Every May, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana opens its grounds to the public for a celebration of indigenous culture and heritage for the Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow. Tribal communities travel to Marksville from across the nation to celebrate their connection, honor traditions, and nurture future generations. The weekend is a vibrant display of centuries of customs including handmade arts and crafts, traditional foods, storytelling and songs, and dance competitions. The spirit of the Pow Wow is palpable and we hope you’ll join us.

Friday, May 15: A free Education Day will be held in the Earl J. Barbry Sr. Convention Center at the Paragon Casino Resort.  School groups are invited to attend interactive presentations at 9:00 am and 11:00 am highlighting Native American culture and traditions.

Saturday, May 16: Gates open at 10:00 am and the Tunica-Biloxi Singers & Legend Keepers begin the day at 10:30 with storytelling and songs. Following, dancing exhibitions and competitions commence featuring dancers of all ages backed by a lineup of local and invited drummers. The final round of competition begins at 7:00 pm and the grounds usually close around 10:00 pm.

Sunday, May 17: If you can’t make it Saturday, Sunday is another opportunity to experience a full day of storytelling, songs, and dance. Gates open at 10:00 am with contests awarded at 4:00 pm.

General admission for the Pow Wow is $18 for adults, $5 for children between 12 and five, and free for children under the age of 5. For more information, visit the Tunica Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana website, or visit the Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow Facebook page. While the The Tunica Biloxi Pow Wow grounds include plenty of covered seating, guests are welcome to bring their own chairs. 150 Melacon Road, Marksville, LA, United States, 71351.

Honoring a Cultural Leader 

This year’s Pow Wow is dedicated to the life and legacy of John D. Barbry. Barbry was a dedicated and influential tribal member, overseeing the tribe’s language revitalization program. He was pivotal in the growth of the Pow Wow and advocate for cultural education among the tribal youth. Barbry served as chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow Committee since 1995..

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Mary Guillory and Wilbert Carmouche proudly accepted the award on behalf of the Travel Avoyelles team, whose dedication to promoting Avoyelles Parish has earned statewide recognition. This distinction highlights the commission’s outstanding efforts in attracting visitors, fostering economic growth, and preserving the rich cultural heritage that makes Avoyelles a unique and cherished destination.

“We are thrilled to receive this recognition from the Louisiana Travel Association,” said Wilbert Carmouche, Executive Director of the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism. “This award reflects the passion and hard work of our team in sharing the incredible history, culture, and hospitality of Avoyelles Parish, Centre de la Louisiane (The Center of Louisiana) with the world.”

The Louey Awards honor individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions

to the state’s tourism industry, celebrating those who go above and beyond to showcase Louisiana’s diverse and vibrant offerings. The Convention & Visitors Bureau of the Year award recognizes the top-performing tourism offices in their respective budget classes, emphasizing excellence in marketing, visitor engagement, and overall impact on local economies.

Avoyelles Parish, known for its deep-rooted history, authentic French and Creole traditions, and renowned culinary scene, has continued to grow as a must-visit destination in Louisiana. From its legendary food festivals to its picturesque bayous and historic sites, Travel Avoyelles has worked tirelessly to spotlight the parish’s unique attractions.

Congratulations to Travel Avoyelles on this well-deserved recognition! Stay connected with Travel Avoyelles to explore the hidden gems, exciting events, and unforgettable experiences that make Avoyelles Parish a true Louisiana treasure.

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The stations include free to use tools to repair bikes and air to fill tires. The stations are located on Highway 1 in Simmesport in front of the historic Kansas City train car, and on Highway 451 at the Big Bend Museum and Sarto Old Iron Bridge.

Executive Director of the Avoyelles Tourism Commission, Wilbert Carmouche, who proposed the installation of the stands, is thrilled to see them ready for use. “I noticed similar bike stations when I visited the rural area of Bellechasse in Quebec, and thought they would be a great resource for local cyclists and visitors of Avoyelles,” says Carmouche.

The stations are strategically placed along popular bicycle routes. Highway 1 is a part of several local and national bicycle paths, including the Southern Tier Bicycle Route – a cross country bicycle route that begins in San Diego, California and ends in St. Augustine, Florida. Highway 451, or the “Big Bend Loop,” is a popular scenic detour for cyclists traveling along Highway 1.

The repair station project was funded, in part, with a grant from the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area and additional funds were provided by the Avoyelles Tourism Commission. “The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area is such a wonderful partner to Avoyelles Parish and we’re thankful for their support and enthusiasm for this project,” said Carmouche.

The stations provide tools to fix issues such as flat tires, adjusting a seat or reattaching a pedal so cyclists may continue their ride. The goal of the project is to support cycling tourism and minimize any disruptions for cyclists if they need to resolve minor issues mid-journey.

“We are known for our hospitality in Avoyelles and we hope that these stations make cyclists feel welcome when they are traveling through our parish,” said Carmouche. “We are encouraging them to think about Avoyelles as not just a pit stop on their route, but a destination,” he added.

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