About this year's festival...

The morning started out very wet and very discouraging. After the early morning tornado warnings, we weren't sure who would show up. The vendors came even in the rain to set up. It was heartwarming to see them so eager to make this work. It sprinkled off and on and we all worked around it. By mid morning the rain was gone and by noon, the sun came out and so did the droves of peoples. …by the hundreds. Even with a late start, we still beat last year's attendance records. We did see more out of towners this year, too, especially from the Bossier/Shreveport area. The festival grows in popularity each year and I believe it is large part due to the increased desire for more cultural experiences that families can enjoy together.

We had a steady flow of traffic all day and the day turned out to be absolutely beautiful. There was some disappointments. The rain and wet ground did mean canceling some of planned activities but overall everything worked out.

It's hard to say what was better, the children on stage doing the funky chicken, the little kids playing musical instruments with the African drums or the wonderful performances by children in the talent show.

Glenbrook took top honors at this year’s festival. They won "Most Talented School" and "Most Supportive School" while Brandon Ratcliff, a Glenbrook student won "Most Talented Student."

Here are a few comments made by those who came to the festival with their families:

"We had a great time this year. The kids were really catered to with the audience participation, the beautiful grounds to explore and the many activities. The Spring Arts Festival is one of the few festivals each year that we can't afford to miss."—Brian Carlisle of Shreveport

"It was awesome. My kids did not want to leave." –Bethany Seales of Minden

"I was amazed how many creative children we have in this area. By giving them the opportunity to be exposed to something that manifests their spirits is a truly wonderful gift." —Pamela Brunson, Heflin

"I enjoyed the drumming with the children. I can't even think about it without crying. Those kids experienced what I felt was a once-in-a-lifetime experience." –Leslie Coyle, CC Board member

-- Chris Broussard