The 2006 fall festival line up

Parish festivals have something for everyone

Last year, Norco hosted the one of the largest River Parish Fall Festivals to date.

As summer draws to a close, many will gladly say goodbye to the hot, sweltering days that have lurked around for the past few months and openly welcome the cool breezes of a new season that will bring with them the excitement of fall festivals.

According to the River Parish Tourist Commission, St. Charles Parish has several fun and family oriented festivals lined up for this year's fall itinerary.  Listed below is a preview of some of the parish's most anticipated events. 

River Parishes Fall Festival
The River Parishes Fall Festival was postponed last year due to the occurrence of Hurricane Katrina, however, this year the festival will go on as scheduled, and will be held on Sept. 15-17 in Norco on the grounds of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church located at 546 Apple St.

This year spectators will be able to participate in many exciting activities such as listening to the sounds of local bands, browsing an array of craft booths and tempting their taste buds with the unique flavors of southern Louisiana while children enjoy a variety of rides.

Family Fun Festival
The Family Fun Festival will be held on Sept. 17 at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Paradis.

This annual festival has been scaled down a size, but organizers hope to attract many residents to take part in the celebration with a delicious dinner, several craft booths and a raffle.

27th Annual Alligator Festival
The parish's rotary club is sponsoring the 27th Annual Alligator Festival, and it will take place at the West Bank Bridge Park in Luling on Sept. 21-24.

Last year the festival was cancelled because of the horrific hurricane season, but this year organizers are ready to once again pay homage to the king of the swamp.

The festival, which is the rotary club's main fundraiser and helps fund college scholarships for area youth, will include great food, live bands, rides and craft booths.

German Coast Food Festival
The German Coast Food Festival, which was created to celebrate the German heritage of immigrants who settled in the surrounding areas in the 1700s, will be held in Hahnville during the second weekend of October.

The festival will consist of the unparallel foods, music and traditions of the French and German heritage that makes our parish so special.

35th Annual Destrehan Plantation Fall Festival
On Nov. 11-12, the Mule Barn at the Destrehan Plantation in Destrehan will once again be transformed into an antique mall for the 35th Annual Destrehan Plantation Fall Festival. 

There will also be antique vendors, historical re-enactments, candle making, indigo dying, artists, Cajun and Creole food tents, a wine café, guided tours of the plantation, and pony rides in the children's area.

For more information and a full list of this year's festivities call 888-376-6923 or visit the tourist commission's web site at www.takemetotheriver.com.