News Summary
Shreveport has officially begun its countdown to the 2035 bicentennial with a ceremony attended by city leaders and the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce. The event highlights significant historical milestones and sets the stage for upcoming celebrations, including Centenary College’s 200th anniversary in 2025 and the 10th Geek’d Con. The community is invited to engage in various activities leading up to this major event.
Shreveport Kicks Off Bicentennial Countdown with Celebratory Ceremony
Shreveport, La. – On July 1, city leaders and the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony that signaled the start of a 10-year countdown to Shreveport’s bicentennial in 2035. The event was designed to honor the significant milestones that have shaped the rich history and culture of Shreveport, setting the stage for a decade of celebrations leading to this historic occasion.
Among the notable events leading up to the bicentennial year, the year 2025 promises to be particularly significant. This is the year that Centenary College of Louisiana, which was founded in 1825, will celebrate its 200th anniversary. As Louisiana’s oldest institution of higher education, Centenary holds the distinction of being the oldest chartered liberal arts college located west of the Mississippi River. In celebration of this historic milestone, Centenary College will host a birthday celebration on January 8, 2025, marking the kickoff of a year-long bicentennial celebration.
The Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce announced that various events will be organized throughout 2025 to commemorate the city’s historical achievements. These will include collaborative efforts with local organizations, and details will be made available through an official website, centenary200.com.
Shreveport’s vibrant community events will also include Geek’d Con, the region’s premier comic and pop culture convention, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary from August 22 to 24, 2025. Dubbed “Geek’d Con X,” this event is expected to attract over 10,000 fans and will have a substantial economic impact on the Shreveport area. The convention has confirmed a range of celebrity guests, including actors Jason Lee and Alan Ruck, along with Brett Iwan, who is known for voicing Mickey Mouse. A special celebration dedicated to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will feature appearances by the four original actors from the TMNT franchise, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the original film.
For those interested in attending the Geek’d Con event, tickets and vendor registration are currently open, promising a lively atmosphere filled with entertainment, comic book culture, and much more.
Another significant backdrop to Shreveport’s bicentennial celebrations is the remarkable journey of LSU Health Shreveport. Established in the late 1940s through the efforts of Dr. Joe and Alice Holoubek, the medical institution faced numerous funding challenges before gaining approval and opening its doors in 1965. By 1969, LSU Health Shreveport welcomed its first class of medical students. Over the years, the number of graduates has grown significantly, rising from just 32 in 1973 to a projected 204 by 2024. This growth underscores the institution’s commitment to expanding its educational offerings and attracting distinguished researchers and healthcare professionals to enhance its capabilities in academic medicine.
As Shreveport embarks on this decade-long journey towards its bicentennial anniversary, the community is encouraged to participate and engage in the planned celebrations that aim to honor its past while looking forward to a vibrant future.
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Additional Resources
- KSLA: Shreveport Celebrates 190 Years of History
- Google Search: Shreveport Bicentennial
- KTAL: Centenary College of Louisiana Turns 200
- Wikipedia: Centenary College of Louisiana
- Bossier Press: Geek’d Con Celebrates 10th Anniversary
- Google Scholar: Geek’d Con
- KTBS: KTBS 70th Anniversary of LSU Health Shreveport
- Encyclopedia Britannica: LSU Health Sciences Center
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
