Thursday

We gather at Shreveport’s Municipal Auditorium for our all-attendee reception. Bus transportation will be provided. We’ll tour the remarkable Art Deco building, once the scene of the famed Louisiana Hayride, many main events, and a basement health clinic (contrary to the popular myth that it housed the morgue). A walking tour of Oakland Cemetery, across the street, will also be offered for the adventurous. The land for Oakland was given to the City in 1839, and it opened officially in 1847 although the earliest tombstones were dated 1842. This tour will also include several historic buildings in the immediate vicinity.

A second “Shreve Town Ghost Walk” (a three block walk from the reception) will follow. Take both tours or only one and return to the reception or stroll back to the hotel (about seven blocks) on your own.

Friday

Attendees are on your own. Step out of the hotel, turn to your left, and join the festivities at Mudbug Madness, a raucous spring festival involving all kinds of food (not just boiled crawfish), live music, crafts, games, and crawfish eating contests.

If you’re in a quieter mood, take in dinner and a movie at the Robinson Film Center a few blocks west of the hotel on Texas Street. Abby Singer’s Bistro, located on the second floor, is a full-service bistro and bar that features an intimate, inviting atmosphere and Shreveport’s only public dining balcony.

If shopping is your passion, travel across the Red River Bridge to Louisiana Boardwalk and shop away the evening from Bass Pro Shop to Eddie Bauer to Banana Republic. Plenty of restaurants and nightlife there, too. If you’re feeling lucky or prefer your live entertainment air-conditioned, venture over to Sam’s Town Casino or El Dorado next door. Both hotels offer fine dining as well as lighter fare. Checkout the Shreveport Links and Shreveport-Bossier Fun Guide for more. Just don’t stay out too late. You won’t want to miss breakfast at beginning at 7:30 a.m. Saturday.