HISTORY OF THE ENSLAVED

WE FEED THE WORLD #OUTHERE

For centuries the River Parishes have fed the world.

History starts out here, as we’ve been able to use the Mississippi River as a frontier freeway for exports. What was grown out here made its way to New Orleans and beyond to help fill the needs of an ever-growing population.

With an overall annual economic value of $3 billion, it’s easy to see why sugarcane is still the king of the state. Louisiana alone is responsible for nearly 13 million tons of cane each year. Each year the Port of South Louisiana is used to transport tons of commodities on the Mississippi River that are used throughout the world. Our rich soil has been used to grow tobacco, sugarcane, indigo, soybeans, and various fruits and vegetables. Out here bakeries and ice houses source the restaurants in New Orleans just like they have for more than a century.

Today, the tradition continues, New Orleans and the world look to us to help feed them.

CULTURE AND HERITAGE FLOWS FREELY ALONG THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Artistic influences run as strong as the current of the Mississippi River.

You will enjoy plays, musicals and fine arts performances put on by the community at the St. John Theatre in Reserve.

The Lafon Performing Arts Center in Luling is another great option for those seeking musical, dance and theatre productions out here. Check out their latest season at lafonartscenter.org. March. For more opportunities to indulge in local crafts, be sure to plan a trip to Destrehan Plantation for their annual Fall Festival.

Travelers who also consider themselves foodies will need to clear their calendar on a Saturday morning to shop the German Coast Farmer’s Market located right in the parking lot of Ormond Plantation.

After hearing the first-hand accounts of life at Laura: Louisiana's Creole Heritage Site, pick up a copy of Laura Locul’s memoir, which is the basis of the entire tour.

Art lovers and antique car connoseuoirs won’t want to miss out on San Francisco Plantation’s Frisco Fest which draws a diverse crowd each

Explore Art Throughout the River Parishes at LARiverParishes.com

FIND YOUR WAY

Getting around the River Parishes is easy, so is planning ahead.

Local Transportation

Ride-sharing apps will get you out here, but they won’t always pick you up. Connect with United Front Transportation for quality service that will provide round-trip shuttle transit accommodating individuals, small groups or large parties.

River Cruises

International cruise companies allow our visitors to travel up and down the region by boat. As you disembark, you’ll leave the water and witness the stately mansions rise from the rich soil as you cross the levee. Air Transportation

Pack your bags and book a flight. The airports surrounding our region provide international access so you can get out here from anywhere in the world.

• Louis Armstrong New Orleans

International Airport is minutes away. • Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport is less than one hour. • Charter a flight and land right here in the River Parishes at Port of South

Louisiana Executive Regional Airport. • Southern Aviators offers aerial tours of the River Parishes.

THROWDOWN LIKE A LOCAL

We "throwdown" instead of party at these events.

Sings & Strings Jam Fest April in Garyville www.facebook.com/SingsandStringsJamFest/ The Sings & Strings Jam Fest is where everyone is a headliner, and no experience is required to jam with new friends. On the grounds of the Timbermill Museum in Garyville, there’s a full day of jubilant music, delicious food, and jamming to the harmony of amateur and experienced musicians.

Louisiana Catfish Festival June in Des Allemands www.louisianacatfishfestival.com The Louisiana Catfish Festival offers good music, food, and a whole lot of fried catfish. The weekend festivities, which include a catfish eating contest, are held at the St. Gertrude Catholic Church in Des Allemands, the Catfish Capital of the World.

Alligator Festival September in Luling www.alligatorfestival.org The Alligator Festival offers dancing for days, eating for days, and playing with baby alligators. The three-day festival is held at the West Bank Bridge Park in Luling and includes carnival rides, food booths, and a golf tournament.

Andouille Festival October in LaPlace www.andouillefestival.com The Andouille Festival is a food extravaganza featuring live entertainment, carnival rides, and of course, Andouille sausage. The main event is the cooking contest, showcasing Gumbo, Jambalaya, and other tasty dishes made with Andouille sausage. The festival is held at the St. John Civic Center in LaPlace, the Andouille Capital of the World. Drew Estate Louisiana Barn Smoker Festival October in Convent www.drewestate.com The Drew Estate Louisiana Barn Smoker Festival is an all-day extravaganza celebrating American Tobacco agriculture, featuring cigar brands made from Kentucky grown Tobacco and Perique Tobacco, grown only in St. James Parish, Louisiana, known world-wide as capital of Perique Tobacco. The festival is held at the L.A. Poche Farm in Convent, Louisiana.

Christmas on the Water Boat Parade December in Des Allemands The Christmas on the Water Boat Parade presents over twenty floats decked out in lights featuring their own holiday themes. The flotilla will festively light up Bayou Gauche Island, as boaters throw beads and candy to the crowds that gather along the shore route to watch the parade.

Festival of the Bonfires December in Lutcher www.festivalofthebonfires.org Festival of Bonfires is the prelude to the Bonfires on the Levee. The festival is three days of exciting activities presenting a Gumbo Cook-off, the Tour De St. James Bike Ride competition, nightly live entertainment, and lighting of bonfires on the Mississippi River Levee every night.

Bonfire Country Christmas Eve explorebonfirecountry.com Bonfires on the Levee is the exciting culmination of the Festival of Bonfires, when all the bonfires on the Mississippi River Levee are set ablaze. Residents in the community serve Gumbo, Jambalaya, Andouille, and other Cajun meals, along with hot Cocoa and Eggnog.