The Ark-La-Tex ComputerFest
debuted in July of 1994 in Shreveport, LA. A computer equipment sale in a front
yard sparked the idea for this popular quarterly event. The first official
ComputerFest was held in the Willis-Knighton Education Center courtesy of Willis
Knighton Hospital on Greenwood Road. With the influx of vendors from Louisiana
and surrounding states bringing computer equipment and services to sell, it
quickly outgrew that facility and after two ComputerFest at the Horseshoe
LeBossier Hotel atrium, it moved to half of the hall at the Bossier City Civic
Center. The event soon expanded to the full hall.
Because of a conflict with
the ComputerFest name in another state it also adopted a new name, with a
Louisiana twist, the Ark-La-Tex ComputerSheaux to be used for the events that
take place four times each year. The corporate name is officially the Ark-La-Tex
ComputerFest, Inc., which organizes and puts the ComputerSheaux on. It is a
totally volunteer, non profit organization.
It was decided when it began
that the profits from the ComputerFest would be donated to charity. The
Shriner's Hospital for Children in Shreveport was the chosen recipient.
The ComputerSheaux is put on
entirely by volunteers, consisting of the Ark-La-Tex ComputerFest, Inc. board of
directors and members from area computer clubs. If it were not for the generous
donation of their time, the ComputerSheaux would not exist.
Area computer clubs have
representatives available to answer questions and provide information about the
clubs.
There are many sponsors that
provide money, services and raffle prizes for the Ark-La-Tex ComputerSheaux.
ComputerSheauxs are held
four times a year, on Saturdays, at the Bossier Civic Center, 620 Benton Road in
Bossier City. Hours are 8 AM till 4 PM. Admission is $2.00 with the exception of
children 12 years old and younger who get in free. ComputerSheaux shirts and
caps are available to purchase at the event. Raffle tickets are one dollar each
and prizes range from computer related items and services donated by
ComputerSheaux vendors and major companies, to grab bags filled with a variety
of goodies donated by the vendors and area businesses.
Vendors and individuals from
Louisiana, surrounding states, and sometimes from as far away as New York, set
up at the Sheauxs to offer their computer related wares and services.
All proceeds from table
rentals, front door admissions, raffle tickets and from sales of computer
equipment donated by AEP SWEPCO, and other donors, are donated to the Shriner's
Hospital for children as directed donations to purchase computer equipment,
educational software, supplies and medical equipment for the Shreveport hospital
or cash donations, which go in the Shriner's Hospital general fund to be
distributed to Shriner’s Hospitals nation wide.
The Ark-La-Tex ComputerFest,
Inc. has received three levels of Gold Book Society Awards in the Shriner’s
Hospital Donor Recognition Program. These include the Three-Star award for
donating over $10,000.00, the Four-Star award for donating over $25,000.00 and
the Five-Star Award for donating in access of
$50,000.00. The Ark-La-Tex ComputerFest, Inc. name is also engraved on a
brass plate attached to “Because
We Care Givers” panels displayed at Shrine Headquarters and at each
Shriner’s Hospital.