All roads lead to Avoyelles for July 4th celebrations

All roads lead to Marksville this July 4th as the 7th Annual Avoyelles Arts & Music Fest, the 67th annual Marksville July 4th parade and annual fireworks display all return to downtown Marksville.

FESTIVAL SHIRTS, CAPS

AAMF official festival shirts and baseball caps are currently on sale at Main Street Printing on the Courthouse Square in Marksville and at the welcome booth on the festival ground. Main Street Printing is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

All shirts and baseball caps are $15.

PARADE

The Avoyelles Arts Council has 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 a.m.

The parade route passes through festival grounds and in front of the main stage, which will be located on Tunica Drive -- another change from past years.

This year’s Grand Marshal is 2017 Avoyellean of the Year Wilbert Carmouche, who also serves as co-director of the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism.

CAR & TRUCK SHOW

The Car, Truck & Jeep Show, featuring classic and custom vehicles of all kinds, will be held on Main Street, where the main stage was formerly located.

BBQ COOK-OFF

A BBQ Cook-Off with a cash jackpot and trophies will also be on Main Street, next to Walgreen’s.

MUSIC & CONTESTS

The Main Stage has an exciting line-up with 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 said AAMF is one of his favorite festivals to play and he can’t wait to return to the festival stage. 

This year’s spirited line up also includes a first-time appearance from the Mardi Gras Indians of New Orleans.

Kevin Naquin and the Ossun Playboys and Hyperphlyy, an infectious funk/pop/soul group from New Orleans, will also grace the stage.

Adam Pearce, originally from Bunkie and a contestant on NBC’s “The Voice” talent competition series, 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 J.T. 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 & crafts vendors. There will be an art project for kids.

There will be a Kidz Zone with rides and activities for the youngsters to enjoy while parents enjoy the music and revelry. There will be plenty of food vendors from across the state, selling everything from Cajun classics to frosty delights. Festival grounds will close at 8 p.m., just in time for visitors to migrate to the fireworks display a mile south of the festival grounds. 

FIREWORKS

The dazzling fireworks display is sponsored by the Marksville Fire Department and is free and open to the public.

Special “Thanks!” goes out to all of the sponsors who keep the festival free to the public for all to enjoy.

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.

FIREWORKS VIEWING PARTY

Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville will hold a live entertainment show and cash bar during the July 4th fireworks display.

Beginning at 7 p.m., there will be free admittance to the Paragon rooftop parking garage for the best view of the annual fireworks.

Cypress City will perform and a cash bar will be open until the fireworks show is over. There will also be a VIP section for invited guests.

For more information call 1-800-946-1946.