By DAVID VITRANO

News Editor

GARYVILLE—This weekend the already idyllic setting of San Francisco Plantation will become even more so when the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra fills the grounds with the classical strains of its 72-piece ensemble.

This year, the event hopes to draw a younger crowd to what plantation General Manager Kim Fontenot calls “The cultural event of the season.”

In an effort to “awaken the dreams of our youth as they hear the magnificent music of the orchestra in their own community,” all students 17 and under accompanied by their parent or guardian will be able to forego the $10 admission fee, thanks to the support of a number of local sponsors, including Marathon Oil and Entergy of Louisiana,

Additionally, area kids will be able to hear a selection of music familiar to them, such as music from The Little Mermaid, Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean and E.T, as well as some more traditional standards.

“It’s a day for families to come out and enjoy this beautiful event,” gushed Fontenot.

Fontenot added that this event aims to capture some of the spectacle of similar ones held in New Orleans’ City Park and Audubon Zoo and put a spotlight on the local area. The concert, along with the Frisco Fest, is one of the two big events held yearly at the plantation.

Although the show does not start until 2 p.m., there are plenty of reasons to get to San Francisco Plantation early.

A car show will get things rolling. All are welcome to register their four-wheeled pride for a $25 registration fee at the historical landmark. And unlike other car shows, the plantation’s guests will get to choose the winner of the people’s choice trophy. Awards will also be given for best engine and best paint job.

For those not mechanically inclined, kitchen skills can also be displayed in a gumbo cook-off, with categories for both traditional gumbo and the seafood variety. Other food, such as burgers and potato salad will be available. A full bar rounds out the event’s culinary scene.

Truly, there should be something for everyone this Sunday at San Francisco Plantation.

“I hope everyone comes out to support the event and the plantation,” said Fontenot.

The gates open at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call the plantation at 1-888-509-1756 or visit www.sanfranciscoplantation.org.

San Franciso Plantation is located at 2646 Hwy. 44 in Garyville.