SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – The Red River Revel is celebrating its 50th anniversary by providing local entrepreneurs with opportunities to reach new customers. Among the vendors is Teal Garden Nutrition, returning for its second year. Owner Linda J. Montgomery stated that the festival has been beneficial for her business by allowing her to introduce plant-based meals to a broader audience.
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Montgomery, claiming to be the festival's first vegan vendor, aims to make plant-based eating accessible to everyone, regardless of dietary preferences. While the event offers valuable exposure, participating businesses face various costs. According to Red River Revel Executive Director Logan Lewis, vendor fees vary based on the type of business, with the festival taking approximately 20% to 25% of sales from both profit and nonprofit vendors.
Montgomery noted that business owners need to closely assess their expenses before joining large events. She explained that setting up a pop-up shop is akin to relocating a restaurant outside its brick-and-mortar location, with costs including staffing, food supplies, operational expenses, and participation fees.
Despite the financial considerations, Montgomery views the festival as a worthwhile investment, crediting the growing demand for plant-based options as a factor in her decision to return. Her aspirations extend beyond the festival; she aims to deliver nutritional education and plant-based meals to communities lacking such resources.
The Red River Revel runs from October 15 to 18 at Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport, featuring live entertainment, art, and food. Festival hours are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and until 9 p.m. on Sunday. Visitors can enter for free until 5 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, with a $10 admission fee thereafter, in effect throughout the weekend. Children 12 and under can attend for free. Additionally, SWEPCO offers free admission for active military, police, fire personnel, and Barksdale Air Force Base DBIDS cardholders.