BAYOU TECHE BLACK BEAR AND BIRDING FESTIVAL
April 20-22, 2012

The mission of the Black Bear and Birding  Festival is to educate the citizens of St. Mary Parish and the surrounding area about the Louisiana Black Bear, a species listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as "threatened" under the guidelines of the Endangered Species Act. The goal is to promote ecotourism, educate the public about the Black Bear species, and to protect their natural habitat. The birding component was added more recently as migratory birds travel the local route near Franklin, LA. The festival features live music, food vendors, attractions, culturally relevant venues, and best of all, good company. Educational exhibits and children's activities relating to bears and the many other natural resources found in south Louisiana is also a focal point of the festival.

http://www.bayoutechebearfest.org

The Harvest Moon Festival began more than ten years ago to encourage downtown shopping and support for local merchants. It was scheduled during the month of October to celebrate the beginning of the harvest season which leads up to the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays. It recognizes the spirit of a cane farming culture which has reaped the rewards of productive farmland and abundant natural resources. The festival features live music, children's activities, a classic car show, vendors and special retail promotions.  It is sponsored by the Franklin Merchants Association.

http://www.franklinharvestmoonfest.com/

VOICES OF THE PAST

October 14-16, 2011

"Spend the weekend with us in beautiful Franklin, Louisiana, with over 400 properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Celebrate the 200th birthday of the City of Franklin and St. Mary Parish.  Stroll down an oak arcade, drive along a boulevard of cast iron lampposts and an early 19th century Main Street.  Take the Sweet Remembrances Cemetery Tour, visit three historic churches, the Masonic Lodge and the United States Post Office building, attend the Techeland Arts Council's inaugural production and explore seven antebellum homes.  See for yourself the town Lyle Sexton called "one of the prettiest towns in Louisiana."  (Excerpt taken from the "Voices of the Past" event brochure)

For more information, contact: 

St. Mary Landmarks Society:  http://st-mary-landmarks.com/

Techeland Arts Council:  http://www.techeland.com

Cajun Coast Visitors and Convention Bureau:  http://www.cajuncoast.com, 1-800-256-2931 or 337-828-2092