Coushatta/Red River Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the first Red River Glows Oct 26, 2023. This new venture will include 5 hot air balloons, one tethered balloon for rides, a pumpkin shine, a chili cooking contest, a costume contest, and our first treat trot. Located at the parish fairgrounds, gates will open at 5:30, and the balloon glow will begin at dusk. Single-person tickets will be $2.00, and families with up to 5 children are $8.00.

This inaugural year, the Pumpkin Shine will feature carved, painted, or decorated pumpkins. Anyone is welcome to enter a pumpkin. “We hope school classes, businesses, churches, and individuals will participate,” said Karen Squires, Chamber president. “What a fun family event to walk through the pumpkin trail and see the balloons aglow.” All pumpkins must be delivered to the fairgrounds between 5:15 and 5:45 on the 26.

Red River Industries is sponsoring a Treat Trot. This “cake walk” type event will feature treats of all kinds from parish residents. Each walk will cost $2.00 and books of tickets for both the treat trot and chili tasting are $10 each. Anyone who wants to donate a treat for the trot is encouraged to contact Teal Lowring at Red River Industries.

A chili cook-off is also on site. To enter the chili cook-off, complete the attached form return with $10. Each entrant is responsible for providing their own table. Tables may be decorated. Make sure to make at least two gallons of chili. Bank of Coushatta and American Bank are sponsoring this event that includes trophies and bragging rights.

A costume contest is open to children birth to 12 years. Deen and Company is sponsoring this event. Bring the kids out to this local event, dress up with your kids/grandkids in family friendly costumes and enjoy the fun. The contest is free to enter.

Squires said, “More information will be announced closer to the event. Come out and enjoy yourself with your Red River family. Let’s have a wonderful time.”

Anyone interested in donating time, treats, or sponsoring, should get in contact with the chamber at chamber@redriverparish.org.  

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