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

Boogie on the Bricks and Fall Farmer's Market in Natchitoches

Boogie on the Bricks will return on Nov. 7

Outdoor concert will feature 80s cover band BOOMERANG

After the Northwestern home football game on Saturday, Nov. 7, enjoy a free concert and street dance in downtown Natchitoches.

Boogie on the Bricks will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Front Street after the NSU home football game against Southeastern, which will kickoff at 2 p.m. at Turpin Stadium on Nov. 7.

The concert will feature BOOMERANG, one of southwest Louisiana’s most exciting and popular bands. BOOMERANG covers many 80s songs in addition to other types of dance music such as R&B, soul, funk, classic rock, country and swamp pop.

BOOMERANG is known to generate a party atmosphere wherever they perform and their music will make you want to move and groove from the first note to the last.

Boogie on the Bricks has received several awards for its contributions to the Natchitoches Historic District including the Louisiana Main Street Award for Best Image Building Promotion.

Boogie on the Bricks is sponsored by the City of Natchitoches Main Street Program and the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission.

For more information about Boogie on the Bricks, call the Main Street Office at 318-352-2746 or 866-941-MAIN.

____________________________________________________________

Last fall harvest at the
Cane River Green Market on Oct. 31

The Cane River Green Market will hold a final “Fall Harvest” market on Sat. 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 and pickles. Abba’s organics will have sweet and hot peppers, lettuce, okra, beans and other seasonal produce.

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


On Oct. 31, enjoy live music by The Lukejazz Trio from 10 a.m. to noon. The Lukejazz Trio is an exciting jazz group with a repertoire consisting of jazz standards and originals in the swing, Latin and bebop styles with moods that range from exhilarating to romantic.

WesMar Farms will be onsite with their goat milk products including milk, cheeses and soaps. This will be your last opportunity for market favorites such as smoked boudain, hot tamales, crab dips, sweet potatoes and honey.

Patrons can enjoy complimentary coffee, free magnets and reduced prices on all market merchandise. There will be fun for the kids as well. Children can trick-or-treat at the Green Market tent, enjoy fall craft projects and take family pictures with the fall decorations on the riverbank.

For more information about the market, please call the Cane River Green Market 318-352-CRGM or visit www.canerivergreenmarket.com.
_________________________________________________________

Source and Photo Credit: City of Natchitoches

Sugar Day at Kent House

The second Saturday in November brings Sugar Day to Kent Plantation House once again. This year’s festival, November 14th from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., promises to be filled with food, traditional crafts, music, and fun for all ages with the scent of cooking syrup filling the air. Admission to the grounds for the day will cost $3.00 per person and children six and under will be free.

New to the festival this year will be the poster competition. Area artists were invited to design the first commemorative poster for the 16th annual festival. The winning poster should reflect the image of the Sugar Day Festival. A commission of $300.00 will be awarded to the winning artist. The winner will be announced on Sugar Day. All entries will be on display in the Exhibit Room through the month of November.

Live music will be featured throughout the day. Headlining the musical entertainment will be Hadley J. Castille and the Sharecropper Cajun Band. Castille is a veteran Cajun fiddler who has been both an ambassador for Cajun music around the world and a strong supporter of efforts in South Louisiana to preserve the Cajun language and culture. He is the recipient of numerous musical awards. Castille, his son Blake and his granddaughter Sara Jayde Williams will perform at 10:00 a.m. and again at 2:00 p.m. D. C. Sills, local musician/songwriter and other musicians will also be performing during the daylong festival.

Craft demonstrations from throughout Louisiana will include basket making, woodworking, duck carving, blacksmithing, spinning, weaving, quilting, cornhusk crafts, and flint napping. Some of the demonstrators will be selling their crafts and the Kent House Gift Shop will be open featuring historic and regional books, cards, toys, syrup, jams and jellies, and a variety of other items. Additionally, costumed docents will be churning butter, making soap and candles, and cooking in the open-hearth kitchen.

Special children’s activities, some traditional and some new, will be offered throughout the day. Tours of the House will be offered free of charge but admission tickets will be necessary. Additionally, visitors will be able to choose from among tamales, jambalaya, gumbo, meat and crawfish pies and hot dogs. Desserts include funnel cakes and delicious homemade cakes and cookies.

To condense the long open-kettle sugar making process, the demonstration at Kent House begins with cane juice already reduced to syrup. Cane syrup from David Stewart of Alma Plantation in Lakeland, Louisiana will fill ‘la batterie’, the fourth and smallest of the traditional kettles in which the sugar cooking was finished. Volunteers will spend the day minding the fire and stirring the syrup. This year, local celebrities and dignitaries will help stir with long handled paddles while standing on top of the mill.

Commercial sugar making in Louisiana dates officially to 1795. Though primarily a cotton plantation in its heyday, Kent Plantation grew and processed some sugarcane for its own use. The re-creation of today’s 1840s-style open kettle sugar mill at Kent House dates back to 1994. A ten-year project, the Kent House sugar mill began with the 1982 donation of sugar kettles from Augusta Plantation by descendants of Dr. William Haas, and a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Franklin H. Mikell.

Kent Plantation House, the oldest standing structure in Central Louisiana, dates back almost as far as commercial sugar production in Louisiana. Its mission as a historic site and museum is to interpret the history of Central Louisiana between 1795 and 1855.

For more information about Kent Plantation House Sugar Day 2009, call 318-487-5998.

Autumn has arrived in North Louisiana - The State Fair of Louisiana opens today

Autumn ushers in crisp cool weather. It is the time of year that beckons you outside. It's the time of year to grab your family, friends and neighbors and head on out to the State Fair of Louisiana. Once there you will hear children shrieking with pleasure, smell the aroma of corn dogs, sausage rolls and funnel cakes, and see the flashing lights of the carnival rides. It is the time of year meant for having fun and making memories.

This year the State Fair of Louisiana will run from October 22-November 8 at the Fairgrounds in Shreveport, Louisiana. There are plenty of things for everyone to enjoy form food, carnival rides, exhibits, concerts, livestock shows and more.

Make memories that will last a lifetime at the Louisiana State Fair in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Gate admission is $8.00; Pay-one-price is $28.00; Parking is $5.00. The hours are Wednesday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. ; Sunday from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. and closed on Monday and Tuesday.

________________________________________________

Opening Day Special - Dollar Day
Official Opening Day: Thursday, Oct. 22
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Free Parking & Admission
3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.: $1 Parking/Admission/Rides*
Even Many Food Items will be sold for $1!
Sponsored by:
Kilpatrick Rose-Neath
* Opening Day $1 Special applies to Bill Lowery Carnival rides only.

_________________________________________________

Free Till 3
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday the Fair will open at 10:00 AM but there will be no charge for parking or gate admission until 3:00 PM. Armbands to ride unlimited Lowery Carnival rides are $10 from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Special $10 armbands are not accepted at rides after 3:00 PM. Join us for lunch Wednesday-Friday and see what the Fair has to offer.
Sponsored by: KTBS 3

_____________________________________________________

Hispanic Heritage Day
Sunday, November 8
We invite our Hispanic community to celebrate at the State Fair
Great Hispanic Music and Food
Sponsored by: Nicky's and Invasora 92.1 FM

_________________________________________________________

State Fair Entertainment

October 23, Doors: 6:30 PM, State Fair PRCA Championship Rodeo
October 24, Doors: 6:30 PM, State Fair PRCA Championship Rodeo
October 25, 5:00 PM, Gran Jaripeo Baile Gran Jaripeo Baile
October 31, 7:30 PM, Doors: 6:00 PM, State Fair Championship Demolition Derby & Monster Truck Exhibition
November 7, 12:00 Noon, State Fair of Louisiana Baton and Dance Line Competition
November 8, All Day, State Fair of Louisiana State Cheerleading Championship hosted by Spirit Celebration

___________________________________________________

Musical Entertainment

October 22, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 3 Chord Truth
October 23, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, LA Outlaws
October 24, 11:00 - 5:00 P.M., 11th Annual Gospel Music Celebration
October 24, 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM, Wayne Toups & Zydecajun

October 25, 3:30 PM, Dixie Tradition
October 25, 6:00 PM, James Otto
October 28, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, Blues Express
October 29, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, Anxious

October 30, 8:30 PM, Randy Rogers Band
October 31, 12:00 noon - 5:00 PM, 2008 Gospel Mega Fest
October 31, 8:00 PM, Cowboy Mouth
November 1, 2:00, Hand II Heart Puppet Show
November 1, 6:00, Bar-Kays

November 4, 7:00, 8:30, Windstorm & Their Tribute To Michael Jackson
November 5, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, Homemade Jam
November 6, 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM, The Ultimate Eagles Experience - 7 Bridges Band
November 7, 12:00 Noon Bayou State Arm Wrestling Championship
November 7, 7:00, 9:00, John Conlee
November 8, 2:00 PM, Hispanic Heritage Day

Source of times and events From the website of The State Fair of Louisiana
For more information on detailed events and specials visit The State Fair of Louisiana Website.

Halloween Events in Natchitoches

Natchitoches Relives Cities'
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

____________________________________________________________

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

Shreveport Farmers' Fall Market
October 24 through November 21, 2009
8 a.m. until Noon

For the Fall Market, vendors will be selling:
Fruits and Veggies, including:
Satsuma Oranges *
Squash
Greens of all sort, including some organic
Fall Tomatoes
Frozen Summer Veggies & Fruits
Pumpkins
Sweet Potatoes
... and much more.

Beef, Shrimp, Smoked Meats *, Artisan Cheeses *, Barbecue, Frozen Gumbo *, Pot Pies *, Beans & Rice, Jambalaya, Dirty Rice, Tamales, and delicious treats to devour on-site.

Jams, jellies, preserves, canned fruits & vegetables, pickles, salsas, mustard, and oils.

Baked goods from fresh bread to cakes, pies, and cookies.

Locally-roasted coffees, homemade granola, nuts, pralines, spices and rubs*.

Plants, soaps and herbal products.

Bonsai trees, solar lighting*, and more.

( * denotes new items.)

Support our local economy and support local farmers, artists, crafters and artisans.

Shreveport Farmers' Market is located at 101 Crockett Street, in Downtown Shreveport, Louisiana under the pavilion in Festival Plaza.

For more information, please call 318-455-5788 or email farmersmarket@redriverrevel.com.

Source: Shreveport Farmer's Market from Facebook