Hair and makeup by April

Shreveport's Mudbug Madness Festival all started when people began to view the people in Shreveport more as Texans than natives of Louisiana. In response to that erroneous perception, a group of citizens wanted to stage the largest crawfish boil in the downtown area, add lots of music and fun, and reinforce the Cajun culture and attitude in the city. What started as a two day festival has become a four-day tradition that happens every Memorial Day Weekend and draws as many as 56,000 people in one day.

If taking a break from your usual scene and expanding your world view sounds like fun, then check out the various collections of art on display at the Meadows Museum of Art. The museum's holdings include pieces that date back to the 1800s as well as pieces by American Impressionist Alfred Maurer, German Expressionist George Grosz, and Texas Regionalist Don Brown. It's a visually captivating trip that's sure to invigorate your senses.

If you want to steer the family away from all the hustle and bustle of the city and relax near the water, a good choice is the Charles and Marie Hamel Memorial Park. Clean, well-maintained and serene, the scenery is a nice break from all of the city's fast-paced activity and mainstream attractions. Over the park's seventeen acres, you'll find the perfect spot to have a picnic and enjoy the river view. The hours are dawn until dusk, so plan a day full of wide open spaces with the Hamel Park as your only destination.