Music, Crafts, Illuminated Artists Highlight Alex RiverFete Friday Night

Alexandria, La. (April 29, 2022) — A party atmosphere filled downtown Alexandria Friday night as musicians performed, patrons browsed rows of arts and craft vendors and an illuminated procession of artists weaved their way through the crowd at Alex RiverFete.

Singer Meghan Linsey helped get the celebration started on the Main Stage. She was followed by Mary Griffin and then Texas Hill closed out the night with a rousing set of country favorites. P2K and Korey Broussard entertained fans at the Desoto Stage.

Several hundred people filled the streets of downtown Alexandria enjoying the music, shopping at the craft booths and enjoying food and beverages from the many food trucks on hand.

Lynette Gauthier from Pineville, a regular RiverFete attendee, enjoyed shopping at the arts and crafts booth with her children. “We always enjoy it every year with the kids and get to bring them to see everything, all the crafts and good music. It’s always been nice to have it, so I’m glad that it came back this year,” she said.

Singer Mary Griffin, who performed for 13 years with Patti LaBelle, made her first Alex RiverFete appearance rocking the main stage. “I appreciate you so much for having me come perform this year. We’ve enjoyed everything. Do it again, and call me back next year,” she said.

Alex RiverFete continues throughout the day Saturday with activities downtown as well as the Youth EmpowerFete at the Rapides Parish Coliseum. All events are free of charge. Things get started downtown at 9 a.m. as the Classic CarFete opens along Fourth Street. Things really crank up at 11 a.m. with the opening of the ArtFete and the two music stages.

Saturday’s music lineup includes DJs Wade Hampton and Tony Groove on the Main Stage starting at 11 a.m. Christian Love takes the stage at noon followed by Basic at 1 p.m., Peaceful Rest Praise Team at 2 p.m., 2nd Samuel at 3 p.m., and Swamp Donkey at 4 p.m. Barrett Baber will perform starting at 6:30 p.m. with Jeremy Fruge following at 8:30 p.m. and then zydeco performer Chris Ardoin will have people dancing in the street starting at 10 p.m.

On the Desoto Stage, DJ Sean St. John will get the music started at noon. Minister Pat takes the stage at 1 p.m., followed by 2 Clean at 2 p.m., Shana D at 3 p.m., and Andy and Lee Huffer at 5 p.m. DJs Bow Bow Bow and Speedy Tee will entertain the crowd starting at 6 p.m. Alter ego will take the stage at 7 p.m. followed by Anxiety at 9 p.m.

Food vendors will be available starting at noon until activities wrap up at midnight. Other activities Saturday include the ArtFete, featuring a variety of arts and crafts vendors from noon until 9 p.m., and the Youth EmpowerFete from 1-6 p.m. at the Rapides Parish Coliseum. The Youth EmpowerFete is a new addition to Alex RiverFete designed specifically for teens and their parents. The event features a variety of motivational speakers moderated by Peabody Magnet High School Principal Dennis Stewart. Speakers include Dr. Keith “Skip” Fox, Difference Maker Dwayne Dupar, BFamous Darrell Phillips, Arthur F. Smith School Principal Keandra Ford, Pastor Matt Sherian, and DJ Louisiana Hood Terrence Stewart. There will also be music provided by DJ Flex, Jay Stevens, DJ Bow Bow Bow, Fredo Bang, Soul Baby Groove, Jaywillspecial, and Deezy2Exclusive. Registration and tickets are required for the free event and can be obtained on the Alex RiverFete website.

For schedules and more information go to alexriverfete.com or check out Alex RiverFete on Facebook.