It's time for the Red River Revel, food, music, food, fun and food!

It's not really cooling off very much yet, but October is just around the corner and that means the Red River Revel will be here soon. This year, it starts on October 1 and runs through October 8. The Revel is one of Shreveport-Bossier City's biggest festivals and is a much-loved tradition in our community. There are tons of artists and craftsmen who display and sell their art. Some of it is really unusual. One of my favorites is the artist who paints with Louisiana mud. You wouldn't think it would be pretty, but the paintings are beautiful, and are much more colorful than you would think.

There is also a great variety of entertainment at the Revel. Street magicians, stilt walkers, clowns, jugglers, music, dancing -- there truly is something for everyone. And there's always great musicians. There will be Louisiana jazz, Cajun, zydeco, blues, rock, country, you name it. You won't be able to sit still -- you'll have to grab a partner and dance, dance, dance! This year Kenny Wayne Shepherd will perform on the opening day. Kenny Wayne is from Shreveport, and we always love to have him back. The Fabulous Thunderbirds will also be performing. One of my favorite performances at the Revel is Trout Fishing in America. Besides being funny and entertaining, they're darn good musicians. I especially enjoy their children's shows. My kids and I have been huge fans for years. My "baby" is 20 years old now, but we still sometimes break into spontaneous song with our off-key version of When I Was a Dinosaur!

But as good as all the arts, fun and music are, my favorite thing has got to be the food. Natchitoches meat pies, smoked turkey legs, funnel cakes, shrimp-on-a-stick, baklava, Indian tacos . . . and I'm lucky enough to work right across the street from Festival Plaza, so I can go over there for lunch every day of the festival!

This will be the 30th year the Revel has celebrated the arts in Shreveport-Bossier City, and it's sure to be better than ever. Hope you can come.

You can get a complete listing of events, restaurants, accommodations and attractions in Shreveport-Bossier City by visiting www.shreveport-bossier.org.