Festival for the future of Alligator Bayou

These days, things are quiet at Alligator Bayou. Too quiet.

A few weeks after Iberville Parish ordered Ascension Parish to open the adjacent locks in April, the bayou’s water level dropped below 18 inches. So, the Alligator Queen tour boat was grounded, and the seasonal flow of buses filled with children and tourists slowed to a trickle.

But that should change this weekend with Sunrise Over the Wetlands, a musical fundraiser for Alligator Bayou’s legal defense fund.

Despite the decreasing attendance, Alligator Bayou Tours co-owners Jim Ragland and Frank Bonifay have persisted in maintaining their alligator, snapping turtle and bobcat sanctuary. However, their 15-year ongoing restoration of the Spanish Lake Basin has been halted, so they can concentrate on a lawsuit filed against Ascension Parish for loss of business. “At a time when they have no [incoming] fees, they are having to pay attorneys’ fees with money that was meant to restore the basin,” explains Alligator Bayou’s public relations representative Judy Pennington.

Coordinated by local music critic Eddy Allman and “Save Alligator Bayou” Facebook supporters, “the festival gives people an opportunity to participate and support Alligator Bayou,” Pennington explains. “We’re trying to bring people out, so they can understand the culture, the people and the art that make this place special. We hope more people will stand up, ask questions and force their public officials to take their views [about the opening of the locks] into account.”

Sunrise Over The Wetlands

Schedule and Attractions

Cajun Dinner & Dance Saturday, Sept. 26, 20095 to 10 p.m.

Entertainment includes:

Tout Les Soir from 5-7 p.m.

Jambalaya Cajun Band from 8-9 p.m.

Cajun dance lessons by Le Danseurs Cajun de la Louisianne and jambalaya dinner are included in admission.

Louisiana Music FestivalSunday, Sept. 27, 2009Noon to 9 p.m.

Entertainment includes:

Leigh “Lil’ Queenie” Harris, George Porter & Other Special Guests

Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys

Lil’ Hub & the Wheels

Ernest Scott & the Funk Children

3 Leg Dog

Time Warp with Susan Owens & Rob Payer

Sprite & the Practical Madman

Food: Louisiana cuisine will be available for purchase.

Kids & Critter Photos: Troy Kleinpeter photographs kids and young alligators, nutria and snakes.

Film and Photo Presentations: Louisiana photographer Bevil Knapp gives a presentation based on her book America’s Wetlands/ Louisiana’s Vanishing Coast, and National Geographic videographer Jon Bowmaster previews scenes from his film, SoLa, Louisiana Water Stories.

Art Exhibit & Auction: Artwork, jewelry and photos by Clay Coleman, C.C. Lockwood, ?Bevil Knapp, Anna Macedo, Chip Etier and other artists.

Saturday Tickets: $25 adults, $15 seniors and kids under 12.

Sunday Tickets: $20 adults, $15 seniors and kids under 12.

Tickets for Both Events: $40 adults and $25 seniors and kids under 12.

For more information and tickets, visit www.alligatorbayou.com.

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