Official kick-off to the Festival of Lights season

Downtown Natchitoches will kick off the holiday season during “Turn on the Holidays” this Saturday, Nov. 21.

“Turn on the Holidays” is an entire day of free family entertainment in downtown Natchitoches that will serve as the official start of the Festival of Lights season for the City of Natchitoches. The highlight of the event will be the official turning on of thousands of Christmas lights that illuminate the Natchitoches Historic District through the first week of January.

This year’s schedule of events includes:
* 11 a.m. NSU “Spirit of Northwestern” Marching Band Holiday Concert.n
* 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Inflatable jumper and rock climbing wall
* 11:30 a.m. Children’s storyteller Thelma Harrison will present a Christmas classic in conjunction with the Natchitoches Parish Library Bookmobile.
* Noon to 3 p.m. Magical Fairy face painting
* Noon to 4 p.m. Bart’s Kids World will entertain children with magic, puppet shows and comedy. Also enjoy Creole doll making with the Cane River Creole National Historical Park and children’s ornament painting with the Natchitoches Art Guild and Gallery.
* 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. “Barbershop style” holiday performances by River Cities Jubilee Chorus
* 2:30 p.m. Children’s opera performance of the fairytale “Little Red Riding Hood”
* 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Free caricature drawings
* 3:30 p.m. Shreveport Opera Express Concert featuring popular opera arias, Broadway musical hits and Christmas classics.
* 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Josh Hyde and the Hitchhikers.
* 6:30 p.m. Opening Ceremony on the downtown riverbank stage followed by a fireworks show over Cane River Lake.

These events are free to the public and take place on the downtown riverbank in Natchitoches. Sponsorship for these events was made possible by grants from the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, the Office of the Lt. Governor, Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism and the National Park Service Preserve America.

“Turn on the Holidays” will kick off Natchitoches’ holiday season as the City prepares for the 83rd Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival on Saturday, Dec. 5. The festival will feature an assortment of family-filled activities including a children’s parade, general parade, crafts shows, children’s activities, music, food and a spectacular fireworks show.

For more information about “Turn on the Holidays”, call the Main Street Office at (318) 352-2746 or toll free (866) 941-MAIN. For more information about the Natchitoches Christmas Festival, visit www.christmasfestival.com.

For more information about Main to Main, please visit www.louisianamaintomain.org.

By: Leslie Smith, Main Street Manager, City of Natchitoches

1940’s Big Band Hangar Dance Tickets on Sale Now

All flyboys and girls are invited to the Natchitoches Regional Airport at 450 Wallenberg Drive this weekend, November 13-15, for the Cane River Aviation Rendezvous & Hangar Dance.

The event features vintage aircraft, war birds and an A-26 Invader Bomber. Activities include helicopter rides, aircraft displays, children activities and a hangar dance with big band music from the 1940s.

The Hangar Dance will be held Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.00 per person and are available at the Natchitoches Visitors Center at 781 Front Street. The Visitors Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The aircraft will arrive throughout the day on Friday and there is no charge for public viewing. Saturday’s events are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and have a $5 admission fee and a $3 parking fee. Enjoy a pancake breakfast on Sunday morning from 8 a.m. to noon for $3 and watch the aircraft depart.

For a complete schedule of Rendezvous events visit www.CaneAviation.com.

Visit www.natchitoches.net for more information on accommodations or upcoming events.

North Central Louisiana Arts Council

Arts Afloat Raffle (NCLAC), Oct. 1 until, NCLAC, 212 N. Vienna or P.O. Box 911, 318-255-1450, www.nclarts.org, Cost: $100 per ticket ($10000 prize)

Rotating Exhibit of Local Artists, featured Artist Camille Jungman, Oct. 1 until, All hours, Storefront window 3013 Trenton St., Ruston Collects Art ExhibitDate: Oct. 29-Dec. 4Location: Louisiana Tech's E.J. Bellocq Gallery (Ruston)Contact: Saul Zalesch, 257-3077Cost: FREE!

Antique Board Games and Cards, A fun afternoon awaits you., Nov. 10 and every Tuesday, 1:00 to 3:30 p.m., Lincoln Parish Museum, 609 N. Vienna St. in Ruston, 318-251-0018

Art Innovations Talent Show Auditions, No talent too small. Acts of a few seconds to 15 minutes., Nov. 14, 1-5 p.m., Art Innovations, 207 N. Trenton St. in Ruston, 255-1800

Knitting at the Lincoln Parish Museum, Bring your latest project., Nov. 12 and every Thursday, 1:00 to 3:45 p.m., Lincoln Parish Museum, 609 N. Vienna St. in Ruston, 318-251-0018

Exhibition Opening Todd Cloe, Nov. 13-January 8, Reception 6-8 pm Nov. 13 & Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm, Enterprise Center, 509 West Alabama Ave., Dorene Kordal 257-3890 Cost: FREE!

Art of Film, Nov. 12, 6-8 pm, Lincoln Parish Library, 255-1450 Cost: FREE!

Flaming Idiots, Nov. 13, 7:30 pm, Howard Auditorium, Corner of Adams & Arizona Blvd. Cost: $5 for Students & $10 for Adults

Voices and Visions of the Great Depression, Nov. 6-Jan 4, 2010, Tues.-Fri. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lincoln Parish Museum, 609 N. Vienna St. in Ruston, 255-1450 or 251-0018 Cost: FREE!

From: North Central Louisiana Arts Council

The City Park Players present Readers Theatre Presentation of Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, a play by Christopher Sergel and directed by Belle Rollins. This performance is a Rapides Public Library “The Big Read” featured event.

The play is Saturday, November 7, at 6:00 pm, with Dinner Theatre at Kent House Plantation, featuring the culinary talents of Chef William LeRoux and a silent auction benefitting Friends of the Rapides Library. Tickets are $30.

The familiar characters, the small town setting, and the major racial themes of Harper Lee’s classic novel are compressed in this faithful adaptation of the novel to the stage. Scout is as spunky, warm-hearted, and curious about life in the stage play as she is in the novel and film, and Atticus Finch is just as passionate an advocate for justice. Tom Robinson is as Job-like, and the Ewell family as hate-filled and ignorant as we expect them to be. The supporting cast, with their asides and small town gossip, convey the social setting of the 1930s. Compassionate, dramatic, and deeply moving, To Kill A Mockingbird takes readers to the roots of human behavior—to innocence and experience, kindness and cruelty, love and hatred, humor and pathos. *General audiences

Tickets can be purchased by calling 318-442-1800, Kent House Plantation 318-487-5998, Rapides Public Library Westside Branch 318-442-2483, Rapides Public Library Main Branch 318-442-1858.

A premiere community theatre, City Park Players is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to offering quality cultural activities and experiences to the entire Central Louisiana community through live theatre productions, programming, and education. City Park Players’ 2009 season is supported, in part, by grants from the Louisiana Division of the Arts and Roy O. Martin Foundation as administered by the Arts Council of Central Louisiana. The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest.

Additional support comes from our patrons and donors and people like you who believe that community theatre enriches our lives and enhances our quality of life.

Southern Association Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships

The Rapides Track Club will be hosting the Southern Association Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships on Saturday, November 21st in Pineville, LA. Online registration is now open at http://coachoregistration.com/cgi-bin/login.pl?cd=la_southern . You can also print and mail this form with your payment.

Qualifying: This meet will serve as the qualifying meet to the 2009 National Championships in Reno, NV on Sat. Dec. 12, 2009. To qualify as an individual, one must finish in the top 10 in their age group. The top team in each age group will also qualify.

Age Division and Distances:
Sub-Bantam: 8 & Under (born 2001 & above) 2000 meters (1 .2 miles)
Bantam: 9 - 10 (born 1999-2000) 3000 meters (1.8 miles)
Midget: 11 - 12 (born 1997-1998) 3000 meters (1 . 8 miles)
Youth: 13 - 14 (born 1995-1996) 4000 meters (2.5 miles)
Intermediate: 15 - 16 (born 1993- 1994) 5000 meters (3. 1 miles)
Young Men/Women: 17 - 18 (born 1991-1992) 5000 meters (3. 1 miles)

Time Schedule:
Note: Some age divisions and boys and girls races could be combined.
8:00 AM: Registration begins
9:30 AM: Sub-Bantam boys and girls 2000 meters
9:45 AM: Bantam boys and girls 3000 meters
10:00 AM: Midget boys and girls 3000 meters
10:30 AM: Youth boys and girls 4000 meters
11:00 AM: Intermediate boys and girls, and Young Men/Women 5000 meters
11:30 AM: Awards presentation (medals to top 10 finishers in each division)

Additional Meet Information: Call 318-201-0035 or 318-613-8559.

By: Byron Turner, Southern Association Youth Chairman

Arts Council of Central Louisiana to open season with Kaminari Taiko Drummers of Houston

The Arts Council of Central Louisiana will kick off its newest season with a BANG. Thundering drums will be heard throughout downtown Alexandria as Kaminari Taiko of Houston performs at the Alexandria Riverfront Amphitheater on Saturday, November 21 at 7 pm. Tickets are only $5 or $20 for a family of five.

In Japanese, “kaminari” means “thunder” while “taiko” means “great drum.” Taiko drums were originally used on Japanese battlefields more than 1,400 years ago to strike fear into the hearts of the enemy. Over the next millennium, taiko drumming transcended to the art form it is today. Combining rhythm, theatre, and dance, taiko drumming is an important Japanese tradition. Using twelve (12) drums, Kaminari combines the values of this magnificent art with the rhythms and beats of the world for an unforgettable performance. In their last performance, Kaminari Taiko of Houston performed to over 19,000 people in just two nights.

Because of the generosity of many community members, local organizations for children such as: the Alexandria Boys and Girls club, CASA, Volunteers of America, Hope House, Turning Point, and many more, will receive tickets for this performance.

The Arts Council of Central Louisiana will continue its series in February 2010 with New York’s Ailey II dance group. For more information on these events call 318-443-4718.

Honoring Veterans in Alexandria on November 12

A brief ceremony honoring veterans of all military branches will be held on Thursday, November 12 at 11:30am. The public is invited to attend.

This special tribute, including a “wreath-laying”, will take place at Alexandria City Hall on the Veterans Memorial Plaza, facing Third Street. The ceremony takes place to offer the opportunity for citizens to again visit the plaza and reflect upon its meaning and symbolism in central Louisiana.

The Alexandria Veterans Memorial Plaza was dedicated on November 11, 1999 in memory of former Alexandria City Councilman, Bob Lawrence. Its design honors all military branches as represented by their seals mounted on the memorial and is dedicated to those men and women of Alexandria who served in the United States Military, during peacetime and wartime.

At the plaza’s entrance is a sculpture by local artist, Morris Taft Thomas, five wings representing the five branches of the United States armed services.

For additional information please contact the Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at 318-442-9546.

By: The Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

November at Sci-Port

Grey Matters Adult Lecture Series: The Stressed Brain, Thursday, November 12, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. The Grey Matters series continues with LSUHSC neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Schrott and psychiatrist Dr. Anita Kablinger. They will discuss how stress affects our mood, thinking abilities and susceptibility to addiction and diseases. Dr. Schrott will also provide stress management techniques to help survive the ebbs and flows of life.

Heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served. Admission is $5 per person and free for members. Reserve your spot by calling 318-424-8660 by Monday, November 9.

Presented in partnership with LSUHSC.

______________________________________________________________________

Holiday Day Camps, November 23 - 25, December 21 - 23 & 28 - 30, January 4 - 5
Give your kids some Sci-Port fun and yourself a little breather during the holidays! Holiday Day Camps accommodate specific grade groups. Each Day Camp is a standalone experience and explores themes ranging from archaeology and colors to boats, rainforest adventures and the amazing human body (www.sciport.org/holidaycamps for the complete list). Choose your dates and find out what Sci-Port has to offer this holiday season!

Camp Times and Rates
K-1st grade session: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Members $30 General $35
2nd - 5th grade session: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Members $40 General $45

Camps include a mid-morning and afternoon snack, all materials and supplies needed for the session, a thirty-minute supervised lunch provided by Sci-Port's Galaxy Café and an IMAX film. Extended Care Options are available for a slight charge.

Call Visitor Services to register 318-424-8660.

______________________________________________________________________

Sci-Port en Español, Wednesday, November 11, 3 - 5 p.m.
On the second Wednesday of each month, programs will be performed in Spanish by our bilingual staff. A special admission price of $2 will apply after 3 p.m. (admission is free for members). Come learn about science in a whole new way, or just brush up on your Spanish at Sci-Port!
______________________________________________________________________

November Star Party, Friday, November 20, 7 - 10 p.m.
On the Windham Family Rooftop Terrace, observe Jupiter and its magnificent moons, marvel at the amazing Andromeda Galaxy, ogle over the legendary Pleiades and keep your eyes peeled for shooting stars. Space Dome Planetarium presentation and hands-on activities round out the fun.
FREE for Members, $5 for non-Members. Santa vs. the Snowman IMAX film
Opens Monday, November 23 with daily showings through Sunday, January 3
Get in the holiday spirit IMAX-style as Santa vs. the Snowman, an animated film from the creator of Jimmy Neutron, returns as a special holiday treat. This production is packed with laughs, action and a wonderful holiday message. Yule all have a rollicking merry time!

______________________________________________________________________

Fourth Friday Astronomy, Friday, November 27, 4 p.m.
Sci-Port celebrates the International Year of Astronomy with a new topic every Fourth Friday of the month. Come November 27 and learn about the latest findings from NASA, plus astronomical highlights of the season.

By: Sci-Port
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Ghost Walk in Minden, Louisiana

Don’t miss the 6th Annual Ghost Walk to be held on Saturday, November 14th. This annual event held at the Old Minden Cemetery on Bayou Avenue off Pine St. will be the scene of Minden’s past. If you love living history, you will love this event. With over 20 actors and actresses in period costumes portraying Minden’s past leading citizens. See Confederate soldiers along with early business leaders and politicians.

Tour hours are 12 noon -4 p.m. with tours starting every 15 minutes until the last tour at 3:00 p.m. Each tour will last about one hour. There will be golf carts to assist with those that are unable to walk the tour. Mobility devices are welcome. The cost of the tour is $10.00. Group rates are available, with 10 or more per group. All proceeds help to maintain the historic Minden cemetery.

If you missed the tour last year, you don’t want to miss it this year. For more information on the Ghost Walk, visit www.mindencemetery.blogspot.com or call 318-423-0192.


















By: Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau

Northeast Louisiana events in November

Artists of the Great Depression, Through November 7
This exhibition features the work of Depression era artists, including several who were employed by the Works Progress Administration's Federal Art Project, and photographers working under the Farm Securities Administration. The paintings, prints, and photographs in this exhibition include work by Thomas Hart Benton, Dorothea Lange, John McCrady and many others. Tuesday-Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Saturday Noon – 5:00 p.m. Free
Masur Museum of Art
Monroe 318-329-2237 or www.masurmuseum.org

Through November 24
Solo Exhibition by Michael Stillion
Enjoy this solo exhibition with paintings from Michael Stillion. Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Friday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Free. ULM – Bry Art Gallery, Monroe 318-342-1414 or www.ulm.edu/vapa

November 1, Antique Alley Fall & Holiday Open House
Antique Alley merchants have held the Open House each year for approximately 20 years to usher in the holiday shopping season. Each store is open with refreshments and musicians often play music up and down Trenton Street. 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Free to attend. Antique Alley, Trenton Street, West Monroe, 318-387-1933 or 318-387-5691

November 1
Tool Demonstration at Poverty Point State Historic Site
Come and learn about the various tools that could have been used by the inhabitants of Poverty Point in their daily life. Poverty Point staff will be conducting tool demonstrations hourly.
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $2; Children (12 and under) and Seniors (62 and older) Free
Poverty Point State Historic Site
Epps
Info: (318) 926-5492 or (888) 926-5492

November 3
Guest Artist on Campus Series: Bruce Tychinski
Recital features Bruce Tychinski playing trombone.
Time 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
ULM - Emy Lou Biedenharn Recital Hall
Monroe
Info: (318) 342-1414 or www.ulm.edu/vapa

November 5, ULM Music Recital, Musical recital featuring ULM Low Brass Soloists. 7:30 p.m. Free, ULM - Emy Lou Biedenharn Recital Hall, Monroe 318-342-1414 or www.ulm.edu/vapa

November 5-8 & 12-15
Strauss Theatre – Barefoot in the Park
This story follows the lives of newlyweds Paul and Corie as they adjust to married life in a tiny Greenwich Village apartment. Paul is a straight-arrow lawyer who's wound a little too tight, while Corie is an effervescent free spirit who won't let anything disturb her romantic bliss. Aside from the six-flight climb and the hole in their skylight, they must also contend with an eccentric upstairs neighbor, who must go through their apartment to get to his. Corie tries unsuccessfully to loosen Paul up. All ends well, however, with Paul and Corie full of youthful appeal in this light domestic comedy. Thursday-Saturday 7:30 p.m.; Sunday 2:00 p.m. $25 Strauss Theatre – Main Stage, Monroe 318-323-6681 or www.strausstheatre.com

November 6, ULM Music Recital, Musical recital featuring the ULM Wind Ensemble. 7:30 p.m. Free ULM - Brown Auditorium, Monroe 318-342-1414 or www.ulm.edu/vapa

November 7, Starr Homeplace Road Trip: Soule’ Live Stream Festival, Meridian, MS
The Soule’ Stream Engine Works has been preserved intact and is being turned into the Mississippi Industrial Arts Museum. Exhibits include tractors, cars, engines print shops, and weaving guilds. Roadtrip leaves from Wal-Mart in West Monroe. All fees refunded and events cancel if there are not an adequate numbers of reservations. 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (8 hours drive time) $65 Starr Homeplace Heritage & Creativity Center, LA 133/US 425
Oak Ridge 318-244-5700 or 318-651-8311

November 7, Veteran’s Day at Chennault Aviation and Military Museum
Bring the family out in celebration of Veteran’s Day. There will be food and fun activities, something for everyone! Major General Bennett Landreneau with the LA National Guard will be the guest speaker. 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Free. Chennault Aviation and Military Museum of LA, Monroe 318-362-5540

November 7, M2M Barbeque & Blues on the Ouachita, A M2M event features a BBQ contest and blues music. 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. $10; includes music & a meal, Main Street, Columbia 318-649-2138

November 9, ULM Music Recital, Musical recital featuring ULM Flute Soloists. 7:30 p.m. Free. ULM - Emy Lou Biedenharn Recital Hall, Monroe 318-342-1414 or www.ulm.edu/vapa

November 9-November 24, Solo Exhibition by Brooke Foy
Enjoy this solo exhibition with sculptures by Brooke Foy. Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Friday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Free. ULM – Bry Art Gallery, Monroe 318-342-1414 or www.ulm.edu/vapa

November 10, Graduate Recital: John Pirkey Musical recital featuring ULM graduate, John Pirkey on percussion. 11:00 a.m. Free, ULM - Emy Lou Biedenharn Recital Hall, Monroe 318-342-1414 or www.ulm.edu/vapa

November 12-15, Strauss Theatre – Barefoot in the Park
This story follows the lives of newlyweds Paul and Corie as they adjust to married life in a tiny Greenwich Village apartment. Paul is a straight-arrow lawyer who's wound a little too tight, while Corie is an effervescent free spirit who won't let anything disturb her romantic bliss. Aside from the six-flight climb and the hole in their skylight, they must also contend with an eccentric upstairs neighbor, who must go through their apartment to get to his. Corie tries unsuccessfully to loosen Paul up. All ends well, however, with Paul and Corie full of youthful appeal in this light domestic comedy. Thursday-Saturday 7:30 p.m.; Sunday 2:00 p.m. $25 Strauss Theatre – Main Stage, Monroe 318-323-6681 or www.strausstheatre.com

November 14 & 15, Annual Mistletoe and More Show
Be prepared to shop over 70 unique merchants all under one roof. Find holiday and home décor, gift at affordable prices, jewelry, and items for baby, tasty foods, clothing, arts and crafts, personalized items and much more! 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday; 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Sunday $3; Children 10 and under free West Monroe Convention Center, West Monroe 318-470-6714 or www.shoptiludropla.com

November 16, Senior Recital: Jessica Mead. Musical recital featuring ULM senior, Jessica Mead on the flute. 7:30 p.m. Free ULM - Emy Lou Biedenharn Recital Hall, Monroe 318-342-1414 or www.ulm.edu/vapa

November 17, Garden Path: Thanksgiving Tablescapes Featuring Phyllis Gordon
Welcome the holiday season with floral creation ideas that are sure to inspire your family’s table setting and décor. Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner will all the trimmings. Seating is limited. 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. $20 Biedenharn Museum & Gardens – Education Building, Monroe 318-387-5281 or www.bmuseum.org

November 19, Tales and Trails, Sign the little ones up for a good time at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The day includes a snack, story time and making crafts, as well as some outdoor activities. Program is for children 3-5; must be registered to attend. 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Free Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Monroe 318-387-1114

November 19, ULM Choirs and Orchestra Concert The ULM Choirs join the ULM Orchestra for a wonderful night of music. Come hear Brahms, A Song of Destiny; A Bach Cantata; and many opera choruses. Don’t miss this collaboration of sounds. 7:30 p.m. Free, First United Methodist Church, Monroe 318-342-1414 or www.ulm.edu/vapa

November 20-23, 2009 State Tennis Championship: Senior/Super Senior Combo Doubles. The Northeast Louisiana Community Association is hosting the State Championship tournament for senior tennis players (50 and over) and super seniors (60 and over). 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily. Free to attend Monroe Athletic Club/Forsythe Tennis Center, Monroe,318-396-7347

November 20-29, Bayou Bowl: $5 All-You-Can-Bowl,Enjoy this great offer in celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday! 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. $5 Bayou Bowl Family Fun Center, Monroe 318-325-2062 or www.bayoubowl.com

November 21, Prehistoric Demonstration at Poverty Point State Historic Site
Visit Poverty Point for a day of prehistoric demonstrations on the park grounds. Demonstrations will include of the use of the Atlatl and Indian Games. Also, observe the process of flintknapping and Earth Oven cooking! 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. $2; Children (12 and under) and Seniors (62 and older) Free Poverty Point State Historic Site, Epps 318-926-5492 or 888-926-5492

November 21 – January 30, Masur Museum of Art presents Louisiana artist Jonathan Pellitteri. Pellitteri’s intricately detailed sculpture and installations have a mechanical and architectural quality that is thought provoking and fun. Tuesday-Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Saturday Noon – 5:00 p.m. Free Masur Museum of Art, Monroe, 318-329-2237 or www.masurmuseum.org

November 28, Ranger Guided Earthwork Hike at Poverty Point State Historic Site
Come enjoy this ranger-led hike on the 2.6 mile hiking trail. It’s a great time to bring the family to explore and learn about the unique earthworks. Pack a lunch and before picnic after the hike!
1:00 p.m. $2; Children (12 and under) and Seniors (62 and older) Free Poverty Point State Historic Site, Epps 318-926-5492 or 888-926-5492

November 28, Christmas on the River Kick-Off Weekend
The month-long festival begins with entertainment, shopping, and fun. The lights will come on for the very first time accompanied by entertainment and a Premiere Party following to celebrate the holiday season and honor our sponsors and committee members. Premiere Party tickets can be purchased at the Convention & Visitors Bureau. Antique Alley, West Monroe 318-387-5691

November 28 – December 20, Santa’s Christmas Village at the Children’s Museum
Come and enjoy the many activities like ice skating, make and take ornaments, cookie decorating, and taking pictures with the Snowman. Don’t forget about mailing letters to Santa at the Peppermint Post Office and storytime with Mrs. Claus. And most of all, visit with Santa!
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday; 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Sunday; 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday - Frida $5, Admission; $10, Ice Skating The Children’s Museum, Monroe 318-361-9611 or www.nelcm.org

November 28 – December 26, Christmas on the River, Join us in Monroe-West Monroe for Christmas shopping, entertainment, and family fun. From ice skating and carolers in the streets to extended shopping hours and free live entertainment, we have a holiday schedule that you don’t want to miss! Each weekend has a special theme including the Kick-Off Weekend, Festival Weekend, and our favorite - the Old-Fashioned Weekend. Join us every weekend for extended shopping hours, entertainment, carriage rides, and so much more! Monroe-West Monroe 318-387-5691

Nov 30-Dec 4, 2009 Annual Art Sale, Various works for sale by ULM faculty, alumni, and students. 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Free to attend ULM – Bry Art Gallery, Monroe 318-342-1414 or www.ulm.edu/vapa