This park, nestled comfortably and purposefully, against the banks of the Red River in downtown…read moreShreveport, serves up memories to me, as profound as they are plenty.
Just a mere few weeks after 9/11/01, this city hosted its' annual Fall Festival, the Red River Revel. And during this particular year, the Gypsy Songman himself, Jerry Jeff Walker was to be headlining one of the Saturday nights. My chums and I, all huge, adoring Jerry Jeff fans, went to the show in full vigor. I myself, consuming what was pretty much my own body weight at that time, in draft beer, during each and every song, and after show's end, then venturing to a local tavern across town, where I would ultimately end up unconscious, and seeking the comforts, spread eagle no less, of said tavern's convenient outdoor parking, and the asphalt thereof. And this, only after regurgitating some of my stomach's contents into an empty pint glass, inside said tavern.
Then there was July 4th, 2005. It was the night before my Father passed away. I sat in my Father's hospital room, and he, on his death bed. The television hanging on the wall, was tuned in to a local station, which was broadcasting live from this very park, for its' annual Independence Day celebration. And on this night, at this very sad moment, I remember sitting in that chair in that room, my Father resting, and looking up at that television screen, and seeing all the people, all the visitors to the park that day, families, and couples. As the camera panned the large crowd, hundreds, maybe thousands of faces. They all looked so happy. So carefree. Life was so beautiful for them. I was going through one of the worst times of my life. And then, down at the festivities, the recorded voice of Louie Armstrong, and his song, "What A Wonderful World" began playing. I could hear it on tv. My Father remained asleep peacefully. I just began crying.
Of course, there are other memories of this park, less heavy, and not as important maybe.
I remember another Red River Revel, years later. Where I jumped up on stage with local band Dirtfoot and showed all forward looking eyeballs my latest and greatest dance maneuvers, as interpreted from the music the band was playing. This delighted both my future wife and festival security immensely.
There have also been countless enjoyable viewings of outdoor films here courtesy of Movies and Moonbeams.
Recently, this park was deluged with waters from the adjacent Red River, and suffered extensive damage. In recent months, as festival seasons have come and gone, this area has not been available or open. It appears now that most, if not all, repairs, as well as planned upgrades, are now complete.
Hopefully, this park will once again become the focal point of all activity and highlights during festivals, as well as day to day downtown recreation.
