Louisiana Legends Fest
Frequently Asked Questions

The fourth annual Louisiana Legends Festival is Saturday, October 19, 2024, in downtown Homer.  We receive questions regarding the festival, so we attempt to provide answers in this space.  If you have a question, please send to lalegendsfest@gmail.com.  More information is always available at www.legendsfest.us.  All registrations and information can be found on the site.

 

Q – What is Louisiana Legends Fest?

A – The Louisiana Legends Festival (LLF) is a music, food, craft and art event held in Homer, Louisiana in October.

​

Q- Who is Claiborne Unite Foundation, Inc.?

A – Claiborne Unite Foundation, Inc. (CUF) is a coalition of people, business, civic, and charitable organizations in Claiborne Parish; combining common interest and pooled energy to boost economic development and support charitable causes in Claiborne Parish.  The 100% Volunteer Organization is governed by a board of directors that work throughout the year to produce a festival that is true to the mission of Claiborne Unite Foundation, Inc. 

​

Q-Who can be a member of Claiborne Unite Foundation, Inc.?

A – Anyone with an interest in the mission of CUF.  CUF does not have dues and the only entry requirement is a desire to help CUF fulfill its mission.  Volunteer, sponsor, participate attend a meeting and be part of Claiborne Unite Foundation, Inc.  One of the unique features of CUF most of the members are very involved in specific causes within Claiborne Parish, that join forces to promote the work of Claiborne Unite.

​

Q-What is the mission of Claiborne Unite Foundation, Inc.?

A – Develop tourism focused events that celebrate the history, people, and resources of Claiborne Parish; promoting economic development, building financial support for the parish Community network and enhance the positive image of Claiborne Parish.

​

Q – Why a music, food, craft, and art festival?

A – First, over 700,000 people live along the I-20 corridor between Vicksburg and Waskom.  You add in the area to central Louisiana and southern Arkansas and Claiborne Parish is a great destination for Day Travel.  Day travelers are event and adventure seekers, and live music, arts, crafts, and unique food offerings are on the top of their list.  Our five-year goal is to get 1% of that population to visit Claiborne Parish on a single day!

​

Q – I understand the stages, but what are the courts?

A – The designated courts are sections of the festival that highlight special reasons to visit or live in Claiborne Parish.  The courts are also used as marketing opportunities for area businesses that sponsor a court.  Please thank and support our court sponsors, they help keep the festival free of admission charges by covering the cost of the festival production.

​

Q – If the festival is free, why do I need tickets?

A – Why the festival is free, we do ask those planning to attend to request a number of tickets and download for presentation at the festival.  Tickets acquired assist the LLF planning crowd control, handicap areas, assist in predicting the food requirements for our charities, and it provides us a tool to estimate number of visitors.  Tickets are sometimes used in special drawings throughout the event.

 

Q – Why were there some tickets that had a price?

A – In a free admission event, the ability to expand the talent offerings and remain free, we may offer special tickets packages with designated premiums beyond admission (special seating, service, artist meet & greet, etc.

 

Q – LLF Ambassadors were passing out wristbands, why do I need a wristband?

A – To see that you have met one of our outstanding, volunteer LLF Ambassadors!  Well, really these numbered wristbands are another tool we use to get an accurate count on the number of visitors attending.  Wristbands are sometimes used in special drawings throughout the event and some of the area merchants offer special premiums for those that are wearing a LLF wristband.

 

Q – How do people hear about the festival?

A – You tell them!  The top two ways people heard about the festival last year was through word of mouth and social media.  This year we will have a marketing campaign that will spend nearly $30,000 promoting a visit to Claiborne Parish.  We need you to be a marketing agent for the festival, tell your friends!

​

Q – How can I raise money for my favorite non-profit at LLF?

A – There are several ways to raise funds during LLF.  All charities must fit the mission of CUF and register with the LLF prior to festival day.  CUF reserves the right to determine if the requesting Community  qualifies to fit the mission of CUF.

​

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Claiborne Parish religious, school, and 501(c)3 organizations can apply to be a LLF Community Partner. As a LLF Community Partner you have several ways to earn funds for your organization:

​

Community Food Court

Any Claiborne Parish organization that has fund-raising needs during the year is eligible to register for a free booth at the Community Food Court (specific guidelines can be obtained by contacting lalegendsfest@gmail.com).

 

Community Vendor/Informational Booth

Community Partners are allowed to register for a booth in the vendor area at no charge. (as space allowed).The booth can be used to distribute information, sell wares, or collect for a fund-raiser. These “good for the Community partner” activities are restricted to the designated booth area and participation does not count toward Community Partner Points.Money raffles are not allowed at the Community Vendor booth.

 

Community Partner Points

Community Partner Points are awarded based on individual activities of LLF Volunteers and LLF Ambassadors. At the close of books for the festival, if there is an operating profit, monies more than the seed money for the next festival are designated by the Claiborne Unite Foundation Board of Directors for Community grants to the Community Partners based on the points accumulated.

 

Community Partner Special Events     

Claiborne Unite Foundation may identify Special Events for the Festival. Special events are approved events that work with CUF Mission, use the LLF branding and marketing, but require expertise and volunteer assistance above the bandwidth of Claiborne Unite Foundation.

 

Claiborne Unite Foundation sets and receives the sponsorship requirements of the event. Claiborne Unite Foundation will fold the event into the event branding and marketing plan. The Community Partner operating the special event is subject to the guidelines of CUF, but are in control of any entry, registration, premiums of the event, revenue, expenses, and proceeds of the event.Community Partner Special Event organizations must have prior approval of Claiborne Unite Foundation before approaching potential sponsors.

 

Event examples: 5K, Car Show, Fishing Tournament, Art Show, etc.Community Partner Special Events direct volunteers only accumulate Community Partner Points if the proceeds or activity fulfil the “good for the festival’ criteria. Organizations can register a LLF Special Event and operate that event under the LLF marketing umbrella. Register at www.legendsfest.us

​

Q – We are not a Community Partner, can we still raise funds?

A – Non-Community Partners can purchase vendor booth space and sell goods in the defined area of the written space.  No other solicitation outside of the designated booth is allowed.

 

 

Q – How does an organization  become a LLF Community  Partner?

A – The LLF Community  Partner program is designed to reflect the mission of “pooled resources”.  The program encourages registered 501(c)3 and religious, youth, school, civic organizations in Claiborne Parish to register and work in the with CUF/LLF in the planning and production of the festival.  Claiborne Parish organizations are encouraged to complete application for LLF Community  Partner early in the year and encourage their membership to be involved early. 

​

Q – How do I earn points for my designated Community Partner?

A – There are multiple ways for individuals to earn support for a designated Community Partner.  We encourage LLF Community Partners to coordinate with their organization to maximize their ability to earn money within the Community Partnership.

LLF Volunteer Points -Any individual’s registered participation as a team lead, attending a planning meeting, committee member or general participant in the activity planning the event earn points based on activity and role.  LLF Volunteer points accumulate at all activities outside of the festival week.

 

LLF Ambassador Points – Any individual’s registered (in and out) participation in scheduled activity during the week of the festival, prep, set-up, day of event, clean-up, etc. earns points per shift.  Shifts are currently defined as 3-hour work shifts.  Partial shift credit (.333 per hour) may be given based on sign in/sign out.  Point credit is only earned for activities “for the good of the festival”. LLF Ambassador Points can be earned by any registered participant interested in your organization. The individual must designate their selected organization at sign-in to earn points for your organization.  If registered participant would like to split their time between two registered Community  Partners, they must designate at check-in.

 

LLF Volunteer and Ambassador Points not designated to a specific registered LLF Community  Partner default to Claiborne Unite Foundation, Inc, with a minimum of 50% to be designated to the LLF Claiborne Parish Tourism Grant Program.

 

One of the unique offers of Claiborne Unite Foundation’s Louisiana Legends Fest is the requirement of volunteers to produce the festival and the opportunity for registered charities to raise funds.This shared success of Claiborne Parish Community and the mission of Claiborne Unite is a great partnership.The need for consistent and fair points acquisition and distribution of any “LLF Ambassador” premiums must be defined based on work for the .Knowing many of our wonderful volunteers also work directly for LLF Community Partners, the following define how the work is scored.

 

“For the Good of the Festival” – Work assignment with the direct recipient of the endeavor is the Louisiana Legends Fest.  Assigned shift work to benefit the work needs of the festival, deployed based on the need of the festival, and done so as a positive reflection of LLF.  These shifts are eligible for LLF Community  Partner Points and / or Community  Partner Premiums earned based on Check-in and Check-out.

 

“For the Good of the Community Partner” – Work assignment with the direct recipient of the endeavor is the LLF Community  Partner. Any work to benefit the work needs of the Community  Partner are not eligible for LLF Community  Partner Points and / or Community  Partner Premiums.

 

Registered LLF Ambassadors can work for their organization and LLF.Report to the LLF Ambassadors Check-in for assignment, once you have completed your required LLF Partner shift.

 

When in question or doubt, the simple answer to the “for the good of the ?” is the basis of the answer.

 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

​

AMBASSDOR

​

Claiborne Unite Foundation is charged with using the supplied data by the individuals to determine final point totals.  Claiborne Unite Foundation is responsible for the final distribution of the points based on this data and the totals reported to the CUF Board of Directors for any LLF Community  Partner Grant distribution.  Claiborne Unite Foundation is not responsible for un-reported, incomplete, or errored data from the individual. Claiborne Unite reserves the right to act as final decision on the LLF Community  points.

 

Q – How does an organization  become a LLF Community Partner?

A – The LLF Community  Partner program is designed to reflect the mission of “pooled resources”.  The program encourages registered 501(c)3 and religious, youth, school, civic organizations in Claiborne Parish to register and work in the with CUF/LLF in the planning and production of the festival.

​

Q – Can I raise money for a national or Community outside of Claiborne Parish?

A – No, we appreciate all the great Community  organizations, but LLF is governed by the mission to support Claiborne Parish charities.  Select a local Community and register.

​

Q – Can I sell my crafts and art at the LLF?

A – Vendors are encouraged to be a part of one of our courts.  Vendor booths can be obtained by registering at www.legendsfest.us.  There is a fee for vendor booths and space is limited.

​

Q – Can I bring my food truck or catering trailer to Louisiana Legends Fest?

A – No, we love food trucks, but all plated, ready to eat food offerings for LLF are fundraising opportunities for our registered charities. We also require the charities to select a single item and we have price boundaries.  This promotes an event that can be family friendly, easy on the family budget, offer unique selections, and raise money for local charities.

​

Q – It is election time, can candidates set up at the LLF festival?

A – Since the festival is operated as a 501(c)3, the LLF and CUF are non-political.  For that reason, all promotion of, distribution of, and any solicitation by/for a political cause or candidate is restricted to a pre-registered, pre-paid vendor booth.

​

Q – I want to help, who do I contact?

A – Thank you.  We need volunteers throughout the year to make this festival happen.  The more volunteers the less burden it places on individuals.  Visit www.legendsfest.us and register.  Please serve on one of our planning committees or volunteer as an LLF Festival Ambassador.  Festival Ambassadors work in the set-up, clean-up, and as hosts during the festival.  Register online for a specific shift.  When you check-in prior to your shift, you will designate your Communcity Partner and receive your assignment, food and drink coupon, and get a fun t-shirt (while supplies last).

​

Q – What kind of music? Can I perform?

A – LLF features two stages, Main Stage and Gospel Stage.  With limited stage time and a goal for diverse family-friendly music acts, our Talent Team begins work early in the year to identify, audition, and arrange for talent.  This year’s talent line-up is complete.  We are sorry we do not have a stage time for all that want to perform.  The LLF Talent Team knows that music line-up is one of the main reasons people visit the festival and want to come early and stay all day.  If you have a suggestion for next year, please send to lalegendsfest@gmail.com

 

Q – I see that the festival honors a legend, how is that legend selected?

A – We open public nominations for the Louisiana Legend in February.  Nominations are submitted to the Legends Council and voting takes place during the spring. 

​

Q – What are the hours of the LLF?

A – The festival area opens at 9 AM on Saturday and the area closes at 6.  The hours are optimum for a day of events and allow attendees to visit one of our area restaurants for dinner!  This year one of our added special events is the LLF Legends Run, a 5k and Fun Run that starts at 8 AM.

 

Q – I am a registered vendor, when can I set up? Is electricity provided, can I bring a generator?

A – If you are a registered vendor, you will receive specific information one week prior to event.  Some set-ups will begin on Friday, vendors are asked to set-up before 9:00 AM on the day of the event and we ask that you stay until event close at 6 PM.  Power is limited. booths. We do not allow generators.

 

Q – I did not register as a vendor or solicitor can I still participate?

A – No.  All vendors, artist, musicians, solicitors are required to be pre-registered to be on the festival grounds. 

 

Q – Is seating provided?

A – This year we are adding a section of seating near the music stages. You are encouraged to bring your lawn chair, blanket, or a bucket to sit on.  Limited seating is available near the Community Food Court.  There will be a limited number of festival chairs for sale.

​

Q – Can I bring a golf cart, four-wheeler, or side-by-side?

A – No, Only LLF registered vehicles are allowed on the festival site.

​

Q – Will you have handicap parking?

A – Yes, there is designated handicap parking.  There will also be several handicap access toilets.  See festival map for details.

​

Q – Is the festival indoors or outdoors?

A – The LLF is an outdoor event.  If it rains, bring your rain gear.  Safety for our performers, vendors, volunteers, and guest is top of mind, so unique circumstances may require flexibility from all.

​

Q – Will there be security?

A – Yes, security is provided through a partnership with the Claiborne Parish Sherrif’s Department and the Homer Police Department.  We are grateful for their support, service, and dedication.

​

Q – Where do I park?

A – Downtown Homer has multiple parking lots available.  You can visit www.legendfest.us for details or simply ask one of the Town of Homer officers or one of the LLF Ambassadors for directions to the nearest parking lot.  Street parking is allowed, but please be courteous to residents and through traffic.

​

Q – How much does it cost to attend?

A – Admission is free!  We are requesting you go on-line and obtain admission tickets.  General admission is free and there is no requirement to enter payment information.  This is only possible because we have great sponsors.  Please note their names and thank them.  You can also help by being a sponsor (multiple levels of sponsorship are available), buying LLF merchandise, or purchasing one of our raffle tickets.

​

Q – Why should I attend?

A – It is the place to be! Enjoy live music, great food, a wide variety of arts, crafts, and other vendors, a car shine, tours of the historic Claiborne Parish Courthouse, learning more about the resources that Claiborne Parish has to offer all with no admission fee!  Come spend a couple of hours or spend all day!

 

Q – I can’t attend, but would love to support the festival?

A – Even if you cannot attend, you can support the festival by thanking our sponsors, becoming a sponsor, purchasing LLF merchandise, buying a raffle ticket or simply donating.  www.legendsfest.us is the place for all that information. 

​

Q – Is there anything else I need to know about the LLF?

A – Sure there is.  First, remember this is not necessarily an event for Claiborne Parish residents, but an invite to those outside the parish to come visit.  We want to show off, why we love living in Claiborne Parish.  Let’s look good, act good, and show Claiborne Parish hospitality! 

Revised 09/21/2024