Celebration on the Cane set for July 4

There will be fun for the entire family at Celebration on the Cane, Natchitoches’ Fourth of July celebration.

Enjoy a free live concert on Sunday, July 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the Fleur de Lis Stage. Rivers Revue, led by Hardrick Rivers, is a four-piece band specializing in a variety of jazz, rhythm and blues, zydeco and folk music.

The highlight of the evening will be a fireworks show over Cane River Lake that will take place at approximately 9:30 p.m. The downtown bridge will also illuminate with patriotic lights and patriotic music will play for all in attendance.

Many retail shops and restaurants located within the National Historic Landmark District will also be open for business on July 4. Visitors can also take a horse and carriage tour of the downtown area and visit other local attractions including the Fort St. Jean Baptist State Historic Site and the Natchitoches Alligator Park.

For more information about Celebration on the Cane, please call the Natchitoches Main Street at (866) 941-6246 or the Natchitoches Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 259-1714.

From: Natchitoches Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LA DOTD) announces that beginning at 11:30 pm on Tuesday July 6, 2010, the bridge over the Red River on LA 6 (Grand Ecore Bridge) will be completely closed until 4:30 am on Wednesday July 7, 2010. The Grand Ecore Bridge is located over the Red River on LA 6 approximately 0.35 miles west of its junction with LA 486.

The intent of this closure is to allow the contractor to set deformed reinforcing steel on the bridge structure. During this closure, detour signs will be in place which will direct traffic to the next closest bridge crossing of the Red River in Coushatta.

For more information on upcoming night closures and general project updates, the public can call (318) 793-4445 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additionally, the public can view project information and updates at the following web address: http://www.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/GrandEcoreBridge/

Any questions regarding this information should be directed to the project engineer who is administering this contract for the LA DOTD, Mr. Michael DeSelle, at 7900 Hwy 1 Bypass in Natchitoches, LA or 318-357-3158.

Blueberry Bake-off at the Cane River Green Market

The Cane River Green Market will host a blueberry bake-off Saturday, July 3 on the downtown riverbank.

To celebrate blueberry season, vendors, customers or anyone interested can show off their baking skills by entering their favorite blueberry dish in the Cane River Green Market blueberry bake-off.

All baked goods must be at the Cane River Green Market tent by 10 a.m. The first-place winner will be announced at 10:30 a.m. and an assorted baking gift basket will be awarded.

Blueberries are at their peak during the month of June in Louisiana. These little blue treats make a great snack and not only are they good, but they are good for you too. Blueberries are a great source of vitamin C, manganese and dietary fiber.

Blueberries are currently available at the Green Market each Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon on the downtown riverbank.

So come out to the Green Market, get your blueberries and show off your blueberry baking skills! For more information, please contact Leslie Smith at 352-CRGM.

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

Cane River Green market will continue May 22

Variety of children’s activities to be held on Saturday

Cane River Green Market, Natchitoches’ local farmers market, will continue its 2010 season on Saturday, May 22 from 8 a.m. to noon on the downtown riverbank.

Besides fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs and plants, customers can choose from a selection of “value-added products” including farm fresh eggs, homemade breads, jams, jellies, pickles and much more. Craft vendors have handmade items such as woodwork, furniture, jewelry, bird houses and feeders, one of a kind art work and soaps.

This Saturday, customers can find beans, cucumbers, squash, green tomatoes, onions, cabbage, potatoes, goat cheese, honey, smoked boudain, tamales, smoked crab dip and so much more. Market patrons can also enjoy free coffee and “Louisiana Cooking” magazines while supplies last.

This Saturday children and families will be entertained with a variety of activities including live music by children’s artists Monty and Marsha Brown from 10 a.m. until noon. The Browns have written many songs together, including "Would You Fly?" and "Cajun Christmas" used in the movie Steel Magnolias.

Sci-Port Science Center will also be onsite presenting “Stufee’s Lunchbox” at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. During this interactive educational program kids will discover where there food goes after eating and how it is processed by their body. There will also be education information regarding the food pyramid and healthy foods.

There are still openings for the Breakfast with the Chef for Kids-Green Eggs and Ham. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 352-2746.

The Green Market will be open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon until July 31 and a complete schedule of events can be found at www.canerivergreenmarket.com.

All activities of the Cane River Green Market are free and open to the public. For more information, please call 352-CRGM.

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

Stroll Front Street this Friday at the Alive After 5 Art Walk

The Natchitoches Main Street Program will continue the Alive After 5 program on Friday, April 9 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a downtown art walk.

The art walk will take place on the south end of Front Street from Church Street to Trudeau. Over 15 artists will be displaying demonstrating and selling unique works of art such as pine needle art and baskets, batiks, pottery, paintings, photography, wire art and much more.

Children will also have the opportunity to create their own finger painting master piece at the art walk. In addition, there will be a wine tasting by On Cloud Wine and live jazz music by Luke Brouillette. Of course, downtown shops and restaurants will be open for the public’s enjoyment.

The Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District has been designated as one of Louisiana’s Cultural Districts, which means qualifying art work will be tax exempt to buyers at the Alive After 5 Art Walk.

Artists’ exhibit spaces are available at no cost but must be reserved in advance by contacting the Main Street Office at 352-2746. Exhibit forms are also available at the Natchitoches Art Guild and Gallery located on Front Street.

All events are free to the public and tourists and residents alike are encouraged to become more engaged in downtown arts and culture. Additional Alive After 5 events will be held on May 22, June 12 and July 4.

Alive After 5 is supported by a grant from the Louisiana State Arts Council, the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, and the Shreveport Regional Arts Council. Additional funding is provided by the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission.

For more information about Alive After 5, call the Main Street Office at (318) 352-2746 or toll free at (866) 941-MAIN.

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

Alive After 5 Art Walk in downtown Natchitoches on April 9

On Friday, April 9 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Natchitoches Main Street Program will present an art walk as part of the Alive After 5 series of events. The art walk will take place on the south end of Front Street where area artists will be displaying artwork for sale and providing artist demonstrations.

Children will have the opportunity to create their own finger painting master piece at the art walk. In addition, there will be a wine tasting, live jazz music by Luke Brouillette and friends and downtown merchants will be open late for shopping.

The Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District has been designated as one of Louisiana’s Cultural Districts, which means qualifying art work will be tax exempt to buyers at the Alive After 5 Art Walk.

Artists’ exhibit spaces are available at no cost but must be reserved in advance by contacting the Main Street Office at 352-2746. Exhibit forms are also available at the Natchitoches Art Guild and Gallery located on Front Street.

Alive After 5 is a six month series of evening events taking place in the Natchitoches Historic District. The series includes art events, concerts, theatre and other cultural activities.

All events are free to the public and tourists and residents alike are encouraged to become more engaged in downtown arts and culture. Additional Alive After 5 events will be held on May 22, June 12 and July 4.

Alive After 5 is supported by a grant from the Louisiana State Arts Council, the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, and the Shreveport Regional Arts Council. Additional funding is provided by the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission.

For more information about Alive After 5, call the Main Street Office at (318) 352-2746 or toll free at (866) 941-MAIN.

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

Alive After 5 will kick off with “A Night of Theatre”

The Natchitoches Main Street Program will begin Alive After 5 on February 19 with “A Night of Theatre”.

The first Alive After 5 event, “A Night of Theatre”, will be held on Friday, Feb. 19 at the Natchitoches Arts Center located at 716 Second Street. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the show will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The show is free and open to the public but seating is limited. Refreshments will be available to those attending.

NSU theatre students will present an evening of theatrical entertainment combining the talents of singers and performers. Musical Theatre students will sing a wide range of Broadway favorites and the “Out On a Limb” Improv Troupe will perform improvisational comedy scenes between songs. The performances will be suitable for all audiences.

Alive After 5 is a six month series of evening events taking place from February to July. The series includes art events, concerts, theatre and other cultural events which will all take place in the Natchitoches Historic District.

All events are free to the public and tourists and residents alike are encouraged to become more engaged in downtown arts and culture. Additional Alive After 5 events will be held on March 12, April 9, May 22, June 12 and July 4.

Alive After 5 is supported by a grant from the Louisiana State Arts Council, the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, and the Shreveport Regional Arts Council. Additional funding is provided by the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission.

For more information about Alive After 5, call the Main Street Office at (318) 352-2746 or toll free at (866) 941-MAIN.

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.

Participants Sought for Downtown Zombie Walk

Boils and Ghouls! The shambling horde invites you to participate in the 1st Zombie Walk. The Walk is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. on October 28, 2009.

Ghouls wishing to partake in this historic event will bring three non-perishable can food items to the event and together the horde will march from Front Street to the NSU campus. Face painting and candy will be available for children and a night of fun frights is in store for Natchitoches. All food items will be donated to a local food drive just in time for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

This charitable event is presented by Southern Gothic, a registered NSU student organization.

For more information on the Zombie Walk call 601-529-0273 or the faculty advisor at 318-357-6931.

For more information on other events in Natchitoches Parish contact the Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-259-1714 or visit www.natchitoches.net.

Cane River Green Market to host Fall Harvest markets

The Cane River Green Market will hold special “Fall Harvest” markets on Oct. 10 and Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the downtown riverbank.

Besides fresh fruits, vegetables and plants, customers can choose from a selection of “value-added products” including farm fresh eggs, homemade breads, jams, jellies, pickles, honey and much more.

Craft vendors will also be on site with hand-made crafts such as woodwork, artwork, jewelry, stained glass, soaps, pottery, furniture and more.

On Oct. 10, enjoy live music by The Back Porch Band from 10 a.m. to noon. The band primarily plays traditional ballads, folk and Celtic music. Band members play many instruments including violins, dulcimers, cello, harp, wash boards and Irish whistles.

WesMar Farms will be onsite with their goat milk products including milk, cheeses and soaps. Don’t miss your opportunity for smoked boudain, hot tamales and pork steaks from Uncle Waine’s BBQ. The Natchitoches Master Gardeners will also be vendors at the Oct. 10 market selling a variety of plants.

Patrons can enjoy live music, complimentary coffee and free "Louisiana Cooking" magazines while supplies last. There will be fun for the kids as well. Children can enjoy fall craft projects and there will also be fall decorations on the riverbank, making the perfect setting for fall family pictures.

For more information about the market, please call the Cane River Green Market (318) 352-CRGM or visit the web site at www.canerivergreenmarket.com.



Source & Photo Credit: City of Natchitoches

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Christmas Festival accepting entries for Lighted Boat Parade

The Natchitoches Christmas Festival is now accepting applications for the 2009 Christmas Festival Lighted Boat Parade.

The Lighted Boat Parade, which is the first major event of the 2009 Christmas Festival, will take place on Friday, December 4 at 6 p.m. on Cane River Lake in downtown Natchitoches. Barges, boats, canoes, virtually anything that floats safely can enter. There is no entry fee; however, every entry must have lights.

First place will receive $250, second place receives $150 and third place receives $100. Additionally, the Cane River Waterway Commission is offering a $200 safety award to the entry that exhibits the best water safety features. Miss Merry Christmas and the Christmas Belles are the parade’s official judges.

This event has become one of the most popular events of the Festival season. This year it has been expanded to make it an even greater spectacle and to offer the opportunity for everyone to become a part of the fun of the Festival. The sight of brightly decorated vessels floating up and down Cane River adds greatly to the atmosphere of Festival weekend.

To enter the barge parade, or for more information, call Lori Tate at 318-357-8744.


For more information about the Festival or Natchitoches, call Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce at (318) 352-6894 or the Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-259-1714. For more information on the Christmas Festival, visit www.christmasfestival.com.

Source: Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Celebration on the Cane set for July 4th

Free event to feature children’s activities, music, fireworks and more

Enjoy an old fashioned country fair family day at Celebration on the Cane, Natchitoches’ Fourth of July celebration.

The day kicks off at 9 a.m. with the Cane River Green Market, Natchitoches’ only local farmers market. Besides fresh produce, customers can choose from a selection of “value-added products” including farm fresh eggs, breads, jams, honey and much more. Craft vendors will have handmade items such as woodwork, jewelry and art.

A children’s patriotic parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the Natchitoches Events Center parking lot, located at 750 Second St. The parade will take place throughout the Historic District, ending at Bank of Montgomery. There is no fee to enter the parade and prizes will be awarded for best costume and best decorated.

Children’s activities will take place throughout the day including water activities, arts and crafts, fair games, a karaoke contest, dunking booth and cake walk. Other activities include a BBQ contest, Blue-Ribbon Bakeoff and hot dog and pie eating contests.

Food vendors will be selling fair type foods throughout the day and picnic blankets will be provided for families to enjoy lunch on the downtown riverbank. Green Market vendors will have hot dogs, pies, tamales, watermelons and beverages.

Beauregard’s Courtesy will provide live musical entertainment from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the downtown riverbank followed by the Detention Center Choir from 1 to 3 p.m. Later that day, Kim Brasso and LA Boogie will perform on the Fleur de Lis from 6 to 9 p.m.

The evening will culminate with a fireworks show over Cane River Lake that will take place at approximately 9 p.m.

For more information, please visit www.natchitoches.net or call the Natchitoches Main Street Office at 866-941-6246 or the Natchitoches Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-259-1714.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________
















The Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival will celebrate its 34th annual event on June 13 and 14, 2009 at historic Melrose Plantation.

More than 100 craftsmen from at least eight states will be on hand displaying and selling wooden sculptures, ironwork, handcrafted jewelry, unique yard art and handmade candles. Returning to the Festival this year will be okra-pod artist, Kathy Tate Davis, who specializes in carving roosters, Santas, witches and many other figures from dried okra pods.

Children’s book author Kathy Whitehead will make an appearance at the Festival this year. Whitehead’s picture book, Art From the Heart, was inspired by a trip to Melrose Plantation and examines the life and art of African-American artist Clementine Hunter who lived on the plantation.

And of course there will be famous Natchitoches meat pies and other regional foods. There is a $5 admission fee for adults, $2 for children age’s six to 12, and under age six is free. Tours of the main house and the African House will be available for $5.

The Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival is sponsored by the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches. Visit their site at www.preservenatchitoches.org.

Melrose Plantation is located 18 miles south of Natchitoches at 3533 Hwy. 119. For vendor information, contact 318-352-5640.

For information about Natchitoches, accommodations or more upcoming events, visit www.natchitoches.net or call 800-259-1714.

Photo Credit: Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Spring in Natchitoches

Enjoy a parade and live entertainment in downtown Natchitoches. The parade begins at 11 a.m. Everyone is invited to join in the parade beginning at 1st Baptist Church on Second Street. All events are free. For more information about the parade call 318-352-5304.

Saturday, March 14th: St. Patrick's Day Celebration & Pub Crawl
The Pub Crawl begins at 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Visit Antoon's Restaurant, Pioneer Pub, Mama's Oyster Bar & Cane River Bar & Grill for your chance to win $100's of prizes in the Pot O' Gold. All events are free, except for your drinks. Drawing is scheduled at 10:15 p.m. at Cane River Bar & Grill. Musical entertainment provided by 7 Hours To Southland, 9 p.m. - Midnight. For more information about the pub crawl call 318-581-2008.

Saturday, March 28th
Bloomin' on the Bricks
The 9th Annual Bloomin' on the Bricks, sponsored by the Natchitoches Main Street Program, will display the beauty of springtime on Saturday, March 28. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. the riverbank in Natchitoches' downtown district will be alive with merchants selling and displaying items related to garden and lawn care, a demonstration area, live entertainment and food booths. A children's tent will have springtime activities for kids to enjoy. Admission for the festival will be $3 for adults and free for children 12 and under. For more information call 318-352-2746 or 866-941-6246.



Art Along the Bricks
The Natchitoches Art Guild & Gallery celebrates artistic creativity each year with the Art Along the Bricks event. Visitors and art lovers can walk along Front Street to see the fine art and craft exhibition and sale the 8th Annual Art Along the Bricks offers. The event will last from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call 318-352-1626 or visit www.natchitochesartguild.org.



On The Bricks & 50s & 60s concert!!!
Enjoy great bargains up and down Front Street and the side streets as the shops put their best buys on the sidewalk for this great springtime event.

The day continues into the evening as "Shake, Rattle & Roll" hits Front Street; north end in front of Antoon's. Four members of the oldies group will take audiences back to the '50s and '60s with their spirited rock-n-roll and doo-wop melodies from 6 - 9:00 p.m. on the downtown riverbank. This event is free and open to the public, reserved seating will be sold. Call 318-352-1993 for reservations. Hosted by the Natchitoches Historic District Business Association.

____________________________________________________________________

Cane River Green Market to open April 25
Ribbon cutting will kick off the 2009 season

Cane River Green Market, Natchitoches’ local farmer’s market, will open its 2009 season on Saturday, April 25 on the downtown riverbank.

Local dignitaries, Green Market vendors and patrons will be on site at 10 a.m. to cut the green ribbon to kick off the 2009 season. The public is invited to take part in the ribbon cutting ceremony.

In celebration of Earth Day, free mulch and bags will be provided while supplies last. Market goers will also have the opportunity to bring their recyclables to the market for collection.

Live musical entertainment will be provided by The Back Porch Band from 10 a.m. to noon. Children will also be able to participate in Earth Day and spring craft activities.

“Reading on the River”, a fun day of book-related activities for parents and children, will also take place in conjunction with the Green Market. Educational booths will provide crafts, games and reading activities for children. Upon completion of activities, participants will be able to choose a book to take home from the book zone. The Natchitoches Parish Library Bookmobile will also be present.

Besides fresh fruits, vegetables and plants, customers can choose from a selection of “value-added products” including farm fresh eggs, baked goods, jams, jellies, pickles, honey, fresh flowers, herbs, organic produce and much more.

Crafters will sell their hand-made items during the market’s opening day and every Saturday during the season. The market will feature such hand-made crafts as woodwork, artwork, jewelry, stained glass, soaps, pottery and more.

The Green Market will be open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from April 25 through July 25. There will also be special harvest markets in the fall.

In conjunction with the market’s opening, Keep Natchitoches Beautiful will sponsor a citywide cleanup from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 25 as part of Keep Natchitoches Beautiful Month.

Those groups or individuals who participate in the citywide cleanup will be treated to beverages at the Green Market. For more information about the cleanup or to participate, please call Keep Natchitoches Beautiful at 318-357-3822.

All activities of the Cane River Green Market are free to the public. For more information about any of these activities, please call 866-941-MAIN or 318-352-CRGM or visit www.canerivergreenmarket.com.


By: Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce
Photo Credit: Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce

Fun for the entire family at the Agricultural Expo

Come see for yourself why agriculture is the No. 1 industry in Natchitoches Parish at the Third Annual Natchitoches Agricultural Day on Saturday, February 28, 2009.

The Natchitoches Agricultural Day, sponsored in part by Farm Bureau of Natchitoches Parish and the LSU Ag Center, will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Natchitoches Events Center, located at 750 Second Street in the heart of the Natchitoches Historic District. Admission is $2 per person and free for children 12 and under.

The day-long expo will feature fun for the entire family. Special guest include Dr. Mike Strain, Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Mr. Ronnie Anderson, Farm Bureau President. An exhibitor area will showcase commercial and educational exhibits as well as educational seminars on topics such as Louisiana livestock, row crops and forestry. In addition, a large sampling of antique tractors will be showcased in front of the Events Center.

Sponsors for the show include Howell Equipment of Natchitoches and Louisiana Land Bank. Other exhibitors included the Louisiana Department of Agriculture, Louisiana Egg Commission, Louisiana Pecans/Little Eva Plantation and Landry Vineyards. These exhibitors will offer an assortment of products and services at the show including the latest agricultural and civilian farm equipment ranging from tractors, lawn mowers and ATV’s. The show will also feature many activities for children.

Booth spaces are still available for those businesses who would like to exhibit at the Agricultural Expo. For more information about the show or to become a vendor, please call Chris Post, Marketing/Sales Coordinator at the Events Center, at 238-7503.

By: Chris Post, Marketing/Sales Coordinator at the Natchitoches Events Center
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Fourth Annual Natchitoches Bridal Extravaganza

Elegant event to showcase north-central Louisiana bridal vendors

If wedding bells are in your future you will not want to miss the fourth annual Natchitoches Bridal Extravaganza on Sunday, January 25, 2009.

The Natchitoches Bridal Extravaganza, co-sponsored by KLAX-ABC 31, will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Natchitoches Events Center, located at 750 Second Street in the Natchitoches Historic District. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children 12 and under.

The Bridal Extravaganza highlights vendors from all aspects of wedding planning including photographers, caterers, wedding planners, beauty consultants, jewelers, travel agencies, designer bridal gowns and tuxedos all in one location!

This show is sure to be a relaxing, stress-free and fun way to plan the wedding of your dreams. A special treat is in store for your guy, so don’t forget to bring him along as well as your entire wedding party.

In addition to exhibitors, the Bridal Extravaganza features a fashion show that will give you the opportunity to see the latest bridal attire up close. Attire that is showcased in the fashion show includes casual wear, flower girl dresses, mother of the bride dresses, tuxedos, bridesmaid dresses, wedding gowns and much more.

The Natchitoches Bridal Extravaganza offers attendees an opportunity to win thousands of dollars in jewelry, weekend getaway trips, free rental at the Natchitoches Events Center and numerous other large door prizes. Various other door prizes are drawn throughout the day by our exhibitors.

For more information about the show, call Natchitoches Events Center Marketing Director Chris Post at 877-238-7502.

Written by: Chris Post, City of Natchitoches
_________________________________________________________________________________

Christmas by Candlelight Tour of Homes, presented by the Natchitoches Historic Foundation

Since its beginning in 1927, the Festival of Lights has grown into Louisiana’s premier community based Yule time celebration and is one of the oldest celebrations in the United States.

During the holiday season Natchitoches has much more to offer than 300,000 Christmas lights and over 100 displays. In addition, the Natchitoches Historic Foundation will present its annual Christmas by Candlelight Holiday Tour of Homes during the 2nd and 3rd weeks in December.

Homes featured on the tour this Festival season include Samuel Guy, Rusca House, Violet Hill, Nakatosh Condos, Cypress Place, Poete Street Condos, Two Goose, Green Gables, Tante Huppe and Secret Garden.

The schedule for the homes is as listed:
Wednesday, December 10, 2008 from 5 – 8 p.m.:
Samuel Guy, Violet Hill and Two Goose
Wednesday, December 17, 2008 from 5 – 8 p.m.:
Rusca House, Violet Hill and Two Goose
Friday, December 12 and 19, 2008 from 5 – 8 p.m.:
Nakatosh Condos, Cypress Place and Poete Street Condos
Saturday, December 13 and 20, 2008 from 1 - 4 p.m.:
Green Gables, Tante Huppe and Secret Garden

Built in 1850 by Samuel Eldridge Guy, the Samuel Guy House, 309 Pine Street, was the centerpiece of a working plantation. The house remained in the Guy family for 150 years prior to being moved by its current owners from Mansfield to Natchitoches in 2002. The house is two stories and is of Greek Revival architecture. It contains such features as an ornate, oversized front entrance, Greek temple dormers and a symmetrical floor plan featuring a central hallway flanked by two rooms on both sides. The house operates as a bed and breakfast.

Violet Hill located at 917 Washington Street was built between 1880 and 1890 and owned by Genoe heirs. Violet Hill, also known to locals as the Lawton/Poleman/Gibson home, has served as home to Natchitoches Ice Company, Ltd., and the Cottage Sanitarium. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it was recently renovated and operates as a bed and breakfast. The property can be viewed on the web at www.violethillbandb.com.

Inspired by a house that was featured in the February 1949 issue of House and Garden Magazine, Two Goose was constructed for Alvin and Annette DeBlieux. Due to the length of time to construct this charming house on Cane River, local residents commented that it took so long for the house to be built, that the geese had flown over it twice, thus providing the house’s name. The DeBlieux family resided there until 1971 and the house was rented for a decade. The house is located at 416 Williams Avenue, and was purchased by the present owners in 1981 who lovingly restored it.

The Rusca House is a California Bungalow style home which was built in 1920 by Joseph "J.D." Rusca and Pearl Kyle Rusca. The Rusca's raised their four children in the home and resided in the home until J.D. Rusca's death in 1968. The Rusca House was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Sylvian LeVasseur, Sr. in the 1970s and was purchased from the LeVasseur family by its present owners in 1999. The Rusca House has been totally refurbished to its original beauty. The property is located at 124 rue Poete and operates as a bed and breakfast. Visit www.ruschahouse.com.

The Nakatosh Condos are located on the corner of Church and Front Street was once the site for the LeCompte Creole Townhouse, the largest and most opulent townhouse in Natchitoches. It was built in 1822 by Ambrose LeCompte, who also owned Magnolia Plantation on lower Cane River. The townhouse was demolished circa 1888 in order to build the Nakatosh Hotel, which thrived until the 1950s. The hotel remained closed for over thirty years until it was recently converted into condominiums, which overlook downtown and Cane River.

Built in 1908, Cypress Place is a two-story Victorian home that features a raised porch, high ceilings and Victorian furnishings. The front parlor is original and includes wood walls and a patched wood ceiling. The parlor contains French and English antiques. Located at 146 rue Cypress.

Built in 1890’s by Estelle Ducourneau Plôchè as a wedding gift for her niece, Green Gables is a one-story Victorian house that includes a wraparound front gallery, ornate fireplaces and stained glass windows. The décor includes original art and eclectic antiques from the 18th and 19th centuries. This house, located at 201 rue Pine, operates as a bed and breakfast. Visit www.virtualcities.com/la/greengables.htm

Miss Julie Prudhomme opened the doors of her home, later named Tante Huppe, to visitors participating in the first tour of homes in 1955. This historic townhouse was built between 1827 and 1853. The old slave quarters at the rear of the house have an unusual winding staircase associated with European Creole families. This house operates as a bed and breakfast and is located at 424 Jefferson Street. Visit www.tantehuppe.com.

As the last surviving hand crafted Dutch Colonial residence in northwest Louisiana, this 1924 cottage has been restored by local artisans. Over 10,000 square feet, it features hidden rooms, secret spaces and beautiful stairways. Family antique furnishings from area plantations and original art found during the seven-year restoration make for a memorable holiday experience. Open to the public for the first time in 84 years, each room contains a Christmas tree and decorations that feature different themes. This property is located at 330 Williams Avenue.

Over 500,000 visitors flock to this charming historic town during the holiday season.

For more information on the Holiday Tour of Homes or for a complete schedule of homes, visit the Natchitoches Historic Foundation online at www.historicfoundation.org. For more information on the weekend’s events, contact the Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 259-1714 or online at www.natchitoches.net.

Source: Latisha McDaniel, Media & Public Relations, Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Natchitoches Students Named Junior Parade Grand Marshals

The Natchitoches Christmas Festival Committee has announced Crit T. Williams and Lesley V. Tucker to be the Grand Marshals of the Christmas Festival Junior Parade on Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 10 a.m.

Crit Williams is the son of Mardy Williams and Mark Williams of Natchitoches. As a 6th grader at NSU Elementary Lab School, Crit Williams was vice-president of K-Kids and 4-H Club and bank day president for NSU Bank Day. He is the current winner of Natchitoches Parish Junior High Student of the Year award.

Crit shows his love of sports through his baseball, soccer, karate and basketball involvement. Along with the various awards received through excellence in sports, Crit played on the Top 6 team in the 2008 World Series. Crit is also an active member of First Baptist Church.

Lesley Tucker is the daughter of Wesley and Ellen Tucker of Natchitoches where she attends Natchitoches Magnet School. She is co-leader of the Magnet Mustang Pep Squad, current vice-president of the Junior High 4-H Club, and Quiz Bowl team member. While being an active member of the First United Methodist Church youth group, Lesley sings in the Angel Chorus and was a past member of the “Sneakered Seekers” group.

Lesley’s past awards include the 6th grade Natchitoches Christmas Angel winner and parish and state winner in the American Legion Auxiliary’s Americanism Essay Contest.

Along with her accomplishments, Lesley enjoys scrap booking, playing the violin, painting, drawing and acting.

According to junior parade committee member Eliza Behrendsen, “Tucker and Williams were chosen for their humanitarian endeavors, academic efforts and foremost due to their peer leadership.”

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, main parade, entertainment and an evening fireworks show.

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.

Source: Latisha McDaniel, Media & Public Relations, Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau