Tag Archives: louisiana

2024 Louisiana Festival Calendar

Posted on

If you’re looking for a fun time in 2024, you needn’t venture too far, as Louisiana plays host to some of the country’s biggest and best festivals. Whether you’re searching for good food, great music, family fun, or something exclusively for the grown-ups, The Pelican State has a lot to offer. Below is a list of a few festivals to consider attending this year. 

Cultural Festivals

Mardi Gras

January–February 18, 2024

Mardi Gras may be a single day marking the end of lent, but in Louisiana, it’s a season. Across the state, you’ll find parades and celebrations thrown from January until Ash Wednesday dawns.

See the unique celebrations outside of New Orleans starting on February 2.

In New Orleans, the season begins on January 6 with four parades. If you aren’t in a krewe (social clubs that sponsor parades) yourself, there is probably one fit for you to join. There are krewes for fans of sci-fi (Krewe of Chewbacchus), fans of dogs (Krewe du Pooch), women (Krewe of Pandora), and many more. Most people’s idea of a Mardi Gras parade stems from the famed Krewe of Rex Parade. This krewe lays claim to the traditional colors of green, gold, and purple for over 150 years.

See the Mardi Gras celebrations happening in New Orleans starting January 6.

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

April 25–May 7, 2024

New Orleans, Louisiana

nojazzfest.com

The festival locally known as Jazz Fest is among the biggest cultural events in the state, attracting visitors from across the globe. Live music has become the festival’s primary calling card thanks to headliners like Foo Fighters, Christina Aguilera, and Red Hot Chili Peppers performing. 2024’s event will feature The Rolling Stones as its headline act.

While Jazz Fest is world-renowned for its celebration of music, it also gathers thousands of artists of all types. Those wanting more than the good tunes will find talented artists showcasing their skills and craftsmanship in food, leather goods, jewelry, metal works, and much more during the festival’s ten days. 

Essence Festival of Culture

July 4–July 8, 2024

New Orleans, Louisiana

essence.com/essencefestival2023 (keep an eye on that link for 2024 updates)

The Essence Festival has grown quite a bit from what was originally scheduled as a one-time event. 2024 marks its 30th anniversary. The festival remains the largest African-American cultural and music event in the country, boasting an annual attendance of over 500,000. Essence Fest features an impressive musical lineup with some of the biggest names in soul, jazz, hip-hop, and R&B. Beyond the outstanding music on tap, the festival offers experiences focusing on food, films, and fitness, to name just a few.

Food Festivals

The culinary culture of Louisiana is known worldwide, and our state will serve up tons of tasty treats in 2024.

48th Annual Louisiana Crawfish Festival

March 21–24, 2024

Chalmette, Louisiana

louisianacrawfishfestival.com

The crawfish almost acts as a state mascot, and this festival does a fantastic job highlighting Louisiana’s favorite crustacean. Like most festivals, food isn’t the only thing on the menu, there’s live music and carnival rides as well. The Louisiana Crawfish Festival is not only a good time for the whole family, but a generous time—a large portion of the proceeds goes toward funding various local charities including Giving Hope, Children’s Hospital, and more.

Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival 

April 12–14, 2024

Ponchatoula, Louisiana

lastrawberryfestival.com

For families looking for some fruity fun off the beaten path, there’s the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. Billed as “the strawberry capital of the world,” Ponchatoula is home to Louisiana’s largest free harvest festival. There are booths that feature various strawberry-based treats, live music, and a parade that runs through downtown. Those up to the challenge should come hungry for the annual strawberry eating contest.

74th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival

June 1, 2024

Ruston, Louisiana

lapeachfest.com

If you’re a fan of furrier fruit, the Louisiana Peach Festival has you covered. The annual event takes place in charming downtown Ruston, and unlike the previously listed festivals, Peach Fest is only one day. Despite the limited time in comparison, it’s still jammed with plenty of things to do for a fun-filled day with friends and family. The festival includes loads of kid’s activities, various peach-themed events, food and art vendors, and live music. 

While you’re driving across the great state of Louisiana to experience our eclectic selection of festivals, make sure that your vehicle is covered with a high-quality auto insurance policy. Get a free online quote now.

Find an Agent

Impact of Bowl Games on Local Communities

Posted on

Like every other state in the south, Louisiana is football mad, especially for college-level pigskin. The state is home to several universities with large, passionate fan bases, making the state an ideal host for a few of college football’s best bowl games. Let’s dive into how the impact of the games can be huge for our local communities. 

History of Bowl Games in Louisiana

College football’s oldest bowl game is the Rose Bowl, which has been held annually for over 100 years. Not far behind is the Sugar Bowl, hosted in Louisiana every year since 1935, making it the second-oldest bowl game in America alongside the Orange Bowl. 

Bowl Games Annually Held in Louisiana

College football fans have a few options to choose from in Louisiana nowadays. The following bowl games will be played in the state in 2024.

Independence Bowl 

Saturday, December 16

Shreveport, Louisiana

Texas Tech vs. Cal

New Orleans Bowl

Saturday, December 16

New Orleans, Louisiana

Jacksonville State vs. Louisiana University

Sugar Bowl

Monday, January 1, 2024

New Orleans, Louisiana 

​​No. 2 Washington vs. No. 3 Texas

Economic Impact of the Independence Bowl

For a community like Shreveport, a college bowl game has proven to be a huge financial success, both for the city and its surrounding communities. Back in 2022, the game generated over $17 million dollars, including over $6 million dollars in direct and indirect spending. Officials expect the number to go up in 2024. Shreveport is a city that doesn’t instantly come to mind as a place for tourism, so a college bowl game acts as a great showcase for the city to newcomers. The game hosts teams from out of the state, leading those visitors to discover the city’s hotels, southern culture, and restaurants. 

Economic Impact of the New Orleans Bowl

Of course, New Orleans is Louisiana’s most visited city, with many live events, restaurants, historical sites, and museums to attract visitors. That doesn’t mean the New Orleans Bowl doesn’t play a role. The bowl reportedly generates an estimated $25 million dollars for the city.

Economic Impact of the Sugar Bowl

It should come as no surprise that the Sugar Bowl has the largest economic impact of any bowl game in Louisiana. The game’s prestige places it among the four college bowl games that are used as semi-final games for college football’s championship, meaning the game naturally attracts the best teams in all of college football. This gives the game the ability to generate over $200 million dollars each year. The Super Bowl committee also used the opportunity to raise millions of dollars for local causes, both for local teachers and as scholarships for students. 

Football fans hitting the road to attend a bowl game this winter should only have to worry about rooting for their team, not their insurance coverage. Louisiana Farm Bureau Insurance has the high-quality home and auto insurance you need. Use our Agent Find to contact a local agent for a quote today.

Find an Agent

Louisiana State Fair Preview

Posted on

It’s that time of year to go to a place where you can scream until you drop and eat until you pop, and that’s the State Fair of Louisiana. Whether you’re there for the delicious carnival food, live entertainment, or thrilling rides, the fair has something for everyone. Let’s take a look at all the fair has to offer this year. 

Fair Schedule and Location

October 26–November 12, 2023

12–9 p.m. on weekdays

10 a.m.–10 p.m. on weekends

3701 Hudson Avenue 

Shreveport, LA 71109

Pricing

The State Fair of Louisiana will continue to host its popular “Free ‘til Three” on weekdays. Parking for the entire run of the fair, on both weekdays and weekends, is completely free. Just like last year, children two years and under enjoy free entry, while children ages three–12 are $8. Adult tickets are priced at $15. Advance sale tickets are $10 for adults, and are available through Oct. 25.

Check the fair ticket web page for details.

This Year’s Activities

Live Music

This year’s free acts include Cody Cooke & The Bayou Outlaws on Friday, Oct. 27, and Shayliff on Friday, Nov. 3.

Rodeo

The Louisiana Rodeo Cowboy Association (LRCA) will hold their finals during the fair on November 4-6. Tickets and pricing are separate from fair admission. However, admission to the fair is included with a purchase of a rodeo ticket.

  • Reserved Box Seats: $25 Advance/$30 Day Of Show
  • GA Upper Level: $15 Advance/$20 Day of Show

Free Attractions

There are seven free shows and attractions that you can see each day of the fair:

  • All American High Dive Show
  • Belmont World of Magic Show
  • Circus Hollywood
  • Hollywood Racing Pigs
  • Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show
  • Sira Souru’s Reptiles & Friends
  • The World of Animals Show
  • The State Fair Zoo

Come see these feats of daring and exotic animals right in your backyard. You can find more details about each of these shows here.

Food

The traditional fair favorites can be found here as always, like funnel cakes, candied apples, corn dogs and more. You’ll be sure to find more Cajun-inspired grub as well. Stuffed shrimp has been a crowd favorite at the fair for years. 

Carnival Midway

Whether you’re up for jaw-dropping thrills, something a bit more family-friendly, or kiddie rides, Crabtree Amusement Rides is once again providing the largest carnival midway in the state. The carnival rides will accept Magic Money credits and armbands. Credits are $1 each, with an initial purchase of $20 for 18 credits ($2 Magic Money fee). After that initial purchase, credits are $1 each.

Louisiana Farm Bureau Insurance has served our state with high-quality insurance coverage for over 70 years. Get a fast and risk-free quote on auto and home insurance today.

Find Agent

2023 Duck Hunting Season Preview

Posted on

Duck hunting season is once again upon us, and we’ve got all the information Louisiana hunters need to start bagging game. 

When Is Duck Hunting Season?

Louisiana is divided into two zones for ducks and geese: East and West. Check the LDWF Zone Map to determine which zone you are in.

West Zone Dates

Duck hunting dates in the West Zone:

  • November 5–6, youth and veterans only
  • November 12–December 4
  • December 17–January 1
  • January 9–29

East Zone Dates

Duck hunting dates in the East Zone:

  • November 12, youth and veterans only
  • November 19–December 4
  • December 17–January 29
  • February 4, youth and veterans only

Duck Hunting Bag Limits

The possession limit on ducks this year is 18 ducks total. This year the daily bag limit for ducks is six ducks total with limitations as follows:

  • four mallards, but no more than two female mallards
  • three wood ducks
  • two canvasbacks
  • two redheads
  • one scaup for the first 15 days of the season, then no more than two per day for the remainder
  • one mottled duck
  • one black duck
  • one pintail

Hunting Licenses, Permits, and Stamps

Licenses

Anyone wanting to hunt in Louisiana must purchase a basic hunting license from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries (LDWF) website.

Duck Stamps

In addition to a basic hunting license, hunters also require a Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp), and must carry it with them at all times while hunting. Hunters aged 16 or older can purchase a stamp through the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Certifications

Anyone licensed to hunt migratory birds must also get a Harvest Information Program certification and carry it with them at all times while hunting. The certification is free on the LDWF website. Hunters under the age of 17 are not required to get certified.

If you were born on or after September 1, 1969, you are required to complete an LDWF-approved hunter education course and get a Hunter Education Certification, unless you hunt under the direct supervision of someone with a valid hunting license, and they were either born before September 1, 1969, or they are over the age of 18 and have a Hunter Education Certification.

You’ve invested in your hunting equipment, so protect it with Farm Bureau Insurance. We offer auto insurance for ATVs and personal articles insurance for firearms. To learn more about how we can protect your equipment, contact a local agent near you.

Find an Agent