Bicentennial Commemoration Ramps Up In April

For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Jacques Berry
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
225-342-8607
jberry@crt.la.gov

Bicentennial Commemoration Ramps Up In April

Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne and Louisiana Bicentennial Commission Chairman retired Lt. General Russel Honoré are announcing the state's plans to commemorate Louisiana's 200^th birthday. The Bicentennial Commission has been working to coordinate events for more than a year to ensure Louisiana's Bicentennial receives a proper celebration and commemoration.

"Our focus has been on education and making sure our students have the opportunity to learn about Louisiana's 200-year history," Lt. Governor Dardenne said. "Planning next month's celebrations comes naturally to Louisianians. April 30 will be a special day for anyone who has ever called Louisiana home. We hope residents and former residents will join together to celebrate 200 years of celebrating in Louisiana."

The Louisiana Family Homecoming Celebration, the Commission's hallmark event, is scheduled for April 28, the Saturday before our April 30 Bicentennial, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the State Capitol. All regions of the state will be represented and will highlight their food, music and artisans. A main stage will also feature entertainment from throughout the state.

"The Bicentennial is a chance for us to educate, celebrate, demonstrate our resiliency and show our cultural diversity and contributions to this great Nation," Lt. General Russel Honoré said. "Our events on April 28 and 30 will be the highlight of our celebration."

On April 30 a formal ceremony will take place at the capitol including the Legislature meeting in joint session and a reenactment of the debate that took place to convince U.S. Congress that Louisiana should be part of the United States. Representatives from the U.S. Postmaster General's Office will be at the Capitol to display the bicentennial stamp featuring a C.C. Lockwood photograph that will go on sale on that day.

Bicentennial events are scheduled to happen through the end of 2012. Visit www.LouisianaBicentennial2012.com for more information on programs and events.

--www.LouisianaBicentennial2012.com-