Spring time is here again and with the birth of spring comes the explosion of bright color and life along Front Street and the Riverfront. Flowers of every color and plants of the brightest greens will line the cobble stone streets as warm weather opens its arms and welcomes visitors with a gentle embrace. People visiting Natchitoches can expect a welcoming environment that will showcase the beauty and celebration of life that happens with the closure of winter and with the birth of spring.
On March 24th 2012, Natchitoches will celebrate the tenth annual Bloomin on the Bricks garden festival. Bloomin on the Bricks is organized by the Natchitoches Main Street program and the City Beautification Department and is a wonderful celebration of the beauty of gardening. This festival will be held on the riverfront in downtown Natchitoches within the Historic district. The festival will showcase a vendor area that will allow merchants to sell garden related items as well as beautiful seasonal flowers, fruit trees and even patio furniture. There will also be live music, a children's tent and a series of speakers and demonstrations on gardening related topics that will prove to help homeowners and gardeners alike. The event will start at nine o'clock in the morning and run through until three o'clock in the afternoon. Another program running in conjunction will be the Art Along the Bricks. This event is put on by the Natchitoches Art Guild and will showcase local artists in an outdoor art show that will run along Front Street during on Bloomin on the Bricks.
Visitors will be able to see the colorful local flowers that bloom along Front Street as well as the beautiful hanging flower pots that line the streets. Visitors will also be able take in the local stores long Front Street as well as sample local cuisine in the many local restaurants that can be found in the historic district. Visitors can truly experience all that Natchitoches has to offer and be in the comfort of warm inviting weather during the month of March.
Also happening in March, NSU baseball and tennis games open up with a BANG. If you're planning that spring wedding, the Blush and Bashful Bridal Affair will be happening at the Natchitoches Event center. This event will showcase over forty five exhibitors, photographers, caterers, florists, and wedding coordinators. Food samples will also be available along with a photo booth to showcase that special moment in your lives. This event takes place March 11th 2012 from one o'clock for four o'clock. The NSU theater department will also be presenting ‘As it is in Heaven’ in A.A. Fredericks from March 14th to the 17th, admission will be $15.
Lastly to wrap up this month of fun and excitement, on March 31st Natchitoches will be holding the Jazz and R&B festival with this year's headliner The Family Stone and a tribute to the Rolling Stones. Another special guest will be the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame Bayou Bicentennial Caravan. The Caravan will feature ‘House Band’ Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs with several other great artists from around the state. This event will also highlight local musicians in various genres of music ranging from country to jazz and even R&B and highlights Louisiana's greatest renewable resources, culture and talent. Food vendors and other attractions will be on site so visitors can not only come and listen to the smooth sounds of Louisiana sensations, but also come and immerse your taste buds in local foods and delicacies. For more information please visit http://www.natchjazzfest.com. This event will happen from five o'clock in the afternoon to ten o'clock that evening.
March will bring warmer weather, beautiful scenery, and a whirlwind of events that showcase the true warmth that Natchitoches holds. Visitors can come and experience the life, color, and culture that Northern Louisiana holds while experiencing the beautiful weather that can only be found within our borders. So as the skies clear, as the wind gently blows, and as the temperature warms, jump in the car and make the drive to experience the beauty is Natchitoches.