LOUISIANA, Mo. — After 40 years, it’s good to know some things don’t change.

Louisiana Country Colorfest has always been about bringing together residents, business people and visitors to enjoy the tastes, sounds and scents of the season. That it brings in the green, along with the reds, oranges and browns, is a bonus.

The Louisiana Chamber of Commerce is hosting the celebration, which takes place Oct. 19 and 20 in the downtown area. This year’s theme is “Colors of Fall.”

“Its impact goes far beyond a weekend celebration; it nurtures our local economy, boosts tourism and fosters community pride,” said Chamber President Tabitha Rardon. “Colorfest beautifully showcases the charm and charisma of Louisiana and its surrounding communities.”

In many ways, Rardon’s words echo those of Joanna Johnson, who was among the organizers of the first Colorfest in 1985.

“We welcome the tourists because we know they’ll see a lot of pretty country along the way,” Johnson said then. “We’re trying to provide things so that people will come down, have a good time, go home and then say they might want to come back again next year.”

Many of the traditions started two score years ago remain strong. The parade is a highlight and there will be plenty of vendors along Georgia Street.

There’s also a good lineup of entertainment. In 1985, it included the Dead Skunk String Band and the Gospel Road Quartet. This year’s performers include the Oldie, Moldy and Bob Band and Shattered Image.

Enthusiasm was strong in the weeks leading up to the first Colorfest. The Press-Journal newspaper called it “probably the most imaginative and creative town activity in Louisiana for many years.”

“There is so much going on that you wonder whether there will be enough people to see it all,” editor John Gillis wrote.

Rardon is equally excited, saying Colorfest “not only strengthens connections with local businesses, but also highlights local talent, encourages entrepreneurship and serves as a vital economic engine” for Louisiana.

“In my opinion, Colorfest is essential for our hometown’s prosperity,” she said.

Rardon thanked the long list of sponsors, Chamber executive director Brook Patterson and the volunteer Colorfest organizing committee for the hard work needed to make the festival a success.

Committee member Janet Holland has been part of just about every Colorfest. So, it’s no surprise she has a special place in her heart for it.

“To help is just me,” she said. “I enjoy Colorfest. I enjoy being a vendor, plus I enjoy seeing people from everywhere that come to our town.”

OK, but from whence did the idea come to insert the word “country” into the festival title? Johnson has the answer.

“We want the city people to come to the country,” she said in 1985. “Rather than call it ‘Octoberfest,’ we wanted more of a family-oriented show.”

Following is the 2024 tentative schedule. All events are downtown unless noted. Additional events and activities are planned. Times are subject to change:

 

Saturday

7 to 10 a.m.: Sons of the American Legion breakfast, 420 Kelly Lane.

8 a.m.: Miss Missouri Outdoors Pageant sponsored by Dean’s Outdoors at the Keely Center.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Chris Brown Memorial Car Show at riverfront.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: YMCA Disc Golf Tournament, 614 Kelly Lane.

9 a.m.: Parade lineup at Sunset Park and Louisiana High School.

10 a.m.: Parade along Georgia Street to downtown.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Vendors.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Kids’ Corner at HNB Bank sponsored by Lions Club.

Noon: Opening ceremony.

Noon: Drumline Exhibition sponsored by Louisiana Music Boosters.

Noon: Elks Lodge BBQ & Beer Garden immediately after parade.

12:30 p.m.: Fireman Games sponsored by Buffalo Township Fire District.

12:30 p.m.: Little Mr. & Miss Colorfest sponsored by Sudzy Tub.

1 p.m.: Cornhole Tournament at CPZ, 405 S. Third.

1:30 p.m.: Oldie, Moldy & Bob Band sponsored by Sudzy Tub.

3 p.m.: Painting With the Stars sponsored by Viki Cadwallader Real Estate and Street Sips Coffee & Co.

3:30 p.m.: Shattered Image Band sponsored by Love & Sons Construction.

5 p.m.: LHS Alumni All-Class Reunion Dinner & Dance at American Legion. Reservations required for dinner. Dance is open to attend.

 

Sunday

9 a.m.: Sunday service sponsored by The Bridge Coffee Shop.

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: “Anything Apple” Contest judging and silent auction.

9:15 a.m.: Live music by Kathryn Shipley Washington.

10 to 11:30 a.m.: Live music by Nashville recording artist Jake Shaefer.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Vendors.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Kids’ Corner at HNB Bank sponsored by Lions Club.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Brotherhood of Bikers Motorcycle Show at riverfront.

11:30 a.m.: Live music by Shattered Image sponsored by Love & Sons Construction.

1 p.m.: Baby Show sponsored by Pike County Memorial Hospital.

2 p.m.: Talent Show sponsored by Louisiana Music Booster.

3 p.m.: Duck Race at riverfront sponsored by Two Rivers Boat Club and Two Rivers Marina.

3 p.m.: Music by MizzOkie Entertainment.

 

CUTLINE FOR PHOTO:

A float rolls along Georgia Street during the 2023 Louisiana Country Colorfest parade. This year’s festival is Oct. 19 and 20.