Gretna Fest Packs in Revelers, Musicians of All Ages

The Gretna Heritage Festival is upon us and judging from the lineup, you don’t want to miss out. Big headliners of this weekend's huge, three-day party by the Big Muddy include Joe Cocker, David Allan Coe, The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards and Foreigner. Headliners also include New Orleans favorites like Flow Tribe, Amanda Shaw & The Cute Guys, Mia Borders, The Iguanas, The New Orleans Suspects and many more. “This is the 18th annual Gretna Fest,” says Ricky Templet, co-chair of the Gretna Festival.

“We have 7 stages, almost 70 bands and 25 city blocks of rides, entertainment and food…. Two of the main stages are right on the river,” Templet said.

The three-day (Fri. - Sun.) weekend will be packed with activities appropriate for all ages, so there’s no need to find a babysitter. Children under twelve also get in for free.

“The favorite thing about the festival is that it is definitely a safe family event. A lot of people come here as a family reunion,” says Templet. “Good food, good music.”

Help kickoff Oktoberfest at the German Beer Garden for some authentic German bratwurst and imbibe different kinds German beer.

Then travel south of Germany to the Italian Village for authentic Italian meatballs and muffalettas. Enjoy performances by proud Italians, Louis Prima, Jr., Bobby Lonero, Carlo Ditta, and, a crowd favorite, the Yat Pac. Don’t forget to wear your red, green and white!

Kids will enjoy the arts and crafts tables, where they can learn how to crochet, make their own stuffed animals and much more. A string of different shops will sell everything from Gretna Fest T-shirts, one of a kind jewelry, and candles to western and Indian items.

Children who can’t partake in the German beer drinking or tasting the Italian wine will be thrilled with carnival rides and games.

“We have rides for the kids, while mom and dad are listening to some good tunes [or] getting a nice beer,” says Templet.

Ride a white steed in circles on the Carousel, get jolted back and forth on the Tilt-A-World or be stuck to a wall by the Graviton. The rides do not stop there. Other rides include the Octopus, Barrel of Fun, Hamster Umbrella Ride, Funny Farm and many more.

Come one, two or all three days this weekend to partake in the fun. Tickets are $20 at the gate and $15 online. With good food and music people usually swam to the event.

“When we started our first year we had 600 people and it was only one day. Last year we had three days over 100,000,” says Templet, showing the tremendous growth of the festival over time.

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