~The Mirliton Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary!~

2009 marks the 20th anniversary of the Bywater Neighborhood Association’s Mirliton Festival. Join us on Saturday, November 7 from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. at Markey Park (corner of Piety and Royal streets). Admission is $5 for the general public and $3 for BNA members. Kids 5 years of age and under are free.

This year’s event promises to be the best yet. The diverse and talented musical lineup includes The Valparaiso Men’s Chorus featuring Alex McMurray, DJ Jubilee, Happy Talk Band, R. Scully Rough 7, Guitar Lightning Lee, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Panorama Jazz Band, King Louie One Man Band and Ratty Scurvics.

The festival will also showcase food from some of the neighborhood’s best eateries. Returning this year are The Country Club, Jack Dempsey’s, The Joint, Markey’s Bar, Sally’s Country Gourmet Foods and Karma Kitchen as well as Bacchanal with a great selection of wines. Newcomers include Satsuma Cafe, Café Roux and Frady’s. For those with a sweet tooth, look for gelato from Sucré and gourmet popsicles from Meltdown. As in years past, Abita and Coca-Cola products will also be available.

The festival will also feature an eclectic mix of artists, a children’s activity area, and some great new merchandise including t-shirts, bumper stickers, and temporary Mirliton tattoos. Dr. Bob has designed this year’s limited edition 20th anniversary Mirliton Festival shirt, so be sure to pick one up. See you there!

For more information, visit our website at www.bywater.org.