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

Forest service and Kent House to host "Kent House Bug Day"

The USDA Forest Service and Kent Plantation House invite children of all ages (and their parents) to attend the third annual “Kent House Bug Day” from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 8. The event will take place at the Kent House, 3601 Bayou Rapides Road in Alexandria. “Kent House Bug Day” is free and open to the public.

“For the third consecutive year, we’re partnering with the Kent Plantation House to offer kids the opportunity to have fun while learning about the beneficial role insects play in maintaining Earth’s ecological health,” said Doug Streett, project leader for the Southern Research Station’s insect research unit in Pineville, La. “We have an exciting line-up of activities for kids to enjoy as they explore the world of insects and see first-hand the benefits and challenges bugs bring to our lives.”

After entering the event, children will be given a “Bug Passport.” Children who get their passports stamped at all eight “bug stations” will receive a special gift. The stations are:

• Louisiana Insects: See mosquitoes, fire ants and termites, and learn fascinating facts about these pesky pests;
• Insectivores: See a hedge hog, bearded dragon, toad, bullfrog and salamander – some of which may eat live insects;
• Night Insects : Visit a dark room with night insect sounds, place your hand inside mystery boxes and guess contents, and view live cave cockroaches with flashlight;
• Beneficial vs. Pest: Hold live Bess beetles, see insects up close and personal, learn how insects help or harm humans;
• Honey Bees: Learn about honey bees, hold honeycombs and taste different kinds of honey;
• Pet Bug: Make your very own bug home and take home a live insect, learn how to care for your bug and how to catch/trap additional insects;
• Ant Trail: Pretend you’re a leaf-cutting ant and carry a leaf through an obstacle course to reach your nest; and
• Bug Food: Create ants on a log, pretzel butterflies and other delicious snacks. There will also be a photograph opportunity to have pictures taken with live Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches.

For more information about “Kent House Bug Day,” call the Kent House at 318-487-5998 or the Southern Research Station at 318-473-7242.

The Kent Plantation House is one of the oldest standing structures in the state of Louisiana. Kent House offers tours and special events to visitors who want to see the homestead and working plantation of a successful Creole family typical of 18th Century Louisiana.

Learn more about the Southern Research Station’s Insects, Diseases, and Invasive Plants of Southern Forests research unit, based in Pineville, La., online at: www.srs.fs.usda.gov

BY: Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

Louisiana Resort Unveils Six-Mile Mountain Bike/Hike Trail

Cypress Bend Resort, set on 600 acres along the shores of Toledo Bend Reservoir in northwest Louisiana, will celebrate the grand opening of its new mountain bike and hike trail on Sunday, May 23.

Appropriate for most skill levels, the new trail is designed with elevation changes up to 190 feet and features five possible loop distances ranging from one to six miles. Moreover, several loops can be combined to create longer distances. Winding through tight and open-forest sections, the trail also runs along Toledo Bend Reservoir providing great views with every turn. Hikers are welcome to enjoy the trail but must yield to riders.

Resort guests have free access to the trail while non-resort guests pay $10 per day. Or, for $20 per day, non-guests can access the resort’s fitness center, indoor/outdoor pool, sauna and showers.

As part of the grand opening, Cypress Bend Resort is hosting a free Fast Lap Challenge event for mountain bike enthusiasts to officially establish the fastest lap time.

Starting at 12 noon, the Fast Lap Challenge will allow mountain bike enthusiasts to race the clock along six miles of grueling climbs, wicked downhills and a diverse mix of land characteristics and elevation.

Participants must register for the Fast Lap Challenge by May 16, 2010 at www.cypressbend.com/trails. Bikes and helmets will not be provided.

These new mountain bike and hike trails complement the resort’s existing amenities including 18-holes of world-class golf (the course is part of Louisiana’s famed Audubon Golf Trail), guided fishing excursions, a full-service day spa and indoor/outdoor pool.

For reservations, call 877-519-1500 or visit www.cypressbend.com.

About Cypress Bend Resort

Located 73 miles south of Shreveport in Many, Louisiana, Cypress Bend Golf Resort is an intimate, full-service resort nestled in a forest of oak and pine trees on the shores of Toledo Bend Lake. Features include 18-holes of on-property, championship golf; a full service spa and fitness center; heated indoor/outdoor pool; and a restaurant and bar.

Cypress Bend’s 95 guestrooms and suites include a large desk with data ports, an ergonomic chair and complimentary high-speed Internet service. The resort also offers fourteen spacious Golf Suite condominiums overlooking the driving range with 1,250 square feet of pure luxury. Each Golf Suite contains a fully equipped kitchen, fireplace and whirlpool tub.

Photo Credit and Submitted by: Cypress Bend Resort

The Public is invited to attend rose show and educational seminars

The American Rose Society's 2010 Spring National Convention

The American Rose Society Spring 2010 National Convention & National Rose Show will take place in Shreveport, Louisiana, April 29-May 2. The public is invited to attend the Rose Show, a display of hundreds of spectacular blooms, on Saturday, May 1 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Shreveport Convention Center. The National Rose Show is a free event.

The public is also invited to attend various educational seminars on how to grow great roses from the ground up, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 1. Topics include: “Soil… the lowdown on Dirt!”; “New Notions of Good Fertilizing Practices”; “Integrated Pest Management, including Chilli Thrips”; “Landscape Design and Healthy Roses, the Earth-Kind Way”; “Companion Planting in the Rose Garden” and “From the Ground the Vase: Arranging your Roses.” It is $10.00 to attend any or all educational seminars.

NATIONAL ROSE SHOW FAST FACTS:
WHAT: American Rose Society, 2010 Spring National Convention, National Rose Show
WHEN: Saturday, May 1, 2010, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m., Ballroom B
WHERE: Shreveport Convention Center, 400 Caddo Street, Downtown Shreveport, LA

EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS FAST FACTS:
WHAT: American Rose Society, 2010 Spring National Convention, Educational Seminars
WHEN: Saturday, May 1, 2010, Red River Board Room
WHERE: Shreveport Convention Center, 400 Caddo Street, Downtown Shreveport, LA
TIMES:
10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. “Soil… the lowdown on Dirt!”
11:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. “New Notions of Good Fertilizing Practices”
1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. “Integrated Pest Management, including Chilli Thrips”
2:00 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. “Landscape Design and Healthy Roses, the Earth-Kind Way”
3:00 p.m. – 3:50 p.m. “Companion Planting in the Rose Garden”
4:00 p.m. – 4:50 p.m. “From the Ground the Vase: Arranging your Roses”

By: Maria Scott, Director of Communications,

Spring Herb Day at Kent Plantation House in Alexandria

Spring Herb Day, April 10, 2010 from 8:00 - 12:00 noon. Because of the unusually harsh winter here in Central Louisiana, our herb order has been increased. In addition to the additional good quality herbs always featured, there will be plants that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. We have also been able to locate something just a little different this year such as artichoke, asparagus fern and the very popular and much requested rose geranium plants. The Central Louisiana Rose Society will be selling cuttings of Kent House roses as well as other varieties. The Kent House Gardeners will be selling plants and the Colonial Dames their delicious home-made desserts.

Presentations:
Growing Old Garden Roses 9:00 a.m.
How to Use the Herbs You Grow 10:00 a.m.

Kent Plantation House
3601 Bayou Rapides Road
Alexandria, Louisiana 71303
318-487-5998

By: Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

Cane River Green Market coordinator named

Farmers Market begins April 24

Shelton Meacham has been named the coordinator of the Cane River Green Market for the 2010 season.

Meacham will be the onsite coordinator each Saturday at the market to assist customers, vendors and patrons. He will also assist the Main Street Office in promotions, special events and educational programs during the market season.

Meacham is originally from Shreveport but has resided in Natchitoches for over six years. He obtained a bachelor of arts degree from Centenary College and a master of arts degree from Northwestern State University. Meacham also taught as an adjunct professor in the NSU Creating and Performing Arts Department.

"I really like the farmers market and I am excited to be a part of the 10 year anniversary," Meacham said. "I hope that I can assist in moving the market into the next decade."

The 2010 season of the Cane River Green Market will begin on Saturday, April 24 and will run through Saturday, July 31. The Green Market will be open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. on the downtown riverbank. This will mark the 10 year anniversary of the farmers market.

Vendors will have a variety of fresh produce including fruits, vegetables and eggs in addition to plants, herbs and eggs. Shoppers can also find homemade items such as breads, jams and jellies and honey products.

Craft vendors are selling handmade, one-of-a-kind jewelry, woodwork, pencil drawings and stained glass. There will also be birdhouses, candles, soaps and much more.

Vendors are being sought to participate in the 2010 Green Market season. Vendors pay a booth fee of $15 for each market day they attend. All vendors must grow their own produce or make their own products.

Applications may be picked up at the Main Street office located at City Hall or by visiting the web site at www.canerivergreenmarket.com. For more information, please call the Cane River Green Market at 352-CRGM.

Alexandria Spring Artwalk April 16

The City of Alexandria along with the Arts Council of Central Louisiana will host the Fall Artwalk on Friday, April 16, 2010 from 5:00-8:00 pm.

The Artwalk is a free, family-oriented walking tour that features visual art and live entertainment. Downtown sidewalks, green spaces, and the alleys will come alive as local artists display and demonstrate their works of art. Artists will have booths set up in the Alexander Fulton Mini-Park. Qualifying sale items may be purchased free of state municipal tax under the guidelines of Alexandria’s designated cultural district.

Visitors can tour our various museums, studios, and galleries to view exciting exhibits and live music within a few city blocks. Kid Merv, a New Orleans jazz band, will play on the steps of City Hall.

Local businesses open for Artwalk include: Alexandria Museum of Art, River Oaks Square Arts Center, Finnegan’s Wake, Diamond Grill, Tamp and Grind Coffee House, T.R.E.E House Children’s Museum, and many, many more. The Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival will open on the night of the Artwalk as well.

For more information on the Artwalk, please call (318) 449-5051.

By: City of Alexandria

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