GRETNA RECEIVES KEEP LOUISIANA BEAUTIFUL GREENER GROUNDS GRANT TO REDUCE WASTE AND PREVENT LITTER

The City of Gretna has been awarded a 2026-2027 Greener Grounds Grant from Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) and the Office of Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser to strengthen waste reduction, recycling, and litter prevention efforts during Gretna Festin’ Concert Series.

The $10,000 grant will support The City of Gretna’s efforts to implement sustainable waste management practices that reduce litter, improve recycling opportunities, and enhance the overall experience for attendees at Gretna Festin’.

“Receiving this Greener Grounds Grant allows us to take meaningful steps toward making Gretna Festin’ more sustainable,” said Mayor Belinda C. Constant. “This investment will help us create a cleaner event while protecting the environment and ensuring attendees can fully enjoy everything Gretna Festin’ has to offer.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser said the Greener Grounds Grant Program helps event organizers preserve the beauty of Louisiana while enhancing the visitor experience. “Louisiana's festivals and community events are a vital part of our culture and economy,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “Through the Greener Grounds Grant Program, we're helping event organizers reduce waste, prevent litter, and preserve the beauty of our communities so residents and visitors alike can continue enjoying these special events for generations to come.”

KLB Executive Director Susan Russell said the program encourages organizers to think beyond event cleanup by implementing long-term waste reduction strategies. “Louisiana is home to hundreds of festivals and outdoor events that celebrate our unique food, music, history, and culture. While we all love to laissez les bons temps rouler, we also have a responsibility to ensure the waste generated at these events doesn't become litter that harms our communities, waterways, wildlife, and coastline,” said Russell. “By planning ahead and implementing proven waste reduction strategies, organizers can create cleaner events, improve the visitor experience, and help protect Louisiana's natural beauty.”

The Greener Grounds Grant Program provides funding to eligible Louisiana nonprofits, municipalities, and parishes hosting outdoor events with at least 1,000 attendees per day. Grant recipients use the funding to implement best practices for waste reduction, litter prevention, and recycling outlined in the

Greener Grounds Guidebook and Greener Grounds Workbook, developed by Keep Louisiana Beautiful in partnership with French Quarter Festivals,  Inc.

“The city of Gretna will use this grant to purchase needed tools and materials to allow for recycling during the month-long concert series,” said Mayor Belinda C. Constant. “Gretna Festin’ is a free concert series that will highlight music, food, family fun and more in the heart of Gretna.”

Gretna Festin’ will take place on Saturdays, October 3 – 24, 2026 beginning for 5 p.m. at the Gretna Amphitheater. For more information, including the lineup, visit GretnaFest.com.

Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB), is a state program under the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism that promotes a personal, corporate, and community responsibility for a clean and beautiful Louisiana. KLB supports local communities through programs and resources for litter education, prevention, removal, enforcement, beautification, recycling, waste reduction, and sustainability initiatives. KLB is affiliated with the national organization, Keep America Beautiful, and is supported by a robust statewide network of Community Affiliates and University Affiliates. Learn more at KeepLouisianaBeautiful.org.