Avoyelles Parish Fee of Tourism promotes #shoplocal throughout pandemic

MARKSVILLE, La. (KALB) – In the municipality of Avoyelles, like everywhere else, the pandemic has affected the local economy, but the Avoyelles Municipality Tourism Commission has gotten creative to keep the local economy alive.

They launched the Trail to Treasures Passport program, which includes companies that provide space for local artists to sell their work. People have the opportunity to hunt for local treasures in four different parishes. One of the four is Jessica Lachney’s Willow Nest.

Willow Nest offers a variety of paintings, handmade jewelry, and crafts. Her specialty are color sets. They are known for their painting parties. Lachney said the pandemic has brought challenges, but the Trail to Treasures Passport program is a great way to keep business going.

“I love being a part of it,” said Lachney. “I am so blessed that Wilbert has included us in it. We have a lot of customers who have come in. It brings a lot of new faces and they actually found us from a passport booklet. “

When people walk into the Willow Nest, Lachney says after the checkout that they are getting a pass.

“We’re stamping it and encouraging them to go to all other stores,” Lachney said. “Sometimes they want to know about the other businesses, so let’s talk about it.”

Wilbert Carmouche, executive director of the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism, said it is now more important than ever to shop locally.

“Once your passport is stamped in each location, just drop it off wherever you were on your way because you can pick it up at any company,” said Carmouche. “Or via email Tourism@Kriket.net and we will send you your digital copy which you can print out yourself. When you are done with that you will be entitled to Treasure Buckets, and what we do with Treasure Buckets is that on April 15th we will collect the passports at the four different locations, put them in a trash can and have some drawings for Treasure Buckets. This will be a gift certificate for one of the stores. “

Customers drinking coffee at the Khmericano Coffee Truck said it was very important to shop locally. There’s no need to buy anything to get yourself started on Trail to Treasures, but it is recommended. Wilbert said the goal of the Trail to Treasures Passport program is to encourage local shopping during a pandemic.

The Bunkie and Marksville Chamber of Commerce was also involved in Trail to Treasures.

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