Northwestern State University will host the third annual Flavor of Louisiana, one of the university’s most popular spring events, from 6-11 p.m. Friday, March 22 in Prather Coliseum. Flavor of Louisiana is presented in partnership with the Louisiana Seafood Board and will feature chefs, restaurateurs and caterers from throughout the state offering samples of specially prepared seafood dishes and other items.
Last year, nearly 600 guests mixed and mingled among 45 different tasting stations sampling delectable seafood dishes, craft beer, specialty cocktails and desserts. The event raised nearly $50,000 to support student scholarships and academic programs. Individual academic departments raised additional funds for their programs through raffles, games and silent auctions that included weekend getaways, prize baskets, vacation packages and more.
“Flavor of Louisiana is an event that we look forward to because of the positive response we’ve received in the past,” said Director of Development Jill Bankston, CFRE. “Besides all the delicious food samplings, our guests enjoy live music, dancing and visiting with friends. We will also offer a few meat selections that will appeal to non-seafood eaters, so there will be something for everyone.”
Because proceeds from Flavor of Louisiana impact the availability of scholarships, dozens of students will be directly involved with organizing and hosting the event.
“Students volunteer with logistics, preparation, ticket sales, set-up, host and hostess duties, registration and post-party cleanup,” Bankston said. “This is a good hands-on experience with a community event and it shows they appreciate our NSU supporters.”
Tickets to the seafood extravaganza are $65 per person or $125 per couple. Sponsorships are available at the $5,000 (Louisiana), $2,500 (Bayou), $1,000 (Magnolia and Pelican – separate benefits) levels and include reserved seating and other perks. The $5,000 Louisiana Sponsor level is a double sponsorship with the Natchitoches Dragon Boat Races, a day-long event set for Saturday, April 13 in downtown Natchitoches. Proceeds from the Dragon Boat Races will benefit First Year Experience, programming that encourages freshmen students to be active participants in events and organizations on campus.
Flavor of Louisiana will cap off a series of special events at NSU. Earlier in the day on March 22, NSU will honor six outstanding individuals with induction into the university’s alumni hall of distinction, the Long Purple Line. That event will include a luncheon and induction program beginning at 11 a.m. in the ballroom of the Sylvan Friedman Student Union. Tickets for the Long Purple Line luncheon and program are $20.
Information on tickets – call (318) 357-4414.
