Go to Natchitoches

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Go to Natchitoches” Podcast focuses on the 44th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival which will be held on Saturday July 20, 2024, in the air-conditioned Prather Coliseum at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Featured Guests are Dr. Shane Rasmussen – NSU Professor of English & Director of the Louisiana Folklife Center, and K. Nicole Connell – Communications Manager of Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau. This family-friendly festival features a curated showcase of Louisiana folk musicians, food vendors, traditional crafts persons, craft demonstrations, a Kidfest, narrative sessions, a Jambalaya Cookoff, along with the Annual Louisiana State Fiddle Championship, dance lessons, and live entertainment. In honor of this year’s theme, The Old Songs Live Forever, the festival will feature three stages of music.  MORE INFO: * For a full details and the event schedule, visit https://www.nsula.edu/the-44th-annual-natchitoches-nsu-folk-festival/  * Check out the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@natchitochesnsufolkfestiva3855  * Watch this Big Blend Radio video showcasing the 40th Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival: https://youtu.be/oJdUlGg568k?feature=shared  * Plan Your Visit to Natchitoches at https://natchitoches.com/  Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is the original French Colony and oldest settlement in Louisiana. Celebrating a vibrant blend of French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Creole cultures, this charming city is part of the Cane River National Heritage Area and Louisiana’s No Man’s Land. More about Natchitoches and its current events at https://natchitoches.com/ Follow Big Blend Radio's "Go to Natchitoches" show here: https://natchitoches-louisiana.podbean.com/ 

With the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Celebrations coming up (June 20-22, 2024), this episode of Big Blend Radio's 3rd Tuesday "Go to Natchitoches" show is all about the sports history, culture, and impressive athletes of Natchitoches and the state of Louisiana. Featured guests are K. Nicole Connell, Communication Manager of Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Doug Ireland - Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame is an impressive $23-million museum complex in the historic downtown district of Natchitoches. It's collection of portraits and memorabilia celebrate the achievements of more than 300 legendary Louisiana athletes, coaches and other sports figures. Other sports-themed exhibits and interactive media trace the history and importance of sports to life in Louisiana. The complex is also home to the Northwest Louisiana History Museum. Info: https://lasportshall.com/   Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is the original French Colony and oldest settlement in Louisiana. Celebrating a vibrant blend of French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Creole cultures, this charming city is part of the Cane River National Heritage Area and Louisiana’s No Man’s Land. More about Natchitoches and its current events at https://natchitoches.com/   Follow Big Blend Radio's "Go to Natchitoches" show here: https://natchitoches-louisiana.podbean.com/ 

With National Park Week (April 20-28), Earth Day (April 22), Arbor Day (April 27), Junior Ranger Day (April 27), and Kids to Parks Day (May 18) coming up, this episode of Big Blend Radio's 3rd Tuesday "Go to Natchitoches" show is all the various parks, historic sites and trails, and events you can experience in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Featured guest is K. Nicole Connell, Communication Manager of Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau, who talks about events and destinations such Cane River Creole National Historical Park, Melrose Plantation, Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, El Camino Real de las Tejas National Historic Trail, the historic Jefferson Highway, Briarwood Nature Reserve, and Kisatchie National Forest. Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is the original French Colony and oldest settlement in Louisiana. Celebrating a vibrant blend of French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Creole cultures, this charming city is part of the Cane River National Heritage Area and Louisiana’s No Man’s Land. More about Natchitoches and its current events at https://natchitoches.com/ Follow Big Blend Radio's "Go to Natchitoches" show here: http://tinyurl.com/yc8csn8b Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Fishing Tournaments and Motorcycle Runs to Music and Art & Crafts Festivals, Spring Picnics and Crawfish Boils, and more, this episode of Big Blend Radio's 3rd Tuesday Vacation Station "Go to Natchitoches" show is all about Spring Festivals and Family Fun in Louisiana's Oldest City! Featured guest is K. Nicole Connell, Communication Manager of Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau. Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is the original French Colony and oldest settlement in Louisiana. Celebrating a vibrant blend of French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Creole cultures, this charming city is part of the Cane River National Heritage Area and Louisiana’s No Man’s Land. More about Natchitoches at https://natchitoches.com/ Follow Big Blend Radio's "Go to Natchitoches" show here: http://tinyurl.com/yc8csn8b Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From wildflower hikes and family activities to annual festivals that celebrate the arts, seasonal flowers, history and culture, and more, it's all about Spring 2024 Celebrations in Natchitoches, Louisiana on this episode of Big Blend Radio's 3rd Tuesday Vacation Station "Go to Natchitoches" show with K. Nicole Connell, Communication Manager of Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau. Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is the original French Colony and oldest city in Louisiana. Celebrating a vibrant blend of French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Creole cultures, this charming city is part of the Cane River National Heritage Area and Louisiana’s No Man’s Land. More about Natchitoches at https://natchitoches.com/ Follow Big Blend Radio's "Go to Natchitoches" show here: http://tinyurl.com/yc8csn8b Check out our Longleaf Vista Trail story and video here: http://tinyurl.com/4zmd969n Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celebrate the festive Mardi Gras Season in Natchitoches, Louisiana on this episode of Big Blend Radio's 3rd Tuesday Vacation Station "Go to Natchitoches" show with K. Nicole Connell, Communication Manager of Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau. Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is the original French Colony and oldest city in Louisiana. Celebrating a vibrant blend of French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Creole cultures, this charming city is part of the Cane River National Heritage Area and Louisiana’s No Man’s Land. More about Natchitoches at https://natchitoches.com/ Follow Big Blend Radio's "Go to Natchitoches" show here: https://shows.acast.com/go-natchitoches-louisiana Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded onsite at the historic American Cemetery, this episode of Big Blend Radio's 3rd Tuesday "Go to Natchitoches" Show features Scotty Williams with the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest LA History Museum in downtown Natchitoches, Louisiana. Every first Friday, Scotty leads a free and incredibly fascinating walking tour of the American Cemetery where he shares the life stories of those who are laid to rest there. Established around 1737, the cemetery is said to be the oldest cemetery in the Louisiana Purchase. Over the years, planters, businessman, politicians, and educators have all made their mark on Natchitoches and the surrounding area. The markers in the cemetery tell stories of the region’s people and act as an outdoor museum dedicated to their legacy. Legend has it, that St. Denis, the town’s founder, is buried somewhere on the grounds. Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is the original French Colony and oldest city in Louisiana. Home to the Cane River Creole National Historical Park, it is part of the Cane River National Heritage Area, and is the final destination on the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail. More: https://natchitoches.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celebrating the holiday season in Natchitoches, the oldest city in Louisiana, this episode of Big Blend Radio's 3rd Tuesday "Go to Natchitoches" show was recorded onsite. Featured guests: - Arlene Gould - Executive Director of Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau - Sara Spillman - Merci Beaucoup Restaurant - Ralph Ney - Louisiana Travel Association & GM of Baton Rouge Marriott Hotel - Len & Judy Garrison - Travel Writers and publishers of SeeingSouthern.com Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is the original French Colony and oldest city in Louisiana. Celebrating a vibrant blend of French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Creole cultures, this charming city is part of the Cane River National Heritage Area and Louisiana’s No Man’s Land. More about Natchitoches at https://natchitoches.com/ Follow Big Blend Radio's "Go to Natchitoches" show here: https://shows.acast.com/go-natchitoches-louisiana Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Experience History during the Fall and Winter Holiday Season in Natchitoches, Louisiana on this episode of Big Blend Radio's 3rd Tuesday Vacation Station "Go to Natchitoches" show! Featured guest is Arlene Gould - Executive Director of the Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau who talks about historic sites and experiences like Cane River Creole National Historical Park, Melrose Plantation, St Augustine's Catholic Church, Annual Christmas Festival of Lights, Fort St. Jean Baptiste, Kaffie-Frederick Mercantile, and much more. Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is the original French Colony and oldest city in Louisiana. Celebrating a vibrant blend of French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Creole cultures, this charming city is part of the Cane River National Heritage Area and Louisiana’s No Man’s Land. More about Natchitoches at https://natchitoches.com/ Follow Big Blend Radio's "Go to Natchitoches" show here: https://shows.acast.com/go-natchitoches-louisiana Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's all about Festive Fall Fun in Natchitoches, Louisiana on this episode of Big Blend Radio's 3rd Tuesday Vacation Station "Go to Natchitoches" show! Hear about the upcoming Natchitoches Car Show, TappedTober Event, Dark Woods Haunted Adventure Park, St. Augustine Creole Festival, Melrose Plantation Fall Festival, Annual Pumpkin Glow, and more. FEATURED GUESTS - Arlene Gould - Executive Director of the Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau - Halie Errington - TappedTober Event on October 7, hosted by the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Foundation. More: https://www.thetappedtober.com/ Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is the original French Colony and oldest city in Louisiana. Celebrating a vibrant blend of French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Creole cultures, this charming city is part of the Cane River National Heritage Area and Louisiana’s No Man’s Land. More about Natchitoches at https://natchitoches.com/ Follow Big Blend Radio's "Go to Natchitoches" show here: https://shows.acast.com/go-natchitoches-louisiana Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark your calendar for the 17th Annual Natchitoches Car Show! Held from September 29-30, 2023, over 400 classic cars will line the streets of Downtown Natchitoches, Louisiana, plus there’s a poker run, food, live music, shopping, dancing, and kids’ activities. Giving us the scoop on all the event highlights, plus a glimpse on other fall and holiday festivities, featured guests on this episode of Big Blend Radio's 3rd Tuesday "Go to Natchitoches" show include: - Arlene Gould - Executive Director of the Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau - Jill Leo - Director of Promotions & Events for the Natchitoches Historic District Business Association, and Natchitoches Main Street Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is the original French Colony and oldest city in Louisiana. Celebrating a vibrant blend of French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Creole cultures, this charming city is part of the Cane River National Heritage Area and Louisiana’s No Man’s Land. More about Natchitoches at https://natchitoches.com/ Follow Big Blend Radio's "Go to Natchitoches" show here: https://shows.acast.com/go-natchitoches-louisiana Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark your calendars for some September Festival Fun in Natchitoches, the oldest city in the state of Louisiana! Giving us the scoop on all the even highlights from live music and poker runs to food and family entertainment, featured guests on this episode of Big Blend Radio's 3rd Tuesday "Go to Natchitoches" show include: - Arlene Gould - Executive Director of the Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau - Melvin Holmes - 24th Annual Cane River Zydeco Festival & Poker Run held September 1 & 2, 2023 - Jimmy Harper - 21st Annual Meat Pie Festival held in Natchitoches, the Meat Pie Capital of Louisiana, on September 15 & 16, 2023. Info: https://www.meatpiefestival.com/ Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is the original French Colony and oldest city in Louisiana. Celebrating a vibrant blend of French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Creole cultures, this charming city is part of the Cane River National Heritage Area and Louisiana’s No Man’s Land. More about Natchitoches at https://natchitoches.com/ Follow Big Blend Radio's "Go to Natchitoches" show here: https://shows.acast.com/go-natchitoches-louisiana Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Big Blend Radio's 3rd Tuesday "Go to Natchitoches" show focuses on the 43rd Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival. With the theme "Celebrating Louisiana's Cultural Gumbo," the Festival will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023 in the air-conditioned Prather Coliseum on the NSU campus. Featured guests are Arlene Gould, Executive Director of Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau, and organizer Dr. Shane Rasmussen, NSU Professor of English and Director, Louisiana Folklife Center. Festival attendees will enjoy 3 stages of music with Cajun, zydeco, blues, Celtic, and country music, free Cajun and zydeco dance lessons, and many traditional food vendors. There will also be a gumbo cook-off, blacksmithing, KidFest, over 70 crafts persons, a harmonica workshop taught by Ed Huey, and the Louisiana State Fiddle Championship from 1-4 PM. Music headliners feature Rusty Metoyer and the Zydeco Krush, the Jambalaya Cajun Band and the Cajun Stompers, Gal Holiday and the Honky Tonk Revue, Hugh Harris and the Drifting Cowboys, The Russell Welch Hot Quartet with special guest Aurora Nealand, traditional Native American songs and dances with the Rising Sun Youth Choctaw-Apache of Ebarb Dance Group, and blues by Jimmy “Duck” Holmes. More: https://www.nsula.edu/the-43nd-annual-natchitoches-nsu-folk-festival-2/ Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is the original French Colony and oldest city in Louisiana. Celebrating a vibrant blend of French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Creole cultures, this charming city is part of the Cane River National Heritage Area and Louisiana’s No Man’s Land. More about Natchitoches at https://natchitoches.com/ Follow Big Blend Radio's "Go to Natchitoches" show here: https://shows.acast.com/go-natchitoches-louisiana Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Big Blend Radio's 3rd Tuesday "Go to Natchitoches" show focuses on what to experience this Summer in Natchitoches, the oldest city in Louisiana. Hear about outdoor activities, attractions, and seasonal events including: June 17-18 – Juneteenth Celebration; July 1-2 – Celebration on the Cane; July 22 – 43rd Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival; July 27-30 - Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame 2023 Induction Celebration; Sept. 2-3: Cane River Zydeco Festival; Sept. 16 – Meat Pie Festival. Featured guest is Arlene Gould, Executive Director of Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau. Plan your visit at: https://natchitoches.com/ Follow Big Blend Radio's "Go to Natchitoches" show here: https://shows.acast.com/go-natchitoches-louisiana Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Big Blend Radio's 3rd Tuesday "Go to Natchitoches" show focuses on Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Park in Natchitoches, the oldest city in Louisiana. Featured guests are park ranger Felicia Brand and Arlene Gould, Executive Director of Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau. Plan your visit to Natchitoches at: https://natchitoches.com/ Located on Cane River Lake in Natchitoches, Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Park is a replication of the original Fort, which was set up just a few hundred yards away, by founder Louis Antoine Juchereau de St. Denis in 1714. Get a sense of the French Colonial life on a tour through the fort, museum, and historic buildings. It's also the final destination on the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail, and one of historic sites within the Cane River National Heritage Area. More: https://www.lastateparks.com/historic-sites/fort-st-jean-baptiste-state-historic-site Follow Big Blend Radio's "Go to Natchitoches" show here: https://shows.acast.com/go-natchitoches-louisiana Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.