It’s festival time in Louisiana, and one of the most successful festivals in the River Parishes area will be held this weekend, when the 41st annual Destrehan Plantation Fall Festival will take place on the plantation grounds at 13034 River Road in Destrehan.

 The event takes place Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 10 and 11 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Admission for the full day of entertainment and shopping is only $7 for adults and teens. Children ages 12 and under get in free.

This year, the festival will commemorate the Bicentennial of Louisiana Statehood and recognize the role Jean Noel Destrehan played in the statehood process. A grand opening of the Jefferson Room

and Gallery River Room, which

features original Destrehan family documents recently acquired from Paris takes place during the festival. All visitors to the festival will

be able to view the renovated Jefferson Room and the newly opened Gallery River Room free

of charge. Full tours of the plantation house will be available thro-ughout the weekend for a nominal fee.

More than 150 craft vendors from throughout the United States will be on hand to sell their handcrafted items such as woodwork, stained glass, candles, housewares, jewelry and lots more.  If you like antiques, there will be a barn full, with dealers from throughout the state selling their antiques and collectibles in the Mule Barn.

Delicious food, such as jambalaya, pastalaya, fried seafood, shrimp pasta, stuffed crabs, hamburgers, hotdogs, roasted corn, funnel

cakes, onion mums, pralines,

homemade cakes and candy and

lots more will be available to purchase. You will be able to enjoy your meal while listening to music throughout the day. Each morning starts with Music by Luke and continues with live music beginning at noon. On Saturday listen to the Reed Allemand Band and on Sunday LO2 (formerly Local Option 2) will provide the entertainment.

There is also lots for the youngsters to do in the Children’s Area. Pony rides, Eurobungy jumping, facepainting and a space walk will be available both days.

The festival promises a weekend full of activities to please the entire family.  Plan on attending the 41st annual Destrehan Plantation Fall Festival on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 10 and 11, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m.  For more information, call 985-764-9315.