Fifth annual North Gate Fest a neighborhood celebration

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By Jalissa Bates

The fifth annual North Gate Fest will be held November 6 on Chimes Street from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. This event is free to the public and will feature live music, prizes, and fun.

Each year, the North Gate Merchants Association organizes North Gate Fest, inviting the community to celebrate and recognize local merchants in "Tiger Town," a nickname used to describe the area's close-knit relationship to the university. With its proximity to campus, the north gate area has become the traditional hangout spot for many who attend LSU and drive along Highland Road.

Kathy Smith, event planner for North Gate Fest, said the festival grows a little bigger each year, as more and more sponsors are added to help create a vibrant and positive atmosphere.

Registration for the "Fun Run" begins at 4:30 p.m., and the race begins at 6 p.m. The race runs through the LSU campus for 2.5 miles. Various prizes will be given at the end of the race.

"This year is the second year for the Fun Run," Smith said. "There will also be artist's booths and vendors. The format is pretty much the same [as previous years]."

The goal of the North Gate Merchant Association is to "enhance the aesthetic qualities and the accessibility of the neighborhood, while preserving its diverse and historic character." The organization also strives to strengthen all links to LSU and nearby communities to better attract university students, faculty, and staff, as well as others throughout Baton Rouge who enjoy spending time on or near the LSU campus.

More information about the North Gate Merchant Association can be found at www.northgatesoflsu.com.

"We want people to know who we are and our services," Smith said. "We want to remind people to come on out. It's been there for years. It's a very different area with a strong legacy."

Live music will be performed at the festival, including The John Madere Trio, The Givers, and Ashes of Babylon. Earlier in the evening, Luke Ash and Jacob Zachary will hit the stage.

A slide show about the history of the Tiger Town will also be shown, and photos from the past thirty years will be displayed.

Altogether, the changes the area has seen are as unique as the people who live there.

"We ask questions from the audience about the area," Smith said. "Local merchants donate door prizes. It's fun, it's a good opportunity for people to sample food and listen to good music and the music is free. Enjoy the fun and bring a friend."

Originally Published: Issue 822 - November 4, 2009

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