New Festival in Ruston: Railroad Makers & Music Fest!

Information provided by Derek J. Amaya, Railroad Fest PR Director 

It's almost time for Ruston's newest arts & music festival! Be in Downtown Ruston Saturday, April 8 for live music and concerts, and hundreds of talented makers from all across the region! 

Railroad Makers & Music Festival is a celebration of Ruston's art and music scene. This year will be the festival's first year and it promises to create an experience that honors culture, celebrates the unique community and provides an welcoming atmosphere for families, groups and arts lovers of all kinds! 

"With the regional arts and music community beginning to develop and Millennials having a stronger impact on the community, now was the best time to get a cultural festival going in the region. But the plans do not stop here. With the help of the community and outsiders just visiting, festival producers plan to ride the culture wave and continue to grow the festival for years to come." - Derek J. Amaya, Railroad Fest Public Relations Director

Railroad Fest is comprised of two components: the Makers Fair and then music at Railroad Park. The Makers Fair portion of the festival will be held from 10AM-5PM in the Historic Fire Station and Sexton parking lots. This event is free to the public! Local makers and artists will be on site with works ranging from jewelry and woodwork to paintings and screen-printing, and so much more! 

Live music will run from 3-10PM in Railroad Park. $5 admission gets you access to all performances and a cash bar. Remember your ID for a wristband! 

The Seratones, Shreveport, LA

Music Lineup at Railroad Park
3PM - J.A.M Brass Band
4PM - Montague
5PM - GoofyBoots
6PM - Supernaturals
7:15PM - Headliners Louisiana Soul Revival ft. Doug Duffey
8:45PM: Headliners The Seratones 
   

Culinary Events
9AM-12PM - Brunch & zydeco music at Sundown Tavern
10AM-10PM - Food trucks across Downtown Ruston 
11AM - Crawfish boil at Ponchatoulas

Brews & Such
Flying Tiger Burma Blonde
Abita Strawberry
Sutter Home Wine Selection

Experience Downtown Ruston like you never have before! Be a part of Ruston's first-ever Railroad Fest on Saturday, April 8 and watch the culture shift in this region’s arts community. 

More activities include food trucks galore, a Kids' Zone in the courtyard of the Historic Fire Station, Schoolyard Art Brawl paint battle with local teachers, live painting of a new mural with artists Nicholas Bustamante and Whitney Causey. For all the details, check out the 2017 Railroad Fest Facebook event.

Follow the tracks
facebook @railroadfest
twitter @railroadfest
instagram @railroadfest 

A Day in Dubach

Written by Molly Coleman, Marketing Assistant 

Lincoln Parish has a hidden gem just 12 miles north of Ruston, this is a place where residents and business owners have great pride in their hometown and history. Spend a day in Dubach, Louisiana - a charming town filled with local character! There are some unique and exciting things, both old and new, going on in Dubach, all with a true love for this small town Louisiana community. 

Explore the Dog Trot Houses - Start your day off exploring the two historic and famous Dog Trot Houses! Dubach, LA has claimed the title of "Dog Trot Capital of the World." There are two historic dogtrot houses: the Dubach Dogtrot Welcome Center that was built in 1883 (later moved in 2006) and the Autrey House Museum built in 1849 (the oldest structure in Lincoln Parish). 

Dubach Dogtrot Welcome Center

Autrey House Museum 

The "dog trot" houses got their name because the dogs regularly “trotted” from one side of the house to the other through an open area or they had the option to enjoy the shade. Both of these houses are truly unique to the area and have an interesting history. As the story is told, Thomas Yancy Colvin built a dog trot house for his new bride as a wedding present upon her request, this house has been donated by the Colvin family and is now the welcome center. Very few of these homes remain today and we are lucky to have to such examples here in Lincoln Parish. 

Attend Big Creek Trade Days - Plan to attend Louisiana's newest indoor trade event. Big Creek Trade Days takes place the 2nd weekend of every month, Friday-Sunday. This sale barn and large flea market event was envisioned by 3 friends that felt the need to find a way to re-purpose an old poultry farm. 

Going out to these old farming facilities, shoppers will find over 100 vendors filled with booths of hand made items and one-of-a-kind antiques. Don't worry, Big Creek Trade Days is not only for the shoppers, it's for the whole family - there is also a "man cave" with big screen TV's, food vendors and jump houses and slides for the kids! 

Eat at Lillian Veau's - Enjoy local cuisine at Dubach's newest addition! Lilian Veau's Eatery offers a New Orleans style dining experience with local Cajun and traditional southern menu items right on Main Street! 

Hour of Operation:
Thursday - Friday:  11:00am - 9:00pm

Saturday: 5:00 pm - 9:00pm

Sunday: 11:00am - 3:00pm

There is so much character in this restaurant and it all comes straight from the heart! The owner of Lillian Veau's says her dream of 32 years has come to life in Dubach, LA. The Restaurant is named after her grandmother, Lillian Veau, and all photos, paintings and decor are reflections of New Orleans and were taken and painted by the owner herself! 

Shop at Tatum's Department Store - One of Dubach, LA's oldest clothing stores on Main Street! Go shop at Tatum's on Main, here you will find everything a girl can ever need, the shelves are stocked with fashionable clothes, hang bags, accessories and more! 

This local clothing store is a stable in Dubach and a family tradition. The owner of Tatum's is carrying on her mother's love of small town shopping. Her mother ran this store for 62 years before she took over. You will receive a true passion for fashion here at Tatums! 

Head to Dubach, Louisiana and spend the day shopping, eating and exploring all it has to offer! 

Molly is a coffee addict and a self-proclaimed foodie. She loves running, traveling and college football. Molly is passionate for local charm and bringing others to love #RustonLA. original native of Mississippi and a proud current resident of Ruston, LA! Molly is a coffee 

New Fishing Tournament: American Crappie Trail

Written by Molly Coleman, Marketing Assistant 

There is a new fishing tournament coming to town! Ruston & Lincoln Parish are pleased to welcome the American Crappie Trail to Lake D'Arbonne! We are excited to be partnering once again with Union Parish to bring the latest crappie fishing tournament to our area!

The American Crappie Trail was started by fisherman for the fisherman! Their main goal is to provide anglers the chance to participate and compete in premier crappie tournaments with the highest guaranteed payout in the industry. The American Crappie Trail has an innovative, fresh approach to the crappie fishing tournament scene. They aim to provide the level playing field to the industry that has never been seen before for elite and weekend anglers!  

This tournament and their knowledgeable staff will raise the bar in the crappie fishing industry! Not only will they have the highest payout, but all tournaments will be televised! They will be using state-of-the-art trailers and weigh-in stations - these full production live internet weigh-ins brings much excitement!

One of the owner's of the American Crappie Trail, Matt Morgan, is very excited about bringing the new tournament to Lake D'Arbonne: 

"D'Arbonne is one of the 6 Lakes I handpicked because of the phenomenal resources the lake has to offer in conjunction with the awesome people that live in the surrounding communities. ACT is extremely excited about the March 31-April 1 event where someone is going to win a brand new Ranger boat! Crappie Fishing is going to the next level with ACT!" - Matt Morgan, co-owner of American Crappie Trail

ACT is also excited to announce one of the most well known outdoors man in the business as the TV host for 2017! Sam Heaton has been around crappie fishing his whole life and he is exited for the American Crappie Trail to get started!

Registration & Location Information - Registration for the American Crappie Trail Tournament and the appropriate registration forms can be found here. The registration fee to participate in the tournament is $425.00 and the late fee is $25.00, this applies after the ten (10) day off limit period is in effect. Participants must be members to register, become a member and register here!

The American Crappie Trail will be March 31-April 1,2017 on Lake D'Arbonne in Farmerville, Louisiana. 

Payouts - Based on 100 boats:

1st place: Ranger Boat RT188C - No matter how many boats entered, this is always the 1st place prize! 

2nd Place: $8,000

3rd Place: $5,250

To see the rest of the ACT Payouts visit here!

ACT Pre-Tournament Events: 
Wednesday, March 29 Evening -  Meet the Pros & Crappie Seminar Night including Spider Rigging & Trolling, Jig Fishing and Crappie Fishing 101 in Downtown Ruston
Thursday , March 30 Morning - Brunch & Media Day @ D'Arbonne Pointe in Farmerville 
Thursday, March 30 Evening - Registration, Food & Seminar @ Lincoln Parish Library in Ruston 

Where to Stay in Ruston - Sponsor Hotels
Fairfield Inn & Suites 
Address: 1707 Roberta Ave, Ruston, LA 71270
Phone: (318) 251-9800
Comfort Inn
Address: 1951 North Service Rd E, Ruston, LA 71270
Phone: (318) 242-0070

Click here to see all Rules and Regulations. Also, for more information and the ACT's latest updates follow them on Facebook and Twitter!

Molly is an original native of Mississippi and a proud current resident of Ruston, LA! Molly is a coffee addict and a self-proclaimed foodie. She loves running, traveling and college football. Molly is passionate for local charm and bringing others to love #RustonLA.