Enhanced security, including metal detectors at each entrance gate, and direct payment to food vendors mark updates to this year’s Alligator Festival on Sept. 25 through Sept. 28 at the Westbank Bridge Park in Luling.
Kelsey Pollock, the spokesperson for the Alligator Festival, said removing the need for food tickets will make the process faster and more convenient. ATMs will be on site for those who prefer cash, and all food vendors will accept direct payments at their booths.
“We wanted to improve the attendee experience and streamline logistics for our vendors and volunteers,” Pollock said. “By removing the need for a separate line to purchase tickets, guests can spend more time enjoying the food and the rest of the festival.”
The enhanced security at this year’s event will mean attendees should expect a security checkpoint at the entrance with a walk-through metal detector staffed by private security guards.
“The decision to enhance our security measures is a proactive one,” Pollock said. “Since returning from COVID and Hurricane Ida, we’ve seen a significant growth in attendance. This support from our community has inspired us to reinvest in the safety of our attendees. This is about creating a secure, family-friendly environment where everyone can feel comfortable and focus on having a good time.”
Outside food and beverages, coolers or weapons are not allowed inside the festival. There are no restrictions on bags.
“This will help us maintain a safe atmosphere and ensure a quick entry process for everyone,” Pollock said.
The festival, which is hosted each year by the Rotary Club of St. Charles Parish, will include ten musical acts. The Grammy-award-winning Rebirth Brass Band will play Friday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Ryan Foret and Foret Tradition will kick off the festival music Thursday night and St. Charles Parish native Will Dempsey will headline Friday night from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Chee-Weez will headline Saturday (8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.) and the weekend concludes Sunday night with headliner Thomas Cain Donuts (6 p.m. to 9 p.m.).
“We’ve put together a lineup that truly has something for everyone, with genres ranging from swamp pop and jazz to country and rock,” Pollock said.
The St. Charles UMC Band, Waylon Thibodeaux, Dwayne Dopsie, Nonc Nu & Da Wild Matous and Rock Show NOLA will each perform throughout the weekend. Times for each can be found on the Alligator Festival’s website.
The event begins with free admission on Thursday. Admission on Friday through Sunday is $5 for ages 11 and up.
There will be 80 craft vendors this year.
“While 10 of those vendors are from our very own St. Charles Parish, we also have vendors from across Louisiana and neighboring states like Texas, Alabama, and Mississippi,” Pollock said. “This brings a unique and diverse selection of goods to the festival, and we’re excited to showcase their work.”
German Coast Beer Co. will serve its seasonal beer, Gator Fest Festbier Lager, on Thursday.
“I always look forward to the fellowship and sense of community this festival brings,” Pollock said. “I appreciate all the local support and partnerships that make this festival possible and showcase the unity of the parish.”
The festival will also feature over 30 food vendors. There will be 15 different ways to try alligator, including alligator sauce piquant, alligator burgers and alligator egg rolls.
The Alligator Festival is the local Rotary Club’s primary fundraiser, operated since 1980 to raise funds for private St. Charles Parish scholarships. As a result of funds raised from the Alligator Festival over the last four decades, the Rotary Club of St. Charles Parish is now considered the largest private scholarship provider in the parish, with over $1 million in scholarships having been awarded to local youth.
“The main purpose of the festival is to raise funds for scholarships for graduating seniors from Hahnville and Destrehan high schools,” Pollock said. “Our special project for the year is providing leadership books to every public school second grader. We are also supporting local food pantries, and all of our tips are being donated to Rotary International’s Polio Plus fund. We also sponsor lunches for a school in Honduras. By attending, you’re directly contributing to these local and global causes.”
The Alligator Festival has provided free parking on the Judge Edward Dufrene Parkway shoulder, at the St. Charles Parish School Board central office parking lots, the R.K. Smith Middle School parking lots and the St. Charles Parish Satellite Center parking lots.
A free shuttle service from the designated parking lots to the side gate of the festival grounds will be provided on Friday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Parking on the levee is discouraged because local law enforcement is not responsible for vehicles in that area.
