, pop and soul group from New Orleans, currently on tour. Adam Pearce, originally from Bunkie and from NBC’s “The Voice”, will light up the stage with his soaring rock vocals as he performs rock classics and originals from his forthcoming album “Warbird”. You can’t have a Louisiana festival without a brass band and this year’s AAMF does not disappoint as Where Ya At Brass Band from New Orleans’ Jackson Square brings the unmistakable sound of the Big Easy to Cenla! 2nd Samuel will also be on hand to perform his hit single, “Welcome To Louisiana”, a tribute song to Louisiana festivals. Jordan Dunbar, daughter of Marksville High School Head Coach JT Dunbar and wife Joan, and star of the musical ‘Annie’, will sing the National Anthem as part of the opening ceremonies.
In addition to all the great music and attractions, festival goers can enjoy arts and crafts vendors in addition to art project for kids to participate in. There will also be a Kidz Zone with rides and activities to enjoy while parents enjoy music and revelry. There will also be lots of food vendors from across the state selling everything from Cajun classics to frosty delights.
Festival grounds will close at 8:00pm, just in time for visitors to migrate to the fireworks display held approximately one mile south of festival grounds. The dazzling fireworks display is held annually, sponsored by the Marksville Fire Department and is free and open to the public.
Special “Thanks!” goes out to all of our sponsors listed on the back cover advertisement of this issue, with extra special thanks to this year’s Title Sponsors Jason Denais State Farm, Paragon Casino Resort and The Markville Chamber of Commerce. Our sponsors keep our festival free and open to the public for all to enjoy! Please remember them when shopping goods and services locally.
For general festival information, contact Allison Ravare-Augustine at (318) 264-9392 or Van Roy at (318) 240-3495. For Vendor Booth Registration, contact Jennifer Mosely at (318) 305-0138. For Car & Truck Show / BBQ Cook-Off information, call Jason Denais at (318) 253-6868. Parade Registration is available by contacting Jennifer Mosely at (318) 253-8599 or (318) 305-0138 or Van Roy at (318) 240-3495.
