John Foster’s October 24th Acadian Festival return promises a crowd so massive it could rewrite local history—are you ready to witness it? ML
Preparation for the International Acadian Festival is generally a long stretch of work for its organizers, but this year’s event will bring a bigger challenge — one they will wholeheartedly welcome.
Knights of Columbus Council 970, the sponsor of the event since its inception as The Cajun Festival in 1969, anticipates one of its largest crowds ever when “American Idol” runner-up John Foster, an Addis native, performs on opening night Friday, Oct. 24.
Online ticket sales end at noon Oct. 22.
Tickets are $21 online or $25 at the gate and will be available while supplies last. Fans who want to the see the “American Idol” national runner-up can buy tickets at https://getbooking.us/festival/index.php.
Foster’s upcoming appearance is expected to draw a record crowd for the festival.
“We’re encouraging people to by online, and we’re expecting a long line at the gate,” festival chairman Jason Leonard said.
The Lauren Lee Band will be the opening act.
In addition, the Evangeline princesses will be introduced between the two performances.
One of the biggest changes for this festival will involve the safety measures. For the first time in the history of the festival, all attendees will go through a metal detector upon entry.
Festival organizers made the decision after meeting with the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office to discuss security measures, Leonard said.
To ensure safety and easier crowd control, the stage will face the north end of the festival grounds as opposed to a corner on east side.
Foster performed a mini concert May 14 in front of a crowd estimated at 14,000 on the grounds of the Mark A. “Tony” Gulotta Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park. He made his appearance four days before the “American Idol” finals in Hollywood. Portions of the event were featured on the finals May 18.
A performance by New Orleans area band The Chee Weez drew a large crowd when the festival originated from the Mike Zito Multipurpose Arena.
Fats Domino drew a massive turnout when he performed on the old fairgrounds along La. 1 in the 1970s
The festival made the move to the Mark A. “Tony” Gulotta Bayou Waterfront Park seven years ago. The current location has best suited the festival, Leonard said.
“If we get a heavy rain, the minute it stops we can go back to business because all rides are set upon on a concrete pavement,” he said.
Parking is the only drawback.
The Bayou Waterfront Park does not provide as much parking space as previous facilities, but the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office and Plaquemine City Police are working with KCs to get attendees to and from the parking area, Leonard said.
