Mayor predicts big fest payday

Kenner Mayor Ed Muniz predicted today's Laketown Festival will clear $100,000.

That's a lot of baseballs, football uniforms and basketball trophies.

Proceeds from today's fest, headlined by rocker Eddie Money, will go to the city's Parks and Recreation Department, Muniz said.

Most of the festival expenses are being paid for by sponsorships, though the city of Kenner is contributing $19,000 from a hotel-motel tax that is earmarked for tourism, said Mike Quigley, Muniz's deputy chief administrative officer.

The biggest cost "" about $55,000 "" is for the performers, Muniz said.

Eddie Money will headline the show. Other bands include Cowboy Mouth, Chee Weez, Rockin' Dopsie and the Top Cats.

Local restaurants, such as Copeland's, Messina's, LaBella's, Smitty's and Liuzza's Sports Bar will sell food. Kenner will take a cut of the food sales, Muniz said.

Gates open at 11 a.m. and the entertainment begins at noon. Tickets are available at the main gate for $7 for adults (13 and older) and $2 for kids (12 and younger).

For more information and rules, click the "Laketown Festival 2009" button on Kenner's Web site at www.kenner.la.us.

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Mary Sparacello can be reached at msparacello@timespicayune.com or 504.467.1726.