By Prentiss Smith
I was a skeptic at first, but as the first weekend of August approached, I was hopeful that the very ambitious plans for a four-day festival could be something good for the city. It turned out to be better than good. It was great. The festival showcased another side of Shreveport, and happily, it turned out to be just what the doctor ordered.
Shreveport, Louisiana, was the place to be almost three weeks ago, as the city played host to the inaugural Humor and Harmony Festival, an event that lived up to its name in every possible way. The mayor and the city fathers could not have been happier than they were to see their plans come into fruition.
The festival, presented by none other than the multifaceted entrepreneur, rapper, and producer, Curtis “Fiddy Cent” Jackson, the festival was a rousing and unmitigated success. I call him “Fiddy” because that is what I used to call him when I was jamming on his multi-platinum song, “In Da Club,’ a song that you could not sit down on. Yes, that’s right, I was jamming. It was a big hit, and was popular with young, old, black, white, everybody. It was just a fun song.
People from all corners of the country descended upon Shreveport and Northwest Louisiana for four days of fun, frolic, food, and a good old down-home party that won’t soon be forgotten.
“Fiddy” showed up and showed out for Shreveport, bringing with him a jolt of economic firepower that the city desperately needed. Festival Plaza, the heart of the celebration, was transformed into a vibrant hub of activity, buzzing with the energy of locals and visitors alike.
What I saw during that time was a space in the city that has the potential to become an annual destination, drawing celebrities and stars from the big cities of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and Atlanta. Festival weekend was a taste of what could be—a preview of the magic that could turn Shreveport into a must-visit spot on the festival circuit.
The festival’s charm lay not just in its star power but in its essence—Humor and Harmony. The humor came in waves, with comedians taking the stage to deliver performances that had crowds roaring with laughter.
The harmony was palpable, as people from different backgrounds came together, setting aside their differences to enjoy the simple pleasures of life—good music, great food, and even better company.
It was a celebration of what makes us human, a reminder that laughter and togetherness are powerful forces that can unite us all. It was one of the best events that has ever come to Shreveport, and I am encouraged that its success can be replicated.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Humor and Harmony Festival was how smoothly it all went down. In a world where large gatherings often come with their fair share of trouble, this festival was virtually crime-free.
There were a few small, isolated incidents, as you might expect with any event of this scale, but no one was killed, no one was assaulted, and most importantly, no one was left out of the party.
The sense of community was strong, and the festival’s success was a testament to what can happen when people come together with a shared purpose—to have a good time and enjoy each other’s company.
Shreveport needed this. The city has had its challenges, and an event of this magnitude provided a much-needed boost, not just economically, but in spirit. The Humor and Harmony Festival has the potential to become an annual highlight, a tradition that brings people back year after year. It’s an opportunity for Shreveport to shine on a national stage, to show the world what makes this city special.
As the final notes of music faded and the last joke was told, there was a sense of satisfaction in the air—a feeling that something significant had happened here. The Humor and Harmony Festival was more than just an event; it was a celebration of life, laughter, and community.
It was a reminder that, despite the challenges we face, we can always find joy in coming together. And for Shreveport, it was a chance to show that this city, too, can be a beacon of humor and harmony in a world that sometimes feels anything but.
Here’s to Fiddy Cent for bringing his vision to life and to everyone who made this festival a success. Shreveport, you’ve set the bar high—let’s see where this journey takes us next year. And that’s my take. smithpren@aol.com