Magnolia Fest 2026

Dear Friends,

With sunny skies and a gentle breeze throughout the day, Magnolia Fest was truly a fabulous celebration. Held on Saturday, March 7th during Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the Second Annual Magnolia Fest brought our community together for a day filled with live music, food, art, community resources, and even professional wrestling.

It was a joyful day for families, friends, and neighbors—building awareness, encouraging community engagement, and supporting the vital programs and operations of Magnolia Community Services. Throughout the day, the Magnolia campus was alive with laughter, music, and celebration as our community came together to learn more about the needs of individuals living with developmental disabilities and the services Magnolia provides.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who made the day possible. To our generous sponsors, festival attendees, volunteers, in-kind donors, musicians, performers, and local art vendors—thank you. Each of you played an important role in making our Second Annual Magnolia Fest such a wonderful success.

The day began with the spirited Pussyfooters dance routine, followed by a lively second line led by the Jay Walkers Second Line Band and members of the Krewe of Tucks. The celebration continued across the Magnolia campus as children and clients of all ages enjoyed games, face painting, crafting their own Tucks umbrellas, and cheering on the wrestlers.

Guests danced and sang along to the sounds of Jerry Embree and the Flavors of New Orleans before the crowd grooved with our headliners, Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra. A special highlight was Magnolia’s own Carl Russell returning to the stage to perform his beloved rendition of “Return to Sender.” Terrence and the Fortress Band kept the energy high, and the Jefferson Community Band closed the festival with popular favorites that had everyone smiling.

Moments like these remind us of the power of community. Your support helps ensure that people living with developmental disabilities have the care, resources, and programs they need to live their best lives.

From all of us at Magnolia Community Services—and especially the individuals we serve—thank you for being part of Magnolia Fest and for helping make this day so meaningful. We look forward to celebrating with you again next year!

With gratitude,

Magnolia Community Services