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Welcome to the Natchitoches Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau web site. Whether you are visiting the area on leisure or business, or planning a meeting or event, this site will help you explore the many services and amenities that the Natchitoches area has to offer. We hope you enjoy your visit on the Internet and please contact us with further questions or for information by email or telephone.

Natchitoches the original French Colony in Louisiana retains its European flavor through its architecture, heritage and lifestyle. At the heart of this National Historic Landmark District lies Front Street, a brick thoroughfare where wrought iron balconies, restaurants and shops face the beautiful Cane River Lake. The City of Natchitoches was established in 1714 by Louis Juchereau de St. Denis, making it the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territory. The French settlement had two purposes; to establish trade with the Spanish in Texas, and at the same time, to deter Spanish advances into Louisiana. Natchitoches soon became a flourishing river port and crossroads, giving rise to vast cotton kingdoms along the river. Planters built magnificent plantations down river and built fine homes in town for social events.

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The City’s Historic Landmark District, which fronts Cane River Lake and encompasses a 33-block area, includes many historic homes, churches and commercial structures. A mixture of Queen Anne and Victorian architecture, along with Creole style cottages can be seen throughout the district.

• “Steel Magnolias” the movie is based on a true story. Filmed entirely in Natchitoches and released in 1989. This enduring movie for all ages is now a classic. Writer, Robert Harling, Jr., is a native and resident of Natchitoches.
• National Historic Landmark District, only one outside of the Vieux Carre in New Orleans
• Shopping, Antiques & Kaffie-Frederick Mercantile established 1863. Oldest continuously operated business in Natchitoches.
• Museums, Historic Homes, Restaurants
• Art Galleries & walking tours.
• 2005 Dozen Distinctive Destinations: The Dozen Distinctive Destinations list recognizes communities that offer enjoyable ” and often unique ” recreational and cultural experiences for visitors. Destinations are chosen by the National Historic Trust for Preservation because their historic sites, scenic and cultural attractions, and commitment to preservation will appeal to travelers seeking an “off-the-beaten-path” getaway.

We hope you enjoy your visit on the Internet and please contact us with further questions or for information by email or telephone.

Natchitoches, LA – The seventh annual Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival will take place on September 10 and 11, 2010. The Festival is held on the riverbank in historic downtown Natchitoches along Cane River Lake.

Friday’s activities begin at 5 p.m. and include children’s activities, entertainment by DJ Doc Couty and High Caliber. Saturday activities begin at 10 a.m. with registration for the River Run and opening ceremonies.

Music will continue all day with a morning performance by the Natchitoches Central High School Band and Lacour Trio. Afternoon performances include Relix, Hippy Smith Band and Extreme Caution.

A large children’s activity area will be available featuring games, arts and crafts, inflatable jumps, mechanical bull and much more.

The 11th annual River Run will be held in conjunction with the annual Meat Pie Festival. The run is open to all riders and proceeds benefit non-profit organizations in Natchitoches. The ride is sponsored by the Independent Riders of Natchitoches.

This is a free event and the public is asked to bring their lawn chairs. No ice chests will be allowed into the festival area. For a complete schedule of events visit the Festival website at www.meatpiefestival.com or call the Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-259-1714.

NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA… Natchitoches is a great destination for the Labor Day weekend with several festivities around the parish. The Magnolia State Peace Officer’s Association will host the 11th annual Cane River Zydeco Festival and Poker Run and Goldonna will be hosting their annual Drake Salt Works Festival.

Zydeco festivities begin on Friday, September 4 at 6:00 PM with music by D.J. “LA” Jones and a Zydeco dance contest. There is a no admission charge for Friday night events. Saturday entertainment begins at 1:00 PM and will feature D.C. and the Zydeco Country Boyz followed by Leon Chavis and the Zydeco Flames. There is a $7 admission charge for Saturday events. All activities take place on the downtown riverbank.

The village of Goldonna is located in the northeast corner of Natchitoches Parish on Highway 156. This year’s festival on Saturday, September 4 will include a parade, children’s activities, arts & crafts vendors, festival food vendors, live entertainment by gospel and country groups, and an ATV ride from Goldonna to Winnfield.

For information on accommodations or directions please call the Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-259-1714 or visit www.natchitoches.net.

NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA … The 31st Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival will be held July 16-17 in Prather Coliseum on the campus of Northwestern State University in Natchitoches.

This year’s festival is themed “Traditional Remedies: Folklife During Times of Adversity.” The 2010 theme will focus on ingenious folk solutions people find when times are tough. From singing to putting tobacco on bee stings, Louisiana culture is rich with age-old folk remedies.

The two day event is filled with activities, food, discussions and music for the entire family. Tickets are $8 for an all-day pass, $5 for an evening pass, and $11 for a weekend pass which is available in advance only. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free with an accompanying adult.

The Festival begins on Friday at 5:00 p.m. with music, dancing, and dance lesson. A mixture of Cajun and country music will set the tune for the night with performances by Sean Vidrine & da’ Classics, Gal Holiday & the Honky Tonk Revue and Jambalaya Cajun Band. Champ Crossno will also be giving Cajun dance lessons both Friday night and Saturday afternoon.

Saturday’s festivities kick off at 8:30 a.m. with the beginning of the Louisiana State Fiddle Championship, opening of the Kid Fest area and the beginning of the narrative sessions. The Fiddle Championship will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with the champion performing at 12 p.m. Saturday afternoon.

Kid Fest is an area dedicated to child-friendly activities and is a fun way for children to examine their own cultural and family traditions as well as those from around the state. The Kid Fest area will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Activities will include storytelling, cake walk, tea party, butter churning and several arts and crafts .

Musical entertainment will be available throughout the day Saturday with performances by the Southern Harvest, Hadley Castille, Back Porch Band, D.L. Menard, Hezekiah Early, Knight Train, Jambalaya Cajun Band, Gail Holiday, Shekinah Gloery COGIC, Goldman Thibodeaux and more.

Other areas of interest will be narrative sessions exploring the traditions of herbalists, gardens and organic food; louisiana music; Creole Traiteurs, canning and preserving; Juneteenth celebrations, South Lousiana Traiteurs and more.

Traditional meat pies, boudin, gumbo, jambalaya, and ethnic foods will also be available to eat during the Festival. Vendors will be on site offering baskets, toys, filè, bonnets, walking canes, jewelry and knives.

For a complete schedule of events or more information on the Folk Festival, please call the Louisiana Folklife Center at (318) 357-4332 or visit them online at www.nsula.edu/folklife. For updated information about upcoming events and festivals in Natchitoches, visit www.natchitoches.net.

NATCHITOCHES – There will be fun for the entire family at Celebration on the Cane, Natchitoches’ Fourth of July celebration.

Enjoy a free live concert on Sunday, July 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the Fleur de Lis Stage. Rivers Revue, led by Hardrick Rivers, is a four-piece band specializing in a variety of jazz, rhythm and blues, zydeco and folk music.

The highlight of the evening will be a fireworks show over Cane River Lake that will take place at approximately 9:30 p.m. The downtown bridge will also illuminate with patriotic lights and patriotic music will play for all in attendance. Concessions will also be sold that evening on the downtown riverbank.

Many retail shops and restaurants located within the National Historic Landmark District will also be open for business on July 4. Visitors can also take a horse and carriage tour of the downtown area and visit other local attractions including the Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site and the Natchitoches Alligator Park.

For more information about Celebration on the Cane, please call the Natchitoches Main Street at (866) 941-6246 or the Natchitoches Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 259-1714.

NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA … The Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival will celebrate its 34th annual event on June12 and 13, 2010 at historic Melrose Plantation.

The Festival will feature more than 100 craftsmen from at least eight states. The Festival, sponsored by the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches, will include many artists such as Rusty Patterson and Candice Alexander, who are returning to the Festival this year.

A new edition to the festival will be Copeland’s Ice Cream from Theodore, Alabama. Copeland’s Ice Cream was started in 2002 by Robert Copeland and his father who decided to market their famous homemade ice cream. The first year they attended six festivals and are now attending more than 20 in six states. The ice cream is powered by motors and a batch can be churned in 15 minutes. Serving a variety of flavors, Robert and his wife Renea are also known for their delicious floats. They may be reached at (251) 656-7700 or (251) 605-6114.

Returning to the festival this year will be painter Cory Carlson and his wife Laura who specializes in jewelry making. Cory’s paintings are well known for his use of color, light and the life like quality of his work and Laura’s jewelry pieces are handmade original designs. Cory will also be doing caricatures this year.
Other items to be displayed and sold include wooden sculptures, ironwork, handcrafted jewelry, unique yard art and handmade candles.

And of course there will be famous Natchitoches meat pies and other regional foods. There is a $5 admission fee for adults, $2 for children age’s six to 12, and under age six is free. Tours of the main house and the African House will be $5 for the two days.

Melrose Plantation is located 18 miles south of Natchitoches on Hwy. 119. For more information about the festival, contact Susan Davidson at (318) 379-0800.

For information about Natchitoches, accommodations, or more upcoming events, visit www.natchitoches.net or call 800-259-1714.