My absolute favorite festival on the West Bank is the Gretna Heritage Festival, held the first weekend of October each year.
There are enough things for the kids to do and ride and eat and play on that I could easily go broke in 3 short days, but we've learned to make them budget their money for the weekend to avoid that sad scenario.
Since I belong to the Krewe of Choctaw carnival club, I spend the entire weekend at the Festival, alternately having fun checking out all of the art, crafts and jewelry and then working at the booth we sponsor, selling the best shrimp po-boys and crawfish pies and people watching - one of my favorite activities.
The music line up for the 2008 Festival has been announced and it looks like another stellar year of entertainment, with both local and national acts performing throughout the weekend. Last year I ended up right at the front of the stage for Travis Tritt's performance...I wonder what this year will bring?
Here's the lineup for opening day, Friday, October 3rd.
Did you notice the little blue highlight at the Market Stage?
That's because I'm so excited that my husband's band, Chicken on the Bone, has been booked to perform. Playing rock n roll cover tunes from Elvis to ZZ Top, they are just a bunch of local guys that love to make music and have a whole lot of fun doing it with only one rule - no line dances!
For the entire schedule, click here. I hope to see you there, celebrating with me on the West Bank :)
Copyright 2008. West Bank Living and Lisa Heindel All rights reserved.
This sounds like a great party and that you will be one busy lady!
Ok, I'm working on my all request set list for the band. Do they know any Foreigner?
Hey, Linda.
I've been in your neck of the woods many times and to the GHF a couple of times. I have brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews over in Slidell and Chalmette and made Mardi Gras every year from 1973-1994.
As a pianist, I've been to many music festivals. I shall have to put that one on my calendar and perhaps get back to New Orleans sometime soon.
KC & The Sunshine Band? No way. Those guys have energy and stage presence that's just plain infectious.
Goodness, Lisa, I didn't know KC and the Sunshine band were still around! Boy, would I have fun at this one :)
Elaine, I think they might know one :)
Russel, then you know how fun the festival is. If you haven't been for awhile, it's time to come back - it's HUGE now! Thanks, LISA
Jim, if you enjoy local music, this is definitely the place to be :)
Craig, I had to laugh when I saw KC on the line up - takes me back just a few years!
Carole, I think my posts about this fest last year were when you and I met - I'll be sure to take lots of photos to share with you!
Chicken on the bone....sounds kinda interesting...is that like boneless wings?
Jeremy, LOL! If you saw this band of big boys you would not ask that question :)
Ohhhh, Lisa!!! I'd love to be there for the festival this year!!! A little KC & the Sunshine, Montgomery Gentry, Cajun, Zydeco, Blues & Jazz, and Swamp Pop!!! I love the old Swamp Pop music!!! Don't tempt me -- but do you have a "guest room"???? ;)
Judi, LOL!!! My little guest house has, unfortunately, been taken over by the band and I'm beginning to think that I'll never get it back. That doesn't mean you can't visit though! How are you at making po-boys?
Hmmm, Never made one but have eaten plenty of 'em -- in fact, you just made me hungry!!! I'm sure you could teach me how to make 'em. They might be missing some of the shrimp though. . . speaking with my mouth full of shrimp. . . hehe My Mom's favorite was oyster po'boys.
That's a sandwich, right?
Judi, you're hired!
Elaine, LOL...yes, it's a sandwich and my favorite part of working the booth is watching the faces of the out of towners when we ask if they want it "dressed". (That means do you want lettuce, tomates, pickles, etc on it)
Yes, fully dressed, please.
Lisa, I like my po'boys dressed too! :)