April showers have given way to a beautiful month, filled with events, in the city of Natchitoches. Starting off on April 5th 2012, Natchitoches will host the Jazz in the Park event. This event will take place in the newly constructed Beau Jardin in downtown Natchitoches. Live entertainment will be provided by the Chico's Quintet +1 and will last from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This event will free to the public and attendees are encouraged to bring their own refreshments and chairs.
Throughout the entire month of April, the Natchitoches Art Guild will be featuring guest artists. Linda Henson of Jasper, Texas has been selected as the guest artist for the months of March and April and a special reception will be held in her honor on April 14th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the gallery located on Front Street. Michael Yoist, award winning artist and longtime member of the Natchitoches Art Guild, will also be featured in the months of March and April. His work can be found in the Natchitoches Art Gallery and is often sought after by collectors all over the world.
If you find yourself lacking in excitement, the Alligator Park has once again opened its gates for weekend tourists looking to get a taste of Louisiana wildlife. The five-acre park offers a unique view of authentic Cajun country side, filled with unique plants and animals, and cuisine that makes your mouth water,and don't forget the alligators. The park offers feeding shows that provide both entertainment elements along with a little bit of education about the scaled icons of Louisiana.
The first annual Cane River Thunder- Full Throttle motorcycle rally will take place on the riverbank Cane River in beautiful downtown Natchitoches. The rally will start on April 14th and runs through the 15th. Events will include a fun run, bike show, bike games, live auction, prizes, vendors, a blessing of the bikes, and live music throughout the day. Registration for the Cane River Fun Run will be at 9:00 a.m. on April 14th 2012 and while the event is free to the public, all donations will be welcomed and all proceeds will be given to Operation Home Front- Louisiana.
The annual Melrose Arts and Crafts festival is held on the grounds of the Melrose Plantation on April 21, 2012. This juried event showcases the work of more than 150 artists and craftsmen.
On April 28th Cane River Green Market returns with fresh produce and arts and crafts provided by Natchitoches farmers and craftsmen. This event will happen every Saturday from 8 a.m. until 12 noon and admission is free to the public. The Cane River Green Market coincides with the City of Natchitoches' Earth Day celebrations and the Natchitoches' citywide cleanup. Cane River Green Market will have local fresh produce, honey, arts and crafts, and will hold events including live music and local food vendors. For more information please click here.
The month of April stands to be fun filled month for visitors and local residents alike. Live music, live entertainment, and local events will fill every day of the week and offer welcoming invitation for those looking to taste real Louisiana fun. Visitors can partake in historic events that showcase arts and crafts made by local people and designed to celebrate the culture and the lifestyle of Louisiana peoples. So come to Natchitoches, kick back, and enjoy what the City of Lights has to offer!