September 24, 2009

Fun Events to check out

Christmas Festival Poster Unveiling, September 27, The 2009 Natchitoches Christmas Festival Poster was created by 10-year Madalyn Sibley of League City, TX. Held at Dicken's & Co. at 524 Front Street. Posters will be on sale for $35. For more information call 318-357-3839.

"Peanut Butter and Jam Concert Series" on Saturday, October 10 at 6:30 p.m. The Children's Museum

October events in North Louisiana

Hunting and Fishing Day, September 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tensas National Wildlife Refuge, 2312 Quebec Road • Tallulah, Louisiana. For more information 318-574-2664 or www.fws.gov/tensas. Admission is free. This event is an initiative for youth ages 8-15, "Children and Nature" and is designed to be enjoyed by the whole family. Attendees will enjoy skeet shooting, BB shooting and archery. The highlight and main attraction of the day is the registration and selection process for Tensas river (NWR)’ annual Youth Lottery Hunt.

Teddy Bearfest '09, October 10 from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. For more information call 318-574-8519 Admission is free. Tallulah Courthouse Square, Tallulah, Louisiana www.ladelta65.org

Teddy Bearfest '09 Historical Celebration, Celebrating the Great Outdoors
Joe Wiegand, renowned Teddy Roosevelt Reprisor, will perform on stage capturing the life and times of President Roosevelt. Lots of activities for children will be offered. Educational and informational booths featuring a variety of activities and live animals, and information on wildlife, hunting, fishing will be on display. Booths showcasing arts and crafts will be avaliable. door prizes will be given and there will be a variety of food booths and live non-stop entertainment.
Shea Arender, Elvis Tribute Artist, will be the main attraction along with Vickie Bell, soul rythmn and blues singer and jazz musician, Dr. Willie Naylor. Other entertainers include Brian Sivils, Band of Brothers, Jamie Lynn Robinson, Baylee Regan, David Breechen, the Senational Six and a host of local gospel groups.

Madison Parish Tourism Commission, 305 Dabney Street, Talluah, Louisiana 888.744.8410, 318-574-8519, 318-574-1123

2nd Annual Avoyelles Bayou B-B-Q Cookoff
September 26 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Town of Cottonport, Cottonport Avenue, Cottonport, Louisiana, Visit travelavoyelles.com or call 318-876-3485. Admission is free.

2009 Fall Bluegrass Festival
September 30 to October 3 from 6:30 p.m. 318-428-5282 for more information. Admission: $40 3-Day Pass or $15 a day. Thomas Jason Lingo Community Center, 10284 Hwy. 17 South, P.O. Box 1224, Oak Grove, Louisiana, Louisiana, www.needfoundation.com, needfoundation_communitycenter@yahoo.com. 3 Day event with Wednesday evening having a covered dish supper with Bluegrass Gospel Music.

Caldwell Parish COC

Louisiana Art and Folk Festival
October 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Downtown Columbia, call 318-649-0726 or visit louisianaartandfolkfestival.com for more information.

The Louisiana Art and Folk Festival will be held Saturday October 10, 2009 from 9:00 - 5:00. This will be the 54th year for the Louisiana Art and Folk Festival. Held in historic downtown Columbia on Main Street. There will be a Fine Arts show with an art contest, an art exhibit at the Schepis Museum on Main Street. There will be a variety of music played throughout the day on stage in front of the courthouse. Arts and Craft booths will be set up on Main Street (booth spaces available), a children's petting zoo and other activities for children. Food booths will be serving a variety of foods. Our restaurants will be open for business (San Miguel, Mexican, Jan's Pizza Place, the Coffeehouse and Poparazzy serving Italian Ice.

Ruston Jaycees Fall Fair, October 14-17 North LA Exhibition Center, North Hwy 33, Ruston, Louisiana 318-789-8347 for more information

Pioneer Day at Hypolite Bordelon Home, October 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located at 242 Tunica Drive West, Marksville, Louisiana, call318-253-0284 for more information or visit travelavoyelles.com

Lions Club Pro Rodeo, October 8-10, Gates open 6pm, Starts at 7pm
337-239-3190 for more information. Vernon Parish Fairgrounds, 276 H. M. Stephens Blvd., Leesville, Louisiana

West Louisiana Forestry Festival & Fair October 7-11 at the Vernon Parish Fairgrounds. For more information call 337-353-2314. Admission is $3 Students, $5 Adults. Vernon Parish Fairgrounds, 276 H. M. Stephens Blvd., Leesville, Louisiana

Rapides Parish Cemetery Tour, October 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free. Call 318-487-5998 for more information. Visit various historic cemeteries in Rapides Parish. www.kenthouse.org

Lecompte Pie Festival, downtown Lecompte, October 2-4, Town of Lecompte Visit www.asliceoflouisiana.com or call 318-776-5488

West Louisiana Forestry Festival Pageant, October 2 at 7 p.m. Admission: $5 Adults, $3 Students, Vernon Parish Fairgrounds, 276 H. M. Stephens Blvd., Leesville, Louisiana

Biedenharn Special Evening Hours, Biedenharn Museum & Gardens, October 2 from 9 - 11 p.m., 318-387-5281 or www.bmuseum.org for more information. Admission is free.
Special evening hours are perfect for couples, families, and friends! They are also ideal for night photography, marriage proposals and garden enthusiasts.

Downtown Art Crawl, October 1 from 5 - 9 p.m., Downtown Monroe-West Monroe Arts Districts, admission is free. For more information call 318-329-1921 for more information. www.downtowngallerycrawl.com. Make your way from one historic jewel to the next, each filled with fine art and friendly faces. The Downtown Gallery Art Crawl is hosted by a community of artists and the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council and provides art, live entertainment, and more!

Natchitoches Parish: October Events

Robeline Heritage Festival, downtown Robeline, Louisiana, October 2-3, Friday: 5 – 9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - until . Robeline, Louisiana, located about 15 miles west of Natchitoches, will celebrate its heritage with live entertainment, games, children's activities, arts and crafts, a parade and food. Guest performances by Trini Triggs and Becky Birdwell & Roadhouse.
Admission is free; For more information call 800-259-1714 or visit www.robelineheritage.org

Return to the 50's Classic Car Show in downtown Natchitoches on October 3, from 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Natchitoches Historic District will return to the 50's with a classic car show, 50's music by "Shake, Rattle and Roll", concessions and, of course, shopping.
Admission is free. www.natchitoches.net

55th Annual Fall Pilgrimage from October 9-11, The Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches presents the 55th annual Fall Pilgrimage/Tour of Homes. The Tour includes plantations, town homes and homes seen in the movie "Steel Magnolias." Proceeds from the annual tour benefit the historic and cultural preservation of properties owned by APHN. Time varies by tour. Admission: $15 individual tour; $30 two-tour package; $40 three-tour package – discounted tickets available in advance and for groups 800-259-1714 www.natchitoches.net

St. Augustine Catholic Church Fair, October 9-11, Friday: 6:30–10 p.m./Saturday 8 a.m.–11:30 p.m./Sunday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Experience authentic Creole cuisine, music, games and a jaunt through historic Isle Brevelle. Masses will continue throughout the weekend and guests are encouraged to attend Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. St. Augustine Catholic Church, Melrose, Louisiana. Admission is free. For more information call 318-379-2521. www.natchitoches.net

Natchitoches Art Guild Art Walk, downtown Historic District, October 16 at 5 p.m. Maps and brochures will guide tourists and art connoisseurs through the downtown Historic District where professional artists will display their art and "meet and greet" patrons. Many businesses will be open late offer light refreshments. Musical entertainment will help to guide you along the Art Walk path. Admission is free. Natchitoches Art Guild & Gallery, 318-352-1626 or www.natchitoches.net.

Thunder on the River Christian Motorcycle Rally, October 16-18 from noon on Friday. Presented by Paul Lever Ministries this will be the first Christian Motorcycle Rally to be held in Natchitoches. Thousands of bikers will head to the historic city to spread God’s message. This is a family-friendly event. Activities include fun run, guest speakers, bike show, vendors and entertainment. Admission is free.800-259-1714 or www.thunderontheriver.com

Caddo Adai Pow-Wow, October 17, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Adai Indian Community on Hwy. 485 will host their annual Pow Wow on the grounds of the Adai Indian Cultural Center. Festivities include arts and crafts, food, traditional Indian dances and more! Bring your lawn chair. Free admission. For more information call 318-472-1007. Adai Caddo Indian Nation, Highway 485, Robeline, LA Adai Caddo Indian Community 318-472-1007 or www.AdaiIndianNation.com

Hauted History Tour, October 31 from 5-9 p.m.. The Natchitoches Historic Foundation invites you to find out what's haunted about Natchitoches while being terrifically entertained as it resurrects some of the most colorful characters in the history of the Louisiana Purchase. The Spirit Hunters Paranormal Investigations will once again be in town to report their findings.
Location of Event: American Cemetery, Second Street. Admission: Admission $10 for adults and $5 for children and students. Tickets available at the Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission, 781 Front Street and at the American Cemetery during the Tour. 800-259-1714 or www.historicfoundation.org

Witch Way to Main Street, October 31 at 5 p.m. in downtown Natchitoches. Downtown trick-or-treating and activities for children 12 and under. Participants will be allowed to trick-or-treat at participating downtown businesses. Children must be in costume and accompanied by an adult to participate. Activities include face painting, a tour of the "haunted" Natchitoches Parish Library bookmobile, Sparky the Fire Dog, McGruff the Crime Dog and games. The Order of Omega from NSU will host their Halloween Carnival downtown. Admission is free. 866-941-6246 or www.natchitoches.net

Source: Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Events in Rapides Parish: Fall 2009

Pops on the River "Red, White and Boom" September 26 at Alexandria Riverfront Amphitheater

Homegrown talent, patriotic favorites, and a beautiful, early fall evening are guaranteed to please concertgoers at the 27th annual "Pops on the River" concert presented by the Rapides Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m., September 26 at the Alexandria Riverfront Amphitheater. The concert is presented without charge to the community with bleacher seating available on a first-come, first-seated basis. Reserved tables for parties of 10 are available for purchase.

Headlining this year's concert are vocalist Katelyn Sooter and recording artist Dezmond Meeks, both Pineville High School graduates, and 2009 Cenla Idol winner Desmone Sanders.

Dezmond attended Northwestern State University before following his star as a contestant in the 4th season of "American Idol" where he advanced to the quarter-round finals before he was eliminated from the competition. He now entertains twice a week as a musician/front man at "Howl at the Moon" inside Hollywood's Universal City Walk.

Katelyn, daughter of Molly and Vic Sooter, is a cum laude graduate of Oklahoma City University and completed studies at the Springboard program in New York City where she worked with many leading Broadway performers. She now resides in Dallas. As an added treat, the finale - the Symphony's performance of Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" will be accompanied by canon fire and a surprise.

While seating is free, a limited number of reserved tables for ten are available for purchase. For table reservations, please call the Rapides Symphony Orchestra office at 318-442- 9709.

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Centenary College Choir to perform Concert at First United Methodist Church in Pineville, Louisiana

From sacred to secular, from Broadway to European, the choir's repertoire is as uniquely varied as its members who have graced the stage! The young men and women come from various regions of the country and often other countries. The combination of fine singing, showmanship, character, and visual appeal that have garnered wid recognition and given credence to the choir's title as "America's Singing Ambassadors."
The choir remains one of the most traveled choral groups in the nation! In addition to having toured extensively throughout the United States, including past Christmas performances in the White House, the choir has brought its choral celebration to over thirty nations on six continents.
They will be performing in the Sanctuary on September 27 at 6 p.m. Please come and enjoy the choir's fine singing, showmanship, character and visual appeal that will create a concert you don't want to miss!!!! Invite your friends and neighbors.
No charge, a love offering will be taken.

Location: First United Methodist Church, 2550 Monroe Highway, Pineville, LA 71360

Source: Alexandria Pineville Convention and Visitor's Bureau

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September 17, 2009

2009 Louisiana State Championship Bowie BBQ Duel

Enjoy the Bowie BBQ Duel and Jim Bowie Festival on Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19.

Live music featuring stars Avery Michaels & Exit 209, Maggie Brown, The Blue-Haired Mafia Band, Back Roads, and Paul Southerland and Hanna Belle. A re-enactment of the Bowie Sandbar Fight.

Schedule of Events
The 2009 Festival will be held at the RiverView RV Park and Resort at the tree grove area on the Vidalia Riverfront.

Admission Friday $3/Saturday $5 per person; children under 6 are free.

Friday, September 18, 2009
5:00 p.m. - Gates open, BBQ Duel Cook's Meeting (VIP Tent)
6:30 p.m. - Little Miss Bowie Pageant (Main Stage)
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - "Anything Butt" Judging
(Winners announced Saturday with BBQ Duel Awards)

Saturday, September 19, 2009
8:00 a.m. - BBQ Duel Judges Registration
9:00 a.m. - Festival Kickoff, Vendor Area Opens
10:00 a.m. - Paul Southerland & Hannah Belle, BBQ Duel Shoulder Judging
11:15 a.m. - Maggie Brown
11:15 a.m. - BBQ Duel Whole Hog Judging
12:30 p.m. - Jim Bowie Sandbar Duel Re-enactment
12:30 p.m. - Professional BBQ Duel Ribs Judging
1:15 p.m. - Blue Haired Mafia Band
2:00 p.m. - Amateur Rib Judging
2:30 p.m. - Back Roads
3:45 p.m. - Avery Michaels and Exit 209
5:30 p.m. - BBQ Duel Awards Ceremony for all competitions
6:00 p.m. - Festival Close
8:00 p.m. - Chillin' On The River Vidalia Women's Club Street Dance (RiverFront Amphitheater)

For more information click on the link below.

Source: The Vidalia Chamber of Commerce

Bluegrass Festival in Minden


The Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau is proud to announce the Annual Blue Grass Festival, Saturday, September 26.

Load up your lawn chairs and get ready for the best in Bluegrass music, from 10 a.m. until 4 pm. at the Germantown Colony Museum in Minden. Minden's very own celebrity, Dawn Glass Stewart will MC the event.

This year's festival offers the best Bluegrass music in the area including Mountain View Connection, Sweet Tea, Tuning South, Brand New Strings, Greysful and much more. Enjoy live music, crafts and food. Admission is $3 for adults; free for children under 12. For more information call 318-377-2508.

Source: Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau