28th Annual Christmas in Roseland Festival

FRIDAYS, SATURDAY, SUNDAYS ONLY:
November 25- December 18, 2011 from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Last car admitted at 9:30 p.m.

ENCORE NIGHT:
Friday, December 23, 2011from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Last car admitted at 9:30 p.m.

Gardens of the American Rose Center, just off I-20, Exit 5 in Shreveport, LA
8877 Jefferson Paige Road, Shreveport, LA 71119

ADMISSION
$5 per person or $20 per carload. Ages 2 and younger are free. Purchase tickets at the gate with cash. Santa/Train tickets are available in gift shop. Please note that Christmas in Roseland is a walking event only and no carts are available.

Group Rates:
$35 per minibus (Up to 25 people)
$75 per charter bus;
Please call 318-938-5402 to make a group reservation.

PHOTOS WITH SANTA
Photos with Santa are $10 each. No personal photography allowed.
Santa is located in the Administration Building. Tickets may be purchased in the Gift Shop.

ROSELAND EXPRESS TRAIN
Roseland Express tickets are $5. Tickets may be purchased in the Gift Shop.

DISCOUNT COUPONS
$5 off Carload Admission Coupons

During Christmas in Roseland, customers of Shreveport-Bossier Chick-Fil-A locations will receive $5 off Carload Admission coupon with purchase of a meal while supplies last.
Shreveport Location: 7010 Youree Drive


CHRISTMAS CARDS TO THE COMMUNITY
The Christmas Cards to the Community program was established more than 16 years ago to create a
unique opportunity to highlight the talents of local students. Since that time, this program has become a
cornerstone of our event. Every year, thousands of visitors enjoy the creativity and beauty shown by our
area school children. Prizes are awarded to the top three designs in elementary, middle and high school
divisions.

www.christmasinroseland.org

Winnsboro-Franklin Parish Chamber of Commerce Christmas Events

Christmas Events

The annual Christmas Parade sponsored by the Winnsboro-Franklin Parish Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Friday, December 3, on the streets of downtown Winnsboro.

This year's event marks the eighth year the parade has been held after dark, and parade organizers note that the event has grown each year. As usual, the parade will be the culmination of a week-long series of yuletide events in Winnsboro.

Float builders are encouraged to contact the Chamber office to register their float for the parade, which will draw thousands of viewers from throughout Franklin Parish and beyond.

"Last year couldn't have been any better because of the snow that fell before and during the parade," said parade co-chair Paul Price, Jr. "We really don't expect that to happen again, but you never know."

Price noted that the annual event has become a great advertising opportunity for local and area businesses.

"If the past few years have been any indication, this is a great opportunity for local businesses to get their name before the public because, weather permitting, there will be a huge crowd watching the parade."

Bands, elected officials, and beauty queens, along with beautiful lighted floats will comprise this year's parade, which will follow the traditional parade route in downtown Winnsboro.

In addition, a limited number of local non-profit organizations will be selling food and beverages in selected spots along the parade route.

The parade will culminate with the annual fireworks display at Landis Park.

"This event continues to grow, and we hope groups from throughout the parish will enter floats in this year's parade," said parade co-chair Noble Ellington III. "Cash prizes will be awarded to for the best floats, and we hope the friendly float building competition among our local banks and businesses to maintain its intensity."

Commercial float entries will compete for the Santa trophy that they will get to display for a year, while non-profit groups will compete for cash prizes in different categories.

Antique cars are also encouraged to participate in this event, and trophies and cash prizes will be awarded to the top three vehicles. This category is open to any antique car owner within the parish and beyond.

"Car owners will need to register with the Chamber office by November 24," Price said. "Owners can contact the chamber office of visit the chamber website for entry forms."

Also on tap during the week following the Thanksgiving holidays is the annual tree lighting ceremony across the street from Winnsboro City Hall. That event will take place on Tuesday, November 30, at 6 p.m. at the gazebo, and will be coordinated by Wellspring.

Christmas trees sponsored by local businesses on the "Trail of Trees" along the Walking Trail in Winnsboro will also be turned on during the week, and on Thursday, December 2, the annual Children's Christmas Parade will be held on the streets of downtown Winnsboro starting at 6 p.m.

Children from throughout the parish are encouraged to "dress up" their bicycles, electric cars, and wagons and participate in this event.

Entry forms, rules, and other parade information are posted on the Chamber website at http://www.winnsborochamber.com/christmasforms.htm.

Information from Winnsboro Chamber of Commerce.

Christmas Parade in Coushatta

The Coushatta - Red River Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Christmas Parade on Thursday, December 2nd.

The Town of Coushatta will sponsor a Fireworks Extravaganza after the parade; the viewing area will be at the Boat Launch under the Red River Bridge.

The parade line-up is at 3:00 p.m. at the Fair Grounds and the parade will roll at 4:00p.m.(schools will let out at noon that day).  The parade route is from the Fair Grounds and will end on Front Street in front of the Methodist church.

Information supplied from Red River Chamber of Commerce.

Monroe Events for November

Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall

November 5-7, Free

Chennault Aviation and Military Museum of Louisiana, 701 Kansas Lane, Monroe

318-362-5540, www.chennaultmmla.org

Experience this unique expression of honor to the soldiers, sailors, and airmen who sacrificed for our country.

Taste of the Twin Cities

Showcasing local restaurants featuring samples of delicious food while retail exhibitors offer opportunities to shop from an array of specialties! And you won't want to miss the live entertainment by local musicians.

November 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Cost $15

West Monroe Convention Center, 901 Ridge Ave., West Monroe, Louisiana

www.tasteofthetwincities.org

Christmas on the River

November 27

Gallery Open House on Art Alley

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Downtown Monroe/West Monroe

Downtown Christmas Market

Noon to 5 p.m.

Downtown Monroe Riverwalk

100 N. Grand, Monroe

Christmas Express Train

4 p.m., 212 Walnut Street, Monroe

Lighting Ceremony

4:30 p.m., Antique Alley, Trenton Street, West Monroe

Little Miss Christmas on the River Pageant

6:30 p.m., Antique Alley, Trenton Street, West Monroe

November 28

Chamber Arts Brass Christmas Concert

4 p.m., Biedenharn Museum & Gardens, 2006 Riverside Drive, Monroe

For more events

Information from Monroe-West Monroe Convention & Visitors' Bureau

2009 CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL BROCHURES NOW AVAILABLE

Natchitoches has released the new 2009 Christmas Festival brochure with calendar of events for the Festival of Lights.

The brochure includes times, dates, entertainment lineups, admission information and Holiday Tour of Homes information.

This year marks the 83rd anniversary of the Festival of Lights. The city and parish are waiting in anticipation for the biggest and best Christmas Festival yet. The brochure is made possible by the City of Natchitoches, Natchitoches Events Center, Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, Natchitoches Historic Foundation and the Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Begin planning your trip to the 83rd Annual Christmas Festival now by calling 800-259-1714 or visiting www.natchitoches.net and filling out a contact form to be mailed the brochure.

Also visit the official Christmas Festival website at www.christmasfestival.com for more information about the festival and up-to-date information.

Schedule of Events
November 21 – January 6, 2010


By: Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Christmas in Avoyelles Parish

December 13th, and 14th, 2008, Christmas Parade and Fireworks on the Bayou Festival, Town of Cottonport, Hwy. 107, Cottonport, LA.
Fireworks, December 13th at 6:00 p.m.
Parade, December 14th at 1:30 p.m.
Please contact City Hall at 318-876-3485 for more information.

Christmas in Roseland presents 25th Annual Lights Festival

"Sleigh bells ring, are ya listening, in the lanes snow is glistening, it's a beautiful sight we're happy tonight, walking in a winter wonderland."

Start a new family tradition, visit the Gardens of the American Rose Center for Christmas in Roseland, November 28th through December 26th at the American Rose Center on Jefferson-Paige Road in Greenwood, Louisiana. Spend time walking through the magical gardens of the American Rose Center. The gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland and offer great fun for all ages. This is a great family outing!

This is the 25th year of Christmas in Roseland and there are many special events to celebrate this anniversary. including a Christmas in Roseland Sneak-Peak Friday, November 21st and Saturday, November 22nd.

Can’t wait until Christmas? Catch some early holiday spirit as the American Rose Center opens Christmas in Roseland this Friday and Saturday, November 21st and 22md, for a sneak peak weekend. Dozens of scenes and twinkling lights are already in place, and Santa Claus will be on hand to hear early wish lists as holiday tunes from the Windsounds Carillon fill the gardens. Gates open each evening at 5:30 p.m., with the last car admitted at 9:30 p.m.

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More than a million “blooming” lights will adorn the rosebushes of the American Rose Center as this popular attraction prepares for its 25th Annual Christmas in Roseland celebration. This year’s event will run Tuesdays through Sundays, November 28th - December 24th, with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. with the last car admitted at 8:30 p.m. on Sundays and Tuesdays through Thursdays and at 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Each holiday season thousands of local residents and tourists visit this whimsical, sparkling wonderland. Centerstage again this year is the 18-foot tall, white, Victorian “Santa’s Cottage” where the jolly old elf will be accepting guests each Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening and the week prior to Christmas.

The wonder begins Friday, November 28th, as Christmas in Roseland officially kicks off its 25th anniversary season. The Summerfield Estates Silver Bells Choir will lead off the opening ceremonies at 6:00 p.m., followed by Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover’s proclamation of Christmas in Roseland Day in the city. The Shriner’s Clown Patrol will escort Santa onto the premises followed by a civic presentation of “The Nutcracker” by the Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet.

Other holiday delights include:

• dozens of lighted displays, animated scenes and illuminated walkways interspersed amid twinkling trees, shrubs and rose beds;
• more than 50 giant “Christmas Cards to the Community” created by local elementary, middle school and high school students;
• a model train display in the Administration Building;
• a holiday quilt display by the Red River Quilters;
• a photography exhibit by the Alexandria Photography Guild;
• nightly entertainment at Windsounds Carillon Tower and Hardtner Chapel;
• Santa's Candy Shop;
• the Roseland Express;
• the American Rose Center Gift Shop filled with an array of holiday and gift selections;
• full-service concession stand on grounds.

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Christmas in Roseland joins with
Movies & Moonbeams to show
"How the Grinch Stole Christmas"

What could be better than watching a holiday classic at a holiday classic? Christmas in Roseland is joining with the Robinson Film Center’s Movies and Moonbeams to show “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at 7:00 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. on Friday, December 12th.

The movie will be part of the evening’s activities at Christmas in Roseland and will be free with paid admission. Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly and bring blankets for the outdoor presentation.

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"Nutcracker" Civic Performance

The enchantment of “The Nutcracker” will fill the Gardens of the American Rose Center as the Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet presents an excerpt of the holiday classic Friday, November 28th, on the opening night of Christmas in Roseland 2008. The performance is set for 7:00 p.m. at Windsounds Carillon Tower

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Holiday Quilt Display

Christmas in Roseland is joining with the Red River Quilters in celebrating their joint 25th anniversaries with a holiday quilt showing featured throughout the holiday festival. Approximately a dozen holiday and traditional quilts will be part of the show on display in the Administration Building of the American Rose Center, Tuesdays through Sundays, Nov. 28 – Dec. 24.

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Photography show "An Exhibit of Roses"

Doctor, lawyer, forester, teacher, military man, highwayman, professionals and hobbyists – all members of the Photographers’ Guild of Alexandria were challenged to photograph roses in any form. The goal was the hanging of an exhibit at the Gardens of the American Rose Center.

The challenge was met. “An Exhibit of Roses,” on display at Klima Rose Hall through Dec. 24, includes more than 40 photographs varying in subject from bud to bloom and roses in the garden to roses in the hand.

The exhibit is open to the public during normal Christmas in Roseland, Tuesdays – Sundays, November 28th – December 24th.
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Special Discount Nights

Tuesday, December 2nd, every 25th car admitted free of charge
Wednesday December 3rd, 25% discount on all gift shop purchases
Sunday, December 7th, $2.50 single admission night
Thursday, December 11th, any with a 25th birthday in 2008 admitted free (i.d. required)
Tuesday, December 16th, KRMD Radio $1.01 admission night.

Located 8877 Jefferson Paige Road, just off I-20, Exit 5, in Shreveport, Louisiana, the Gardens of the American Rose Center is easily accessible for local residents and tourists. Admission for this family-oriented celebration is just $5 per person or $15 per carload, whichever is less. Mini-bus and charter bus rates are also available, making Christmas in Roseland a convenient and affordable holiday outing. For more information on this event or Christmas in Roseland, call 318-938-5534 or see www.ars.org/Coming_Events/garden-center.html.
Source and photo credit: The Gardens of the American Rose Center

Christmas in Caddo Parish - Rockets Over the Red

Rockets Over the Red, Saturday, November 29th, 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Riverview Park in Shreveport. A night of fun, fireworks, food and live entertainment. The fireworks are shot from the Red River and Texas Street Bridge beginning at 8:15 p.m. The live entertainment includes Rockhouse performing at 4:00 p.m. and the Benjy Davis Project performing at 6:00 p.m. There is a free shuttle from Shreve City or public parking in the Regions Bank Garage. Call 222-7403 for more information.
Source: http://www.downtownshreveport.com/rockets_over_the_red.htm

Christmas in Red River Parish

Christmas Festival, Coushatta, LA., December 11th-13th

On Thursday, December 11th, Parade and Fireworks, Parade begins @ 5:00 p.m., followed by fireworks display. Viewing area for fireworks display will be at the boat launch area under the Red River bridge. (right on Abney St. off Carroll St., which is Hwy 84).

On Friday, December 12th, Business Open House and Scavenger Hunt visit local business to obtain clues for the hunt.

On Saturday, December 13th, 11 a.m. til 3 p.m. Festival site is the old downtown area on Front Street, which will be blocked off. Santa Claus will be in his workshop for the kids. Drawing for the Scavenger Hunt will be at noon. Find your favorite foods, arts and crafts at vendor booths.

Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival

Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival

Revel in the captivating Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival on the banks of Caddo Lake in Oil City’s Earl Williamson Park on Saturday, December 6th.

The festival will kickoff at 3:30 p.m., followed by the fireworks display by Zambelli at 6:30 p.m.

The annual festival will feature the best in local entertainment, in addition to delicious food, comical clowns, creative arts and crafts, and much more!

Children will be amazed by the clowns, games, lights, and of course Santa Claus. He will make his way to the festival, bearing a gift for each child at the event. Children may also have their picture taken with Jolly Old St. Nicholas.

“This event gives the people of north Caddo Parish something to enjoy with their families and friends,” said Festival Organizer Mary Dunn. “The event is free to all and the fireworks and decorations will be wonderful.”

Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival, Inc. was formed 14 years ago as a partnership between the Vivian Chamber of Commerce and the Oil City Rotary Club.

The organizations invited all 10 towns in northwest Caddo Parish to join together to plan the free event with fireworks, food, entertainment, Santa Claus and activities for children with a goal of serving the people of North Caddo and the surrounding area.

Those towns are Belcher, Blanchard, Gilliam, Hosston, Mira, Ida, Mooringsport, Oil City, Rodessa and Vivian.

Take I-20 to I-220, exit Highway 1 and 71 North. Take Highway 1 North toward Oil City. The event is in Earl Williamson Park on Caddo Lake at Oil City, LA. Locals can head north up Highway 1 to Oil City.

For more information, please call 318-631-0182.
Source: Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourism Bureau

NATCHITOCHES CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL GRAND MARSHAL ANNOUNCED

The Natchitoches Christmas Festival Committee has announced Meadowlark Lemon to be the Grand Marshal of the 2008 Natchitoches Christmas Festival Parade to be held Saturday, December 6 at 1 p.m. in downtown Natchitoches.

Lemon joined the Harlem Globetrotters in 1955 at the age of 23. He is best known by his nickname, “The Clown Prince of Basketball”. In 1979, Lemon left the Globetrotters to explore the film industry. He stared in the movies “Modern Romance” and “The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh” and the television series “Hello Larry”. He also has made guest appearances on “The Tonight Show” and “Scooby Doo”. He currently hosts “The Meadowlark Lemon Show” aired by Trinity Broadcasting Network.

The 82nd Annual Christmas Festival will be held on Saturday, December 6 with arts, crafts, food, and entertainment throughout the day. Other festivities include a Santa Shuffle/ 5K run, a junior parade, and an evening fireworks show.

During the Christmas season, Natchitoches is alive with arts and crafts, children activities, entertainment, food, carriage tours and fireworks every Saturday and New Year’s Eve.

The Festival of Lights kicks off on November 22 with “Turn on the Holidays”. This day long event features children’s activities, entertainment, open houses and food demonstrations. The highlight of the event will be the official grand lighting ceremony where more than 300,000 lights and 70 lighted set pieces illuminate Cane River Lake. A fireworks display will follow. The lights will remain on until January 6, 2009.

The Holiday Tour of Homes, a tour of the historic homes in Natchitoches, will be held the second and third weeks in December. Visit www.historicfoundation.org for more details.

Advance admission for the Christmas Festival is $6 for adults and $4 for children. Children five and under are free. Advance armbands go on sale November 1 and can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce, 562 Second Street. Credit card purchases may be made by calling the Chamber at (318) 352-6894. Service charge applied.

For a detailed schedule of the Festival of Lights call (800) 259-1714 or visit www.christmasfestival.com.

For more information on events in Natchitoches Parish, contact the Natchitoches Area Convention and Visitors’ Bureau at (800) 259-1714 or visit www.natchitoches.net.

Natchitoches to “Turn on the Holidays” this Saturday

Official kick-off to the Festival of Lights season

Downtown Natchitoches will kick off the holiday season during “Turn on the Holidays”, Saturday, November 22nd.

“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:

• Noon to 4:00 p.m.-Live Music by The Back Porch Band who plays traditional ballads, folk and Celtic music.

• Noon to 4:00 p.m. Face painting and balloon art by Jelly and CeCe the clown with magic shows at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
  
  
• Noon to 4:00 p.m.-Creole doll making with the Cane River Creole National Historical Park, children’s ornament painting with the Natchitoches Art Guild and Gallery, and the Natchitoches Parish Library Bookmobile.
  
  
• Noon to 4:00 p.m. Inflatable jumper and slide, monster mural coloring and a rock climbing wall.
  
  
• Noon to 4:00 p.m. Living History by Fort Jesup State Historic Site.
  
  
• Noon to 1:00 p.m. Doucet’s Cajun Meat Company demonstration on deboning and stuffing chickens with samples provided.
  
  
• 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. WesMar Farms demonstrations and free samples using goat milk including homemade pizza and sausage.
  
  
• 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Holiday Open House sponsored by downtown merchants.
  
  
• 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Entertainment by Betty Lewis and the Executives.
  
  
• 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 will take place on the downtown riverbank. Sponsorship for these events was made possible by grants from the Office of the Lt. Governor, Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism and the National Park Service Preserve America.

“Turn on the Holidays” is part of Louisiana Main to Main: A Cultural Road Show, which is designed to showcase the Louisiana Main Street Program and foster economic development for Louisiana Main Street communities. Throughout November, Main Street communities across the state will host various events and activities that promote cultural tourism. Louisiana Main to Main showcases the interconnectivity of unique and diverse, cultural and historical, natural and creative Louisiana resources across the state.

“Turn on the Holidays” will kick off Natchitoches’ holiday season as the City prepares for the 82nd Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival on Saturday, December 6. 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. For more information about the Natchitoches Christmas Festival, visit www.christmasfestival.com.

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

Photo Credit: Natchitoches Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau
Source: Latisha McDaniel, Media & Public Relations, Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Christmas in Arcadia, Louisiana

Celebrate Christmas in Arcadia on Saturday, December 16th beginning at 8 a.m. with a Christmas Parade at 11 a.m.

Enjoy a day of shopping at local antique shops from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The antique car, tractor and motorcycle show will be held at Arcadia City Hall. Registration begins at 8 a.m.; the awards ceremony will be at 3 p.m.

There will be plenty of arts & crafts, food, and musical entertainment for the whole family.

Stay for a bluegrass jam at 5 p.m. with musical entertainment by Grassfire, Avery Michael and Dennene Stringfellow.

For more information contact City Hall at 318-263-8456.

Merry Christmas Bienville Parish and Arcadia from Louisiana Trekker!

Christmas in Claiborne Parish

November 3rd-8th Claiborne Parish merchants want folks to shop local first. A Holiday Open House in Homer and Haynesville featuring great sales and a $250 shopping spree giveaway will be held Saturday, November 8th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to the open house, folks can get "A Taste of Homer" all you can eat for $10.00.

Claiborne Christmas Festival, Saturday, November 29th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Homer Square. Parade begins at 1 p.m. Enjoy games for kids, over 40 food and craft vendors, Christmas music, and a day of fun for the entire family.

The 3rd Annual "Hills of Homer" Christmas Run will be on November 29th with 10K and 5K Runs beginning at 8 a.m. in downtown Homer. Entry fee is $15 ($20 after November 16th). There will also be a 1 Mile Fun Walk/Run. Contact Wayne Hatfield at 318-927-2961 for more information.

If you have any questions about the Claiborne Christmas Festival or would like to participate in the Parade or as a vendor, contact City Hall at 318-927-1312.

Claiborne Parish Christmas Festival Cookbooks are available at several local merchants for $13.00 each. To reserve your copy, call 318-927-9009.

Merry Christmas Claiborne Parish from Louisiana Trekker!

Avoyelles Parish Events

October 1-31, 2008
New Deal Archeology, Marksville State Historic Site, Month long exhibit, $2 for ages 13-61; others free. Contact Marksville State Historic Site at 318-253-8954 for more information.

October 24, 2008
Myths and Legends, Marksville State Historic Site, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., $2 ages 13-61, others free. Contact Marksville State Historic Site, at 318-253-8954 for more information.

October 25, 2008
Avoyelles Senior Health and Fun Day
Paragon Mari Center, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sponsored by the Avoyelles Council on Aging. Please call 318-253-9771 for registration and information.

November 1-2, 2008
Festival of Quilts, Cottonport Museum, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
220 Cottonport Avenue, Cottonport, LA 71327
Please call 318-876-2386 for additional information.

December 13th, and 14th, 2008
Christmas Parade and Fireworks on the Bayou Festival, Town of Cottonport, Hwy. 107, Cottonport, LA.
Fireworks, December 13th at 6:00 p.m.
Parade, December 14th at 1:30 p.m.
Please contact City Hall at 318-876-3485 for more information..

Enjoy a day in the fresh country air

Bienville Parish: Arcadia

Grab your friends and family for a fun-filled day in the country at PaPa Simpson's Farm in Arcadia, Louisiana on Saturday, October 18th, 2008 and November 15th, 2008, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at MiMi's Country Cupboard.

PaPa Simpson's Farm is a working dairy farm. Six generations have called the farm home. Agriculture is their way of life and they want to share it with everyone. The tour allows visitors to experience daily life on a farm. Visitors are educated on the animals, crops, vegetable garden, fruit trees and berries. There is also a lesson in history and geography. The most important that the family wants to share with others is the beauty of the rolling hills, trees, pastures and their way of life.

MiMi's Country Cupboard offers several items for sale. Purchase your very own PaPa Simpson's Farm t-shirt, or one of these farm fresh foods: cheddar cheese, jelly, sweet pickles, dill pickles, cinnamon pickles, pickled okra, salsa, candied jalapenos, pepper sauce, seasonal flowers, sugarcane stalks, herbs and fresh eggs.

PaPa Simpson's Farm is available for birthday parties, company picnics, fishing at the catfish pond, educational tours and family tours. The farm is also open for day care centers, nursing homes, church groups, clubs, companies, reunions, individuals, or families.

The cost of the family tour is $8.00 per person; children one and under are free. Reservations may be made by calling 318-263-2383 or 318-278-0883. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy some fishing in the catfish pond after the tour.

Fall Festivities:
Pick-a-Pumpkin Patch: In the months of October and November, we will have a pick your own pumpkin patch for educational tours. Price is $8 per person and everyone gets a pumpkin.

Pumpkin Festival on Saturday, October 11, 2008 from 6-9 p.m.*Purchase tickets for activities such as horseback riding, face painting, painting a pumpkin, carnival games, baby animal petting area, corn dig for prizes, hayride with storytelling, bonfire and roasting of marshmallows.*Large pumpkins available for purchase*Costume contest*Concessions available

Winter Festivities: Christmas with the Critters, December 12th and 13th, 2008, from 6-9 p.m.*Christmas light display*Baby animal petting area*Horseback riding*Snow dig for prizes*Pictures with Santa Claus*Hayride with bonfire, roasting of marshmallows, reading Christmas Story of Jesus’ Birth from Luke*Concessions available

Directions to PaPa Simpson’s Farm: Take Interstate 20 Exit 69 in Arcadia, travel Highway 151 North for 2 ½ miles; Turn left at Alabama Baptist Church onto Rich Road and follow the signs to MiMi’s Country Cottage. Please do not turn in at the gate that says “PaPa Simpson’s Farm.” Drive to the top of the hill and you will see MiMi’s Country Cottage. This is where the tour will start. The farm is located approximately 4 ½ miles from exit 69.

Source: PaPa Simpson's website