By the time this column is read, the Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson's G-Unit Humor & Harmony Festival (HHF) will be less than two weeks away.
Leaving aside one's feelings about Jackson or interest/disinterest in the festival, it is making history from many perspectives. Here are a few observations that surely should be recognized by readers as noteworthy accomplishments scheduled for the festival:
1. There will be three entertainment events at Municipal Auditorium
2. A car show/family event will be held at the Shreveport Convention Center
3. Festival Plaza has been booked for HHF events
4. A celebrity basketball game is slated at Stage Works/Expo Hall as part of the HHF
5. A temporary dome will be installed on the city block purchased by Jackson to host parties each day of the festival
6. Commerce Street will be closed from Festival Plaza to Caddo Street to become a gun-free zone with three entrances--Festival Plaza, Cassandra's in the Red River District and Caddo Street
7. Pop-up vendors will be allowed in the Red River District and on Commerce Street
8. Bus shuttle services will be provided to the downtown area from Mall St. Vincent and Louisiana Boardwalk
9. Jackson/G-Unit is paying market rental rates for the public facilities to be utilized- -Municipal Auditorium, Shreveport Convention Center, Festival Plaza, and Stage Works /Expo Hall
10. Jackson/G-Unit will reimburse the City of Shreveport for security, clean-up, and other costs associated with the HHF
11. Jackson has booked over 700 rooms in downtown Shreveport for the festival
This list is only a partial one, and many more positive HHF attributes could be listed. Readers should also not overlook Jackson's purchase of over $2 million of downtown distressed and vacant properties.
As with any major event in Shreveport like the Red River Revel, The Independence Bowl, Mardi Gras Parades, there will be some inconveniences to residents. Hopefully complaints about the festival will be minimal despite the fact that many like to criticize versus praise.