The vibrant day began with an array of live music performances by local bands. Art pop-up shops lined the streets, selling everything from modern artworks to antiques. The tantalizing aromas of food trucks filled the air, offering a variety of culinary delights to satisfy every palate.
MyLove Daily Designs owner Cheryl Garrett set up shop to sell her homemade products. Her business began as a cat rescue, creating earrings and shirts to raise money for the animals. She said she found a passion in her artwork, and the business expanded.
“[The Ouachita RiverFest] has really brought a lot of attention to the business,” Garrett said. “We’ve had a lot of traffic—a lot of people come through. We do online sales, but you just don’t get as much exposure as you would with an event like this.”

Besides browsing the booths, attendees headed to the West Monroe levee to watch the Duck Drop. Competitors paid $10 per rubber duck to enter the competition. Then, RiverFest organizers dumped the ducks into the Ouachita River, where they raced for several different prizes. The entire event functioned as a fundraiser for downtown West Monroe, and the money will be put toward improvements in the area.
“I definitely think this was a great way to fundraise and also entertain people,” senior biology major Rachael Christensen said. “I loved getting to see all the artists that may not get a chance to get out there otherwise.”
The blend of live music, art and culinary experiences made the Ouachita River Fest a memorable event in downtown West Monroe.
Debbie Pritchard, one owner of Antique Treasures Galore, spoke on the event’s impact on the community.
“It’s such a lovely event, it brings the people together,” Pritchard said. “I had such a great time with my friends, and I can’t wait for next year.”