Festival International de Louisiane brings in people from all over the world to Downtown Lafayette, but there are some rules to keep in mind during festival season.

“Festival is free, but it’s free because people support the festival by buying their drinks at festival,” says Executive Director, Missy Paschke-Wood.

She said ice chests and coolers must stay home and one of the main sources of funding comes from beverage sales. Pets should be left behind as well. “For your pets sake, please leave them at home this year. As much as we love to have your dogs, we’re all animal lovers, but the festival is really not the place for them and police officers will be keeping an eye. If any animal on the ground will be asked to leave.”

Lafayette Police Spokesman, Paul Mouton, said there will be extra patrol out. “We normally don’t have any problems. Anytime we do have problems it’s alcohol involved so we ask that if you are going to drink, drink responsibly. Obviously, do not get behind the wheel of a car. There are too many options out there that people can utilize.”

Pashke-Wood named a few of those options saying parking in Downtown Lafayette during festival is difficult. “The Service Chevrolet shuttle is available at Cajun Field, so you can park for free at Cajun Field and then you can take the free shuttle every 15 minutes and it drops you off at two different locations downtown. It can’t get any better than that.”

She also mentions blankets and collapsible chairs are allowed.

Paschke-Wood says she just hopes to see everyone enjoying Festival this year.