Come cheer on your favorite angler at the 2009 Bassmaster Classic, Feb. 20-22, along the Red River in Shreveport-Bossier.

Billed as the Super Bowl of bass fishing, the spectacular three-day tournament will be one of the largest events ever held in the region. Hitch up your boat trailer and get an up-close view from the Red River or watch from the banks at the Red River South Marina - the official launch site for the tournament.

The CenturyTel Center in Bossier City will host the tournament weigh-ins and also will be the official ESPN broadcast site. The 2009 Bassmaster Classic Outdoor Expo, featuring more than 150 vendors, will be held at the Shreveport Convention Center in downtown Shreveport.

Complete with a theatrical presentation of the weigh-ins and hours of television coverage, the Bassmaster Classic delights fans of all ages. It is estimated that 70,000 fans will attend the tournament's free, three-day consumer show and weigh-in. In addition, the entire event is expected to pump about $24 million into the Shreveport-Bossier economy.

The Bassmaster Classic will definitely be historic for Shreveport-Bossier, but also worldwide, as Kim Bain-Moore will be the tournament's first female angler in its 39-year history. Bain-Moore, of Alabaster, Ala., snagged the Classic berth as the 2008 WBT Championship. She also was named the Toyota Tundra WBT Angler of the Year.

For more information about the 2009 Bassmaster Classic, contact the tourist bureau at 888-45 VISIT (84748) or visit http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster.


That's Entertainment
Zany Exciting & Just Plain Fun

Let the good times roll as you celebrate Mardi Gras in Shreveport-Bossier. There is a variety of events happening in the sister cities throughout January and February. From festive krewe parades to grand balls, there's nothing like reveling in Shreveport-Bossier's community spirit throughout the Mardi Gras season!

Our popular events include the Krewe of Centaur Parade on Feb. 14; the Krewe of Gemini Parade on Feb. 21; the Krewe of Highland Parade on Feb. 22; the Krewe of Aesclepius Fat Tuesday Children's Parade at the Louisiana Boardwalk on Feb. 24 and many more!

We know how to come together for a great celebration of fun and tradition. Who says Mardi Gras has to be rowdy? In Shreveport-Bossier, it's all about lots of fun for the entire family. There is a no alcohol zone along parade routes and plenty of food and fun all day long.

And don't forget your four-legged family members. There's plenty of fun for them at the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Parade at RiverView Park, Feb. 15, in downtown Shreveport.

Taste a king cake or two, which are definitely a delicious part of the Mardi Gras tradition. Also, don't forget the beads. Be sure to catch a handful of the more than 8 million beads thrown by local krewes throughout the celebration.

Once you've collected enough beads, steady your hands to catch hotdogs, moon pies, stuffed animals, decorative cups and other creative throws tossed from parade floats.

In Shreveport-Bossier, the celebration won't end until Fat Tuesday winds down. You can join local krewes on the Texas Street Bridge for the annual bridge closing ceremony. The Krewe of Aesclepius leads the annual Toast to the End of Mardi Gras on Feb. 24, joined by the kings, queens and captains of all the local krewes. Priests also distribute Lenten Ashes at midnight.

Don't delay - book your hotel room today! For more information about Mardi Gras in Shreveport-Bossier and for a list of local parades, visit www.ShreveportBossierFunGuide.com.


Kickback & Enjoy the Ride to a Premiere Gaming Destination on Louisiana's Other Side!

Boomtown Casino Resort in Bossier City and Coach America are offering day trips to the riverboat casino for just $15 per person. And with a $10 Bonus Rewards offer upon arrival, the actual cost of the trip is just $5!

Book now as space is limited and seats are going fast! Departures are offered Sunday-Thursday in eight Texas cities - including Dallas (North Dallas and Oak Cliff), Fort Worth, Arlington, Duncanville, Irving, Mesquite, Garland and Terrell.

Private trips for groups of 40 or more also are available.

Gamers must be age 21 or older and must have a valid state issued photo ID. Trips are subject to availability and schedules are subject to change without notices. Restrictions may apply.

For times, locations and more information, call 1-877-450-0005. For more information about private trips, call (214) 988-3000.

Find more information about Shreveport-Bossier casinos here.


We've Got the Best Live Action on the Ice at the CenturyTel!

Root for the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs as they go head-to-head against their Central Hockey League rivals at any of their games through March at the CenturyTel Center in Bossier City.

The 2007-2008 Northeast Division Champions and Governors' Cup Champions will meet hockey clubs from Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas and South Dakota.