01/13/2026
Thanks to dedicated sponsors, engaged volunteers, and efficient operation, the 2025 Legends Fest was able to designate a LLF Festival Partner Grant of $13,500!!
For five consecutive years the festival has operated in a manner that has allowed a grant to be rewarded each year. 2025 is the second highest grant ever presented and represented a 35% increase over the 2024 grant.
Twenty-one Claiborne Parish organizations registered as 2025 LLF Partners had volunteers register, schedule, and work volunteer shifts. Each registered work shift earns festival points that determine the allocation of the approved grant. In 2025, 1,966 points were earned with each point earned valued at $6.87 per point. Twenty-one organizations received their check representing their earned allocation.
The Louisiana Legends Fest continues to grow by staying true to the CUF Mission and providing a great fund-raising opportunity for Claiborne Parish organizations. “ LLF is 100% volunteer operated. The planning, designing, and ex*****on of the festival is accomplished by volunteers. Through the planning and production of this year’s festival, we recorded over 170 volunteers working to make a difference in the festival. Claiborne Unite is driven to continue to reward those partners with an annual grant.” Beverly Hightower, Ambassador Chair for the Louisiana Legends Fest.
There are multiple ways for partners to earn funds at the Louisiana Legends Fest. Much of the money raised goes directly to the organization from their special event, food court, or vendor booth. Legends Fest has proven to be a great way for Claiborne Parish organizations to raise funds for their mission. 2025 Festival estimates indicate over $60,000 raised during this year’s festival. That pushes the five-year total over the $200,000 mark. “This one-day event has proven to be an effective fund-raising platform for those that are involved. The success of future festivals is the engagement of our Festival Partners.” says Jack Hightower, President, Claiborne Unite Foundation.
2025 Louisiana Legends Fest Community Partners receiving allocations of the grant include: Athens Fireman’s Fund, Blessings, Boys and Girls Club, Claiborne Academy, CA Little Red Schoolhouse, Claiborne Healthcare Foundation, CW Outreach, First Baptist Church of Homer Youth and Missions, Haynesville Celebration of Butterflies, Haynesville High Jr-Sr, Haynesville High Softball, Homer Flower and Garden Club, Homer High FBLA, Legacy Church, Main Street Homer, Pretty Girl Empowerment Mentoring, St. John MBC Mission, Summerfield High School, and HS Ford Museum.
For more information on the planning for the 2026 Louisiana Legends Fest and registering your organization, please visit www.legendsfest.us.
Pictured: Front Row Mary Hamil, CUF; Carrie Johnson, CUF; Aloysia Lloyd, CUF; April Hand, Main Street Homer; Linda Volentine, HS Ford Museum; Sherry Aiello, CUF; Back Row Jack Hightower, CUF; Eric Shively, CUF; Jimmy Hand, Main Street Homer; Ann Burton, First Baptist Church Homer; Carol Smith and Weyland Smith, Blessings; Nancy Cowie, Homer Garden Club; Kathy Johnston, The Little Red School House, Darden Gladney, HS Ford Museum; Patti and Tommy Bourn, Thomas Bourn Memorial Car Show and Shine.
