New Home, Financial Challenges For Festival International

LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) — A popular south Louisiana festival has new headquarters in downtown Lafayette.

The move for Festival International de Louisiane comes as officials search for new sponsors — a challenge as the area's oil-based economy suffers amid recovery from summer floods.

The Advertiser reports that the home office for the festival has moved to a renovated bus station.

Scott Feehan, Festival International's executive director, says the new facility is "everything in one" — with enough room for the festival office, plus a warehouse.

The building is owned by the Lafayette Public Trust Financing Authority. It's one block south of Parc International, site of the festival's main stage.

The festival is currently leasing the building from LPTFA. Once paperwork is finalized, the festival begins paying a 15-year note to purchase the building.

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