Zydeco Stars Bring Alex RiverFéte to Festive Close

Alexandria, La. (May 3, 2022) — Murray Street between Second and Third streets and the downtown mini park were packed with people Saturday night as zydeco performers Jeremy Frugé and Chris Ardoin closed out Alex River Fête.

An estimated crowd in excess of 17,000 people attended the free three-day festival in downtown Alexandria. Saturday’s activities included the Classic CarFéte, featuring a variety of vintage automobiles; the ArtFéte, featuring dozens of arts and crafts vendors; two stages with live musicians performing from 11 a.m. until midnight; and the Youth EmpowerFéte, a new event held at the Rapides Parish Coliseum designed to encourage teens to make good life choices.

“This has been a great event. The weather has been wonderful, the performers, vendors and food providers all did an outstanding job, the crowds were good and everyone really seemed to have a great time,” said Marvinette Holly, interim community services director for the City of Alexandria. “I think people were ready to get out and have a good time, and that’s what they did.”

Music was the main attraction throughout the weekend and Saturday saw a variety of artists on both the Main Stage and the Desoto Street stage. The Desoto Street lineup included DJ Sean St. John, Minister Pat, 2 Clean, Shana D, Andy & Lee Huffer, DJs Bow Bow Bow & Speedy Tee, Alter Ego and Anxiety.

On the Main Stage DJs Wade Hampton and Tony Groove opened the day followed by Christian Love, Basic, Peaceful Rest Praise Team, 2nd Samuel, Louisiana Swamp Donky and Barrett Baber in addition to the closing headliners Frugé and Ardoin.

A new event this year for Alex RiverFéte was the Youth EmpowerFéte, which was designed specifically for teens and their parents to share a positive message and encourage young people to make good choices to live better, more productive lives. Approximately 400 youth and parents crowded in front of the stage at the Rapides Parish Coliseum to hear from a variety of speakers, including Darrell “BFamous” Phillips, Dwayne “Difference Maker” Dupar, Dr. Keith “Skip” Fox and Pastor Sherian along with performers including Deezy2Exclusive, Soul Baby Groove, JayWillSpecial and Fredo Bang. Total attendance was estimated at 700.

For more information and to see photos and videos from the event, check out Alex River Fête on Facebook.