March 29-31, 2012
The last weekend of March the No Man's Land Gang along with Bonnie and Clyde and Leather Britches will be taking over the town Merryville!! Come out to see how these legends and outlaws from the past help the town of Merryville celebrate turning 100 years old and the state of Louisiana celebrate it's 200th birthday! Whether you are looking for some family fun for the kids, just want to sit and visit with old friends while listening to some great music or you would like to explore the history of Merryville, we are just a two-step away! For more information you can call 337-825-8118 or 337-825-1045.
Free admission to all activ uniformed military!
We appreciate all our U.S. Military Men and Women, past and present, for their sacrifices, dedication, and service to our country!! Thank you!!
2012 Festival Events
Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day
The Merryville Historical Society will proudly host a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Recognition Ceremony on Friday, March 30, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. All Vietnam Veterans are welcome and we encourage any that would like to attend to call Rene'e Corbett at 337-396-3467 so we can recognize their dedication to our country and humbly welcome them home.
David St. Romain
David St. Romain is coming to the Merryville Heritage Festival!! David and his band will be performing Friday, March 30 at 7:00 p.m. David St. Romain defies easy categorization, and in many ways, so does the man himself. Hailing from Alexandria, David has steadily built his reputation as an entertainer, playing high-energy, musically diverse shows driven by what may be his biggest asset -- that powerful, soul-drenched voice. America got a taste of David's promising talents when he made the finals of Nashville Star in 2007. David released a brand-new album in May 2011 showcasing what his followers across the country have been raving about for years. "I hope people look at this album as a slide show of my life. Every song holds true with my experiences, and that goes back to how I choose which songs I record. Whether I write it or not, a song has to make me feel something the first time I hear it. If it's up-tempo, it needs to make me smile or want to go out and party. If it's a ballad I'm drawn to, I either cry the first time I heard it or just feel a real sense of connection to the song's lyrics." Of course, David uses his concerts as a barometer for which songs work for him. With this latest batch of songs, David is gearing up to take his audiences to the next level. "No question, I've been thinking about my live show while putting this album together. Anyone who knows a Cajun like me knows they're energetic, and I try to keep things rocking onstage at all times."
http://davidstromain.com/
http://davidstromain.com/
New Orleans Saints Cheerleaders
Saturday, March 31st at 10:00 a.m. two of the world famous Saintsation Cheerleaders will be riding in our parade and will then be available for photographs and autographs until 2:00 pm.
Tribute to the "The King" with Richard Cook
Richard Cook and the Cadillacs will be performing Saturday, March 31st at 7:00 pm! Richard Cook has been a fan of Elvis Presley since he was five years old and heard Elvis for the first time. With encouragement and support from his family, he began performing his tribute to Elvis at age 14 by entering his first talent contest and winning 1st Place. Over the years, Richard performed his tribute whenever and wherever there was an opportunity, purely out of love and respect for Elvis and his music. Today, Richard has proven himself to be one of the top Elvis Tribute Artists in the region, and he continues to reach new heights in his quest to perfect what can only be described as an amazing tribute to the King. Born on Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, LA, Richard now lives just across the river in Shreveport.
http://www.richardcookelvis.com/home/
http://www.richardcookelvis.com/home/
Philip Bauer as Johnny Cash
Entertaining people is all Philip Bauer ever wanted to do! His dynamic stage presence, quality and impressive vocal range has been thrilling audiences for many years. Philip started his musical path in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he started thrilling audiences with his quality performances, competing in and winning many talent contests. In 1985 Philip won the Minnesota State Fair talent contest, 1st place from a field of over 800 contestants. His performance got attention and landed him his first contract to perform with a 40 piece orchestra every night of the 1986 State Fair. A songwriter in his own right, Philip has had his own original music played on over 300 radio stations across Europe. Philip also was a honored member of the "Oklahoma Opry" from 1995-2000. In that time he won many awards including "Male Vocalist Of The Year"and "Entertainer Of The Year". In 2005, Philip was chosen to perform at the 10 year Memorial Concert to remember the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing. Philip performed to a capacity crowd of 16,000 people with Country Superstars such as Vince Gill, Joe Diffie, and Toby Keith. Philip currently travels across the United States, Canada, and Mexico performing The Legend of Johnny Cash Show to sold out audiences in theaters, casinos, fairs and festivals.
Chance Havens
Merryville's very own Chance Havens will be performing Saturday night! An award-winning singer and actor, Chance has been honored as grand champion by NBC, KYTV3 and the Ozark Empire Fair. He was named Missouri Entertainer of the Year by the AK organization and overall male actor out of over 500 contestants winning the Mike Beaty Award. As an actor he has been featured on such films as "A Marine Story" and "Big Bully Bank" and recently the hit television show "Breakout Kings" as well as "Head", the musical nominated for four LA Weekly Awards. Internationally, Chance was part of a contingent to the United Nations music event in Vienna, Austria where he was a featured soloist, performing his European chart topper "Watch My Baby Move". "Show me the Ozarks" magazine writes "Chance is talented and dedicated with an unwavering commitment to succeed in the entertainment business, destined to reach out through time and touch the hearts and hopes of all". In radio, television and music videos, Chance has worked for Andy Williams, Glen Campbell, Doug Gabrial, The Legends, Starlite Theatre, Grand Palace, Silver Dollar City, Mo Mandy, Country Tonight, Spiegal, Habitat for Humanity, Premier Video, KHOZ AND KRZK. He was featured in his own music video in Nashville, when he was only 16. His inspiring life story has been featured in "Show Me the Ozarks" Magazine and "The Entertainer".
Reptile Discovery
Meet the world’s most fascinating family of animals in a live program presented by Bruce Shwedick. Since 1974, Bruce has shared his fascination and knowledge of reptiles with audiences of all ages across the country. He combines an ability to communicate with a skillful and gentle approach for an unforgettable look at the world of reptiles!
The Reptile Discovery program provides an opportunity for audiences to meet, learn about and enjoy members of the reptile family from all over the world. Their natural history, geography and conservation are presented in a manner that everyone can enjoy and understand!
http://reptilediscovery.com/
The Reptile Discovery program provides an opportunity for audiences to meet, learn about and enjoy members of the reptile family from all over the world. Their natural history, geography and conservation are presented in a manner that everyone can enjoy and understand!
http://reptilediscovery.com/
The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show
This action-packed Lumberjack Show features log rolling, log rolling dogs, chopping, sawing, axe throwing, dragster chainsaw, tree climbing. All with World Champion Lumberjacks, and much, much more!
The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show is a historical, educational, humorous show, filled with audience participation.
http://www.lumberjackent.com/
The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show is a historical, educational, humorous show, filled with audience participation.
http://www.lumberjackent.com/
Fort Polk Color Guard
The Merryville Historical Society and Museum or proud to announce The Fort Polk Color Guard along with other members of military driving various vehicles will participate in the parade on Saturday, March 31st at 10:00 a.m. Folt Polk officials have also agreed to bring in a Humvee and (weather permitting) a helicopter for everyone to learn about and see up close! Come out and support our local military and all the men and women that serve to protect our freedoms!
Horseshoe and Washer Throwing Tournament
There will be a Horseshoe and Washer Throwing Tournament on Saturday with a $10.00 entry Fee. Those interested in entering a 2 person team can register with Eddie Corbett at 337-401-9015 or at eddie.corbett30@gmail.com Prize money will depend on the number of registered participants (50% - 1st place, 35% - 2nd place and 15% - 3rd place).
There will also be a "Redneck Toilet Seat" Tournament. $1.00 entry fee with fun prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place! For more information you can call Eddie Corbett at 337-401-9015.
There will also be a "Redneck Toilet Seat" Tournament. $1.00 entry fee with fun prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place! For more information you can call Eddie Corbett at 337-401-9015.
Merryville High School
The Merryville High School Jazz Band will be performing on Friday, March 30 at 4:00 p.m. and will also perform for the Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans ceremony.
The Merryville High School Dance Line will be performing on Friday, March 30 at 6:45 p.m.
Everyone come out to watch and support our talented students!
The Merryville High School Dance Line will be performing on Friday, March 30 at 6:45 p.m.
Everyone come out to watch and support our talented students!
Midwest Carnival
Carnival opens Thursday at 5:00 p.m.
The Merryville Historical Society and Museum sponsors the annual Merryville Heritage Festival as a celebration of the unique heritage of the “No Man’s Land” and America with skits, entertainment, demonstrations and attractions reminiscent of the 1800's and early 1900's. We have approximately 3,000 visitors each year. We are a family oriented festival that welcomes you and your family!
