Natchitoches Relives Cities'
Haunted History
Haunted History
Haunted History Tour Scheduled for October 31
The Natchitoches Historic Foundation hosts a guided night stroll through the American Cemetery during its annual Haunted History Tour held October 31 from 5-9 p.m. The tour will feature live portrayals of area personalities buried in the historic cemetery.
American Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in the Louisiana Purchase with graves dating to the early 1700s. The sacred grounds of the cemetery are the final resting places of immigrants, politicians, judges, doctors, war heroes, villains and educators. Buried with these people are wonderful stories of determination, betrayal, love, laughter and death that rival the best books and movies.
Some of the highlights of the tour include a visit from the front street ghost U.S. General Napoleon McLaughlin, the tale of the tragedy of the L’Herrison Family and a greeting from Isabella, the ghost of NSU’s Normal Hill.
Prior to the tour, Spirit Hunters Paranormal Investigators will conduct an investigation of paranormal activity at Chez de Amis Bed and Breakfast and the Cunningham Law Office. They will reveal their results during the tour.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and children and can be purchased at the Natchitoches Information Center, 781 Front Street or at the American Cemetery during the tour. Transportation will be provided to the tour sites and tickets will also be available at those locations. For more information, including the tour’s cast of characters, visit www.historicfoundation.org.
For more information on events in the parish, contact the Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-259-1714 or visit www.natchitoches.net.
Source and Photo Credit: Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
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Natchitoches to sponsor ‘Witch Way to Main Street’
The City of Natchitoches Main Street Program in partnership with Northwestern State University Order of Omega will sponsor Witch Way to Main Street in downtown Natchitoches on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Children 12 years old and under will be allowed to trick-or-treat at participating downtown shops. Area organizations and businesses will also have booths set up along Front Street distributing candy and offering carnival type games and activities. Children must be in costume and accompanied by an adult to participate. Candy will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Activities that evening include visits with Sparky the Fire Dog, the Natchitoches Police Department, Cane River Water Way Commission and Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office. Other activities include face painting, a tour of the “haunted” Natchitoches Parish Library bookmobile, interactive simulation in the fire safety training trailer, a haunted house and Boogie on the Bricks for kids – a street dance for children featuring Halloween music. Refreshments will also be available while supplies last.
Order of Omega is comprised of representatives from Greek organizations at NSU. Order of Omega games and activities will take place on the south end of Front Street and an armband is required for this area. An armband can be purchased for $1 or by bringing 2 can good items to the event. Order of Omega activities include a cake walk, baseball throw, bean bag toss, duck pond, balloon darts and much more.
Natchitoches police officers will be on duty to ensure children’s safety. Front Street will be shut down from the Touline to Lafayette Street, beginning at 4 p.m. A portion of the downtown riverbank will close at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
The Natchitoches Police Department is encouraging families who will be trick-or-treating in their neighborhoods to do so before dark. The Police Department asks for all children to be monitored by an adult and use caution when crossing roadways. Parents should also check all Halloween candy before consumption.
For more information about Witch Way to Main Street, please call the Main Street Office at 318-352-2746 or the Office of Greek Life at 318-357-5439.
In conjunction with Witch Way to Main Street, the Christian Worship Center will sponsor their annual “Hallelujah Night” on Saturday, October 31 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the downtown riverbank. Activities include games, food, candy, costume contests, a dunking booth and more. For more information, please call 352-4593.
Source and photo credit: City of Natchitoches
