By Shannon Wright
The Webster Parish Convention & Visitors Commission held its regular meeting last week in a cabin overlooking the lake at Muddy Bottoms ATV & Recreation Park in Springhill, which is one of the parish’s largest tourism destinations.
Known by many as “Disney World for ATV enthusiasts,” Muddy Bottoms attracts thousands of visitors during its major events each year, making it a significant economic driver for Webster Parish.
The commission has made it a priority to rotate its meetings to different tourism destinations throughout the parish. Their previous meeting was held at the Lodge at Lake Bistineau State Park.
By meeting at different locations, board members have the opportunity to experience the attractions firsthand, meet the people behind them, and learn how each destination impacts tourism and the local economy.
With tourism continuing to grow across Webster Parish, commissioners discussed several initiatives aimed at building on that momentum.
The highlight of the meeting was a presentation by local musician and music historian Winston Hall, who is actively involved in preserving the musical heritage of Northwest Louisiana, including the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium.
Hall shared his vision for developing Historic Highway 80 into a nationally recognized tourism corridor, similar to Route 66.
Vice-Chair Sara McDaniel introduced Hall by explaining the concept.
“What Winston is trying to do is bring music history awareness to our area of Louisiana, and what he is proposing is that we do something similar to Route 66 but with our historic Highway 80,” McDaniel said.
Hall explained that much like the grassroots movement that transformed Route 66 into one of the most recognizable highways in the country, even around the world, the goal is to have Highway 80 recognized as historic while driving visitors into the small towns along the highway.
The effort would encourage travelers to stop in locally owned restaurants, shops and attractions, helping bring business back to communities that lost much of their through traffic to the interstate.
“Another big part of this drive is also architectural preservation, as well as preserving old murals,” Hall said.
Commission members discussed the positive impact this project could have throughout Webster Parish, recognizing Minden as a perfect stop along Historic Highway 80 and acknowledging the potential economic benefits for the entire corridor.
Hall also shared an interesting piece of history.
“What people don’t know is that Route 66 and Highway 80 were born on the exact same day, November 11, 1926,” he said.
With the highway approaching its 100th anniversary, commissioners agreed the timing presents a unique opportunity to celebrate and build excitement for this movement. The commission is on board with supporting and being a part of this project.
For more information about upcoming meetings and events, visit the Commission’s Facebook page or their website at VisitWebster.net.