As the Director of Community Services for the City of Alexandria, my focus is developing new events and innovative programs for everyone in our community. In my role, I look for opportunities to expand the creative exchange of ideas. In a renewed spirit of collaboration, there’s something stirring here in Alexandria –and next month, you won’t want to miss it.
Mark your calendars for May 9th, 10th and 11th, and get ready for AlexRiverFête, a brand-new festival celebrating the arts, culture and heritage of Central Louisiana set along the banks of the iconic Red River. And in case your French is a little rusty (like mine), fête means “an elaborate festival, party or celebration.”
For years, we’ve gathered Downtown to enjoy wildly popular events, deeply woven in our city’s fabric: Dinner on the Bricks, ArtWalk and the Louisiana Dragon Boat Races. Now, for the very first time, the success of these events is woven together in one unified effort—one that embodies the pulse of our community.
The City of Alexandria, in partnership with dozens of local arts organizations and programs, is proud to introduce this celebration that embraces our local culture and creativity. Visitors from near and far will find diverse programming, colorful street performers, vibrant craft displays, children’s activities, ongoing entertainment, delicious food and much more. With so much to see and do, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Fête.
This festival is made possible through the talent and dedication of our local community partners: The Arts Council of Central Louisiana, Alexandria Museum of Art, Arna Bontemps Museum, River Oaks Square Arts Center and the T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum. In addition, there are a variety of local businesses, private stakeholders, sponsors, participants, teams, volunteers and civic leaders all working together to establish and honor our heritage.
With all this community involvement, AlexRiverFête promises to be an unforgettable experience. In fact, the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce–a key sponsor for the festival–has already committed to bring additional components to the festival as it expands year after year.
A festival of this magnitude means a stronger city. It promotes synergy; builds new relationships; fosters new ideas. And, most of all, it lays the foundation of a better Alexandria. It’s just another way we’re continuing to shape our city as an ideal place to live, work and play…and it’s only getting better!
