Although
the Gretna Economic Development
Association has been in existence for
many years, our affiliation with the
Gretna Bingo Palace began just a
couple of years ago. Weekly bingo
games have become an integral part
of our fund-raising efforts and have
provided much needed funds that are
used for economic development in the
City of Gretna.
The primary purpose of GEDA is to:
1. Improve the business climate
within the City of Gretna as
well as provide a vehicle to
assist in the development of new
business.
2. Promote and encourage tourism
along with enhancing the
knowledge of local residents and
potential tourists.
3. Encourage and promote housing
development with the City of
Gretna.
4. Act as liaison between the
community and state, local and
federal governments to identify
needs and potential solutions.
One of the many uses for funds from
bingo is the Gretna Heritage
Festival. from the time GEDA took
over the project, the festival has
grown three-fold. Now a
two-and-a-half day event, the
festival brings in thousands of
people to listen to good music and
eat good food. Although bingo funds
help pay for some of the costs
operating the festival, the benefits
have a snowball effect as some of
the festival vendors are local
organizations who earn funds for
their clubs through sales of food
and drink. The Gretna Heritage
Festival is held the first weekend
in October.
The Gretna Economic Development
Association has sponsored numerous
beautification projects like the
sprinkler system and seasonal plants
on Gretna Blvd.
Anyone interested in joining GEDA is
welcome to attend the meetings which
are held on the 1st Tuesday of every
month at 6:30PM at the Gretna Police
Department, 200 Fifth St., Gretna,
LA. Everyone is also invited to join
GEDA's bingo on Sunday's at 1AM.
