North, central Louisiana host spring festivals

Every year in early March the community of Natchitoches, in central Louisiana, begins laying out a red-carpet welcome for spring in the form of Bloomin’ on the Bricks, a festival of color and culture.

Natchitoches launches its celebration along the downtown riverbank. Organized by the city's Main Street Program and the City Beautification Department, the event splashes the city’s historic district with spectacular color, including dozens of hanging flower baskets gracing Front Street balconies and thousands of daffodils and tulips planted along the riverbank.

The garden festival features a vendor area where merchants sell and display items related to garden and lawn care. Other activities include a speaker’s series and demonstrations on gardening-related topics. Landscaping experts may offer tips for home gardens and discuss native plants of Louisiana.

Bloomin’ on the Bricks also features musical entertainment and food booths. A companion event called Art Along the Bricks, an outdoor art show and sale, occurs on Front Street. Dozens of artists display fine arts and crafts in booths along street. For more information, see Explore Natchitoches.

Farther to the north, you can join in as the northwestern part of the state welcomes spring with the Louisiana Redbud Festival in Vivian. As the beautiful redbud trees come into bloom, the town and surrounding area put on a celebration of spring that features pageants, contests and photographs, and of course, some of the most beautiful redbud trees you’ll ever see.

Not far to the east, in Monroe-West Monroe, yet another iconic event of the season occurs when the Junior League of Monroe launches its Annual Spring Market. This yearly presentation of gifts and gardening products features vendors from across the United States. For more information call 318-322-3236. While the winter chill lingers elsewhere, why not visit Louisiana and get an early taste of spring.