Berwick will host Lighthouse Festival Oct. 3-4

Berwick will host the first two-day Lighthouse Festival Oct. 3-4.
The weekend’s activities are a combination of two events the town hosted last year. Organizers decided to combine the two this year and make each even larger.
The combination includes the increasingly popular International Tour du Teche canoe and kayak race on Sunday. Berwick will once more be designated as the finish line.
This year’s Tour du Teche VI is larger than ever. Two new races have been added to the 2015 event. Tour de la Riviere Rouge is from Shreveport to Port Barre with a 275-mile course. The 410 de Louisiana is from Shreveport to Berwick with a course of 410 miles. Tour du Teche VI is from Port Barre to Berwick with a 135-mile course.
According to Ray Pellerin, race coordinator, many entries for the entire 410-mile race have already been registered. The other two races also have a record-breaking number of entries.
Racers from around the world annually come to Louisiana to compete and travel the Bayou Teche. Spectators can stand on the dock and watch as they cross the finish line at the big red Southwest Reef Lighthouse in Berwick.
An awards ceremony will be hosted at 4 p.m. on the Sunday of the Lighthouse Festival.
The other combined event for the festival is the Celebrate Berwick historical program. Last year’s program in late October drew a very large gathering with many asking for another program this year.
In response to that request, the Berwick mayor and council issued a proclamation declaring the month of October as “Celebrate Berwick History” month and encouraging historical programs.
This year’s event will be held on the Saturday of the festival at 10 a.m. under the bridge. The program will highlight the Berwick Fire Department. Guest speaker will be V.J. Bella.
Activities for the two-day festival include food featuring local flavors, arts and crafts, children’s activities, and live bands performing both days.
The Cypress Corvette Club will host a car show on Sunday.
Saturday’s event times are from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Sunday times are from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
The entire weekend is designed for family fun.
Organizers invite everyone to make plans to attend the festival on the Berwick riverfront.
-Staff Report