Michael Haynes
Data News Weekly Contributor
The streets here in New Orleans were filled with music, food and tons of celebration as visitors and residents came together for the Annual French Quarter Festival. With tickets being completely free along with music, the annual festival did not just bring people together, but it created opportunities for businesses across the city.
For the first time, Willie Mae’s Scotch House, this was a very new experience for them. Owner Kerry Seaton Stewart, said the restaurant is adjusting to being part of the festival vendor line-up instead of just benefiting from the crowds at its regular location on Baronne Street.
“It’s our first time,” Stewart said. “We’re usually very busy during French Quarter Fest at the restaurant, so now we are adjusting into being at the festival.”
While the Willie Mae’s team was handling the day-to-day operations at the restaurant, Stewart said she was excited to be hands on.
“I have no idea what’s going on at the restaurant, but I’m sure they’re busy,” she said. “My team is handling everything over there, but we’re excited. It’s the first day of four days, so we don’t know what’s to come, but we’re going to be here and we’re loving it.”
The festival not only benefits direct food vendors but also the surrounding businesses. At Café du Monde, Manager Jacques Roman said the event draws a unique crowd into the area.
“We love seeing a bunch of people that come down here that normally don’t,” Roman said. “French Quarter Fest attracts a lot of locals, so it’s nice seeing people in the French Quarter.”
While many people are rotating between food, drinks, vibes and music, Café du Monde was also a rest stop for attendees.
“We’re a cool spot to calm down, a place to eat in between,” Roman said. “There are a lot of different food options, but we hope they enjoy their time down here and come when the festival’s closed.”
For festival-goers, this was a day where the Heart and Soul of New Orleans was all in one place. New Orleans native Brandon Weber said, this festival reflected the identity and culture of his city.
“New Orleans is all about culture,” Weber said. “When I think about New Orleans, I think about family gatherings, even informal ones.”
He highlighted how powerful and strong this city’s tradition has been for many years.
“You have a city that’s older than the United States,” Weber said. “Some things don’t change, and that’s family, culture, food, and a good time.”
As the city gears up for a burst of late spring and summer festivals, French Quarter Fest continues to emphasize what makes New Orleans so culturally unique, a place where fun and community binds together.
“French Quarter Fest is culturally probably New Orleans’ Favorite Fest because it’s free,” Stewart said. “Free music, free entertainment with wonderful restaurants and food.”
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