May 23, 1934 – on Highway 154 near Gibsland gunshots rang out and more than 130 slugs ripped through a V8 Ford. Bonnie and Clyde had reached their final destination.
Not a week passes that someone from somewhere doesn’t stop and ask folks in Gibsland to take a few minutes and chat about Bonnie and Clyde and that day from so long ago. They come to Bienville Parish to find a piece of American history.
Now, you can learn what really happened that day in 1934 because on the anniversary weekend of that fateful day in late May, Gibsland hosts “The Authentic Bonnie & Clyde Festival” Friday and Saturday.
Be there to hear from people who know the real story of Bonnie and Clyde.
Friday
Vendors will set up booths after 1 p.m.
Bonnie & Clyde Museums will open to the public.
Lorraine Joyner Historian’s Meeting, 6 p.m. at Gibsland Bank Annex Building (next to Gibsland Grill). Admission $10,
includes jambalaya (until it runs out). I.J. “Boots” Hinton, son of Ted Hinton who participated in the ambush, and Perry
Carver, owner of the Ambush Museum, will preside over the meeting. The public is invited to hear from law enforcement and
historic accounts of Bonnie and Clyde.
Gospel music 6-8 p.m., street dance 8-10 p.m.
Saturday
Gibsland Lion’s Club pancake breakfast, 8-10 a.m., $5
Food vendors, arts and crafts
“Shoot-outs & Bank Robberies” performed by the “Public Enemies,” at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. Each performance is different.
“Ambush at Death Site,” 4:30 p.m.
Entertainment in front of city hall all day, beginning at 9 a.m., including “Elvis” and Mike Webb singing gospel
Bingo in Gibsland Bank Annex, 50 cents
Bonnie & Clyde Look-alike contest for adults and children, 11 a.m. in front of city hall. Prizes awarded. (No
professionals).
Bonnie & Clyde parade with antique cars, noon
Classic car display at Gibsland Baptist Church, 2:30 p.m.