Along with the rest of the world, we are continuously monitoring the oil spill off our coast and its impact on the Gulf Coast Region.  While the Baton Rouge economy is closely tied to the petrochemical industry, visitors to our region have not experienced any change in services due to the spill.  Baton Rouge is located approximated 160 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico, and as such, has experienced no environmental or physical impact from the spill.

On Memorial Day weekend, our city hosted Bayou Country Superfest, a two day country music festival that drew crowds of more than 85,000 people from 47 states, Canada and Europe.  Attendees, many of them first time visitors, are emailing daily to share positive experiences in our city.  This week, we will welcome families from across the Southeast for the US Youth Soccer Region 3 Tournament. 

The culture of our region remains intact, complimented by the resilient spirit of Louisianans.  Our shopping centers, museums, plantation homes and historic and political attractions are all welcoming visitors.  The Baton Rouge Zoo has opened new exhibits and Blue Bayou & Dixie Landin’, the largest water park in the region, is open and serving families daily.  Our restaurants are open and still serving Louisiana seafood.  Visitors should be ensured that all seafood from our region has always and will continue to be tested by appropriate agencies before reaching restaurant tables and the seafood market.  For detailed information on the impact of the spill on the seafood industry, visit www.louisianaseafood.com or www.louisianaseafoodnews.com.