A Juried Show of Arts & Fine Crafts Historic Downtown Covington November 14th and 15th

In the 13 years that the Three Rivers Art Festival has bombarded the streets of downtown Covington, with fun, music, color and most importantly, art, it has grown from 49 to nearly 200 exhibiting artists. The festival attracts a sophisticated buying public and a talented group of artists and fine craftsmen, with more than 55,000 visitors attending in 2008. This year the high-anticipated festival will be held on November 14 and 15 and is guaranteed to offer something for the whole family.

According to Pam Keller, the organization’s president, “This event has three purposes, all of which are connected to the festival’s home parish, St. Tammany, and all that this community has to offer. First, the festival serves to expand and enhance St. Tammany’s reputation as an arts-oriented community and Mecca for artists and art lovers.” She explained that Columbia Street, along which the artists’ booths run and the music plays, is filled with art throughout the year, from multiple galleries to art supplies. Essentially, this one street is any art enthusiast’s heaven.

“The last purpose of the festival is to support art education for St. Tammany Parish school children,” she added. By hosting a student art competition that is displayed during the festival, the event inspires and encourages children of all ages to experiment with and create art. At the festival itself, located at the intersection of Columbia & Kirkland Streets, the Children’s Area will include the Children’s Performing Stage and several hands-on activities for children. They can enjoy continuous, interactive and educational entertainment by local award-winning storytellers, musicians and dancers who will perform theater, opera, jazz, Cajun music and more.

Local organizations will also provide a variety of free activities, including face painting and several areas where children can create their own works of art. For more information, including an event calendar, go to www.threeriversartfestival.com.

Three Rivers Run

If art isn’t your thing, why not try the Three Rivers Run, instead. This event, which premiered in 2006, is a fabulous addition to the festival, and offers both a 5K and a one-mile race. It will be held Saturday, November 14 and will start at the Columbia Street Landing in downtown Covington, at the corner of Rutland and North Columbia Street at 8:00 a.m. All pre-registered entrants will receive a T-shirt on the day of the race and post-race refreshments will be served, including local food and beverages that will be available to all participants. For more race information, call 985-264-3424.