The West Bank Trailhead and the parking lot near the levee at the Mississippi River will close to the public at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, to prepare for the Fete-Dieu du Mississippi River Blessing. The facilities will reopen after the event and participants have cleared the area.  

The Mississippi River Blessing will occur on Thursday, August 15, at 12:30 p.m. atop the levee under the Hale Boggs Bridge. Participants can park at the West Bank Bridge Park, and St. Charles Sheriff’s Office deputies will be stationed on River Road to help pedestrians cross the street. Motorists are reminded not to park along the levee on River Road, as this causes damage to our critical flood protection infrastructure.