This weekend’s 5th Annual Gentilly Fest gives residents of the once-storm-torn area a chance to take pride in their progress.  The neighborhood’s historic Pontchartrain Park Playground is rebuilt, restored, and ready to host thousands of guests at this weekend’s festival, which will celebrate all things Gentilly.

Three days and four stages of brass bands, pony rides, good eats, and more will raise money for a number of community organizations, including the host park’s sports programs and the Louis Armstrong summer jazz camp for kids. Admission to the fest is free, so don’t try to sneak in any outside food or drink.

The festivities will commence Friday evening at 6pm with some of the city’s biggest names. Kermit Ruffins & The Barbeque Swingers will be the first to perform for the event’s Kickoff Party, followed by the city’s one and only Hot 8 Brass Band. The fun doesn’t stop for two days, with the fest continuing on Saturday from 11am-8pm, and Sunday from 12pm-6pm.

President of the Pontchartrain Park Neighborhood Association and Festival Coordinator Gretchen Bradford sees the festival as an opportunity for everyone in the Big Easy to shine a light on the up and coming area, which boasts an impressive history as a symbol of triumph over adversity.

The Pontchartrain Park subdivision was one of the first in Louisiana developed by middle class African Americans for their own use, and it has been home to figures such as Marc and Dutch Morial and Wendell Pierce.  Just under a year since the Joe Bartholomew Golf Course received a 9 million dollar makeover, the festival serves as another opportunity for Gentilly’s Residents to show the city how far they’ve come since 2005.

Bradford said many will use the fest as  a way to reunite with friends and loved ones who were previously displaced by Katrina.

“It’s almost a reunion,” says Bradford. “A lot of people were displaced for the storm, and many are finally returning.”

Bradford said the festival is a family-oriented event,  with activities planned for everyone from senior citizens to toddlers.

Kids can enjoy a wide range of activities in the “Kids’ Village,” complete with pony rides, a music stage, an NOFD Fire Truck, face painting, pottery making, and more. While their little ones are off creating new household décor, parents can take advantage of a variety of practical recovery information from community organizations set up at the festival.

“Since Katrina, we’ve been fighting to get all our resources back,” explains Bradford.  Gentilly Fest offers residents an opportunity to become engaged with officials in their community while they party the day away. Proceeds from the festival will go towards the NOPD, NOFD, EMS, Children’s music camps, and other local organizations.

Bradford says the fest’s organizers are expecting a big turnout. “We anticipate about 10,000 people,” estimates Bradford. “It’s being dubbed one of the festivals that they’re trying to keep quiet from the tourists,” she jokes.

The lineup gives fest-goers a great sampling of New Orleans music. “It’s a little bit of everything, from old school hip hop to New Orleans style jazz music, a little bit of Cajun, even some Reggae,” says Bradford.

Big names on the main stage include Whodini and Real Love on Saturday, as well as Michaela Harrison and Walter “Wolfman” Washington on Sunday. Local groups will sing Gentilly’s praises at the Gospel Tent, and the kid’s tent will feature Irish Dancing, Karaoke, and more.

New to the Fest is the Brass Band Stage, which will feature acts from Lagniappe, 21st Century, and Baby Boyz Brass Bands. You can see a full lineup on the event’s website.

Proceeds from the fest will come from the long list of food vendors. Included are House of Big Momma’s Cornbread Chicken and Waffles, NOLA Foods, the Praline Connection, and New Orleans Original Po Boys.