charming, timeless ambiance, drawing visitors with its brick streets, scenic river views, and rich cultural heritage. CELEBRATING A COMMUNITY The city thrives on its vibrant and welcoming community spirit, supported by robust tourism. Throughout the year the community bursts with a lively calendar of events and festivals that attract visitors from near and far. From Jazz and R&B to the Zydeco and Meat Pie festivals, and celebrations like Juneteenth, there are a plethora of opportunities for locals and visitors to enjoy music and delicious food in the open air. However, the crown jewel of Natchitoches’ festivities is the renowned Christmas Festival.“It’s one of the biggest in the south,” shares Mayor, Ronnie Williams.“10s of 1000s of people come to town every year for that event.” Natchitoches is also home to the Louisianna Sports Hall of Fame, a tourist attraction, where sports legends like Shaquille O’Neal and Eli Manning have been honored. This year, Drew Brees is set to join the illustrious list of inductees. PRESERVING HISTORY AND ENHANCING DOWNTOWN “We’re known for our downtown,” depicts Williams.“It is very beautiful in terms of flowers and how things are landscaped. And we’ve got the river, which is a central part, in terms of the events that we have.” The city has made significant strides in preserving its historic landmarks while also enhancing the downtown experience for residents and visitors.“We are blessed and fortunate, we really don’t have many vacancies ever,” he boasts, noting that the many Mom and Pop type establishments, such as a candy store, and coffee shops, are supported by the Historical District Business Association, and add vibrancy to the area. Williams notes that Downtown Natchitoches gained significant attention in the late 1980’s,with the filming of Steel Magnolias, a classic movie starring Julia Roberts and Sally Field, which inspired revitalization of the city core. More recent developments include a $5 million project, completed in 2018, that brought sidewalk improvements, hanging planters, new bollards, and an amphitheater with plenty of seating. Additionally, a $2 million project restored a historic house near the riverbank, enhancing its appeal as a venue for weddings and other events. Williams acknowledges, “We were just speaking about the need to do a new master plan. The last one was done 25 years ago, and there’s a need for a new one to incorporate the walkability, and some of the wayfaring and lighting as well.” INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS Recent infrastructure projects include upgrades to the city’s water and sewage systems, road repairs, 101 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08 NATCHITOCHES, LA
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