"Can
I go to Abita Springs for the Louisiana Bicycle Festival one day,
please Mom, please?"
Abita Springs
FESTIVAL
SCHEDULE The
festival officially starts when people show up. There are some
people who start showing up before 8am. This event is not officially
organized by anyone. Years ago it was sponsored by the UCM Museum,
aka The Abita Mystery House. John Preble, owner of the museum
still helps with the logistics, along with other volunteers. If
you are looking to buy a cool bicycle, - many "deals"
are made before 10am.
FESTIVAL
BICYLE RIDE (AKA PARADE) The
town of Abita Springs is small - we had a traffic light
a few years ago, they replaced it with a roundabout so now
we don't even have a traffic light. Most of the streets
are shaded by tall pines and live oaks. It is a bicycle
friendly place and residents look forward to the festival
and the participants.
The
ride/parade begins rolling around 12:30 and winds through
the historic district for about 30 minutes.
FESTIVAL
FOOD Their
is a grocery/deli, pizza place, cafe, and brew pub all within
walking distance to the festival. Festival food is also sold
on the festival grounds
Now
on the Saturday before Father's Day
The
photos used on this page do not depict actual events a the
Louisiana Bicycle Festival.
Rocket Bike comes the the 2008 LA Bicycle Festival
FESTIVAL
COMPETITION In the past, some volunteers have brought trophies
and awards for participants. Bring some bikes and your may win
a prize. At past festivals, prizes may be awarded in a variety
of categories: Original Pre 1940; Original 1940 - 1960;
Original Post 1960; Restored Pre 1940; Restored 1940 - 1960; Restored
Post 1960; Custom; Decorated; Novelty; Art from Bikes or Bike
Parts; and Best in Show - judging is very unorthodox
- judges may be bribed (this is Louisiana) and categories may
be created and deleted as the judges mingle with participants.
Past prizes
have included new bikes: a new 3G bicycle, a Huffy, a Schwin,
bicycle books, posters, tee shirts, bike memorabilia, certificates
suitable for framing, and fantastic bragging rights!
FESTIVAL
DEALS Each
year bicycles and components are swapped, bought and sold. Often
bicycles are brought in by non-bicycle collectors simply find
a good home for their bicycle. If you like to buy, sell, or swap
bicycle stuff then please come prepared. An ATM machine is within
walking distance. There is no charge to the vendors, participants,
and general audience to make deals.
FESTIVAL FUN This
is a laid back affair. On request, many bicycle owners
will let you test ride their bicycles, however please
be aware that many bicycles on exhibit are very special.
NEW
FOR 2010 - D.J. Professor Possum will be on hand to provide
the musical entertainment for the crowds at the Bike Festival.
The Professor has a variety of oldies, 50's, doo wop,
disco, country, and all original artist music. Lots of
Fat's Domino, Lee Dorsey, Irma Thomas, and thousands of
other family oriented outstanding music. Put your dancin
shoes on and boogie on down
FESTIVAL
SCHEDULE
