I have been in love with Natchitoches since I graduated from law school in 1977 and came here. Since then, I have attended virtually every festival this town has put on. One particular festival that I have really looked forward to is the Jazz Festival and I was so looking forward to attending this year’s event. However, when I was about to order my ticket, there was a note that no chairs were allowed except in the VIP section. First, I am not a VIP and second, the VIP section had the most expensive tickets. Because
of this “no-chair” policy, I ‘DID NOT” attend.

I am now 70 years old. Half of the time, I get around with a cane and/or a back brace (result of an old horse racing injury). For most events on the riverbank, I take my camping chair with me so I can sit when the pain gets severe. This has never been a problem in the past.

The JazzFest’s website stated there was adequate seating in the amphitheater portion of the riverbank. Try sitting for 30 minutes without back support when you have a bad back. It’s impossible to do.

If this “no-chair” policy is to be the rule for all future festivals and events on the river, I regret to say that I (and possibly more people my age) will not be attending any more events in Natchitoches in the future.

Don’t get me wrong. I am not giving in to the “aging” process and quitting attending festivals. I just will be directing my attention toward Ville Platte, Mamou, Eunice, Breaux Bridge, and other points south where I can attend with my trusty “camping” chair.

Like I said at the beginning, “NATCHITOCHES, YOU’RE RUNNING US AWAY.”

In closing, as my grandma used to say, “c’est la vie.”

Michael J. Bonnette