The Red River Revel

Every fall Shreveport hosts a week-long festival known to locals as “The Revel.” It might be the most anticipated event of the year, second to Mardi Gras. I had heard about it for weeks. When I inquired further about what exactly the Revel was, I was given an assortment of responses that led me to believe it was a crowded craft show with an extravagant fried food menu.

Wrong.

Not only did it exceed all expectations, it was worthy enough for a blog post and I understand why it was so hard to explain. The best way I can sum up the Red River Revel is to say that it’s part carnival, part craft show, part food festival, and part summer concert series. Think South Street Seaport meets the Southern cowboy.

Here are some photos to showcase the festivities. If I had been more discrete, I would have photographed the footwear. Let’s just say I was in the minority by not wearing boots.

Festival Plaza

Just a few of the food vendors. The turkey legs were bigger than my own. Also note the fried catfish.

More catfish, muffaletta pizza, and crawfish tails… in case you were wondering my dinner was the next photo.

Dinner! This was the first funnel cake I’ve ever eaten in my entire life.

And the biggest surprise of all… a free Colt Ford concert! Country legend! (Don’t worry, I didn’t know who he was either. However, Rich displayed a level of enthusiasm I would have exhibited if Bruce Springsteen had miraculously appeared on the stage).

ACTUALLY, the biggest surprise of all was that I enjoyed the performance. A lot of lyrics were about chicken, biscuits, dirt roads, and trucks, but it was catchy and I found myself wishing I could sing along with the crowd (and that I was wearing boots).

Almost.