LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Dear Louis:
I am a regular reader of your column in The Forum and was particularly taken with this months issue regarding Obama.
I know your Republican stance, and since I am an Independent voter, look to both sides before making a decision. It is unfortunate that the Republican contender could not be less forceful in his rhetoric and more forthcoming on his plans for the future. I have not heard enough from him to form a logical opinion. As it stands now, I can only vote for “other than either front-running candidates. Sorry to say, as I hate to see my vote wasted.
Both Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell have to go! Too bad there has to be a sacrificial lamb in the process – but so it goes!
Thanks again for your wisdom!
– Maurice H. Lamothe
Thank you from the Red River Revel!
On behalf of the 2014 Revel Governing Board, Staff, and Festival Production Committee, thank you for your support of the 39th annual Red River Revel Arts Festival! Whether you came once, twice or hung out all week, we thank you for your visit and hope that you/your family experienced fun amidst the abundance of food, art, music, performing arts and activities at the Revel! From implementation to achievement, Revel volunteers rock! The Shreveport-Bossier community benefits from the Revel in many ways. In case you weren’t aware, here are some examples of the impact of the Red River Revel Arts Festival:
A.) Tourism/Economic Impact. Marshall Marketing Research estimates that 20 percent of the Revel patrons are from outside the Shreveport-Bossier market. In 2011, Destination Exploration estimated the annual economic impact of the festival at $11 million.
B.) Tax dollars on the local, parish and state levels. Annually, visual artists sales equate to $60,550 in taxes. In addition, souvenir vendors and for-profit food organizations pay taxes on gross sales. Since 2004, Caddo Parish taxes alone have exceeded $180,000.
C.) An opportunity for other local nonprofit organizations to raise funds by operating a food booth or providing a labor during the festival. Funds realized by these organizations create an indirect economic impact for the community.
D.) Access to the Arts. There is no admission charge all day Monday; prior to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to Friday; and children 12 and younger accompanied by an adult receive free admission.
E.) Arts educational components for youth. Our Arts Education Programs are specifically designed for students to work on Louisiana Content Standards in music, visual arts, theatre, dance, history, math and physical education. Our Arts Education Programs reach over 40,000 students annually.
F.) Employment. Since 2007, the Revel has paid over $1 million in contracts to performing artists and over $525,000 in the hiring of offduty police officers. Additionally, stagehands, sound and light technicians, and security companies are hired.
G.) Quality of Life/Social Impact. Each year, the Revel brings segments of the community together to celebrate the arts with each other. Additionally, volunteers from diverse social and economic backgrounds work side by side implementing the festival.
Letters to the Editor:
Letters to the editor may be sent to: The Forum : Editorial Dept.
1158 Texas Ave., Shreveport, La. 71101 Or email: [email protected]
