DESTREHAN – River Road Historical Society will hold its first Destrehan Plantation Family Day today, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is being held to showcase the special programs and exhibits that resulted in Destrehan Plantation being named the Louisiana Attraction of the Year by the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association.

Admission to the event is at a reduced rate of only $5 per adult. Children 17 years and younger, accompanied by an adult, will be admitted free of charge. Admission to the event includes a tour of Destrehan Plantation, special exhibits such as the 1811 Slave Revolt exhibit, Jefferson Document Room and Herbert J. Harvey Jr. Legacy Room. Period craft demonstrations scheduled during the day include open hearth cooking, indigo dyeing, carpentry, African-American herbal remedies and bousillage. Entertainment includes live musical entertainment by local young performer Faith Becnel, a barbershop quartet and a DJ. Various family activities, games and door prize giveaways are planned throughout the day. Activities for children include free pony and horse rides and a free space walk.

As an added attraction to the event, author and voice-over performer Gary Simms returns to Destrehan Plantation as part of the plantation’s Family Day festivities. Sims previously performed at this year’s Destrehan Plantation Heritage Day event in May. He was joined on stage by Gospel singer Jackie Mayfield – an accomplished performer and Minister of Music who is a star of stars on the New Orleans Gospel Music scene. Simms was commissioned by Ellen McKnight and “A Circle of Literary Friends” to write a monologue that dramatically tells the story of the slave revolt that took place in the River Parishes just outside of New Orleans. McKnight is a local children’s author.

Destrehan Plantation is one of the few locations connected to slavery that tell the stories that include relevant facts about the life, times and contributions of the slaves that were on the plantation then.

Family Day at Destrehan Plantation promises to be a day of fun-filled activities for all age groups. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the day’s activities. Pastalaya, pizza, soft drinks and ice cream will be available for purchase. No alcoholic beverages are allowed. The event is being supported by Shell Chemical-Motiva and The Azby Fund.