New Year's Happenings

Live Music

Friday, December 28 at The Mag = Delta Drifters

 

Celebrating New Year's Eve

18 at The Bluffs is open for dinner only on New Year's Eve from 6 - 11 pm, and closed on January 1.

Magnolia Cafe' will be open on New Year's Eve but closed New Year's Day.

The Oxbow Restaurant will be open from 5 - 9 pm, reservations suggested, but closed January 1 and 2.  635-6276

Varnedoe's will host a prix fixe dinner menu from 5 - 11 pm, reservations only.  Closed on January 1 and 2.  635-2635

 

Norwood on Display

Our very own David I. Norwood, or DIN as he is known professionally, has his editorial cartoons in an exhibit at the LSU Museum of Art, Shaw Center for the Arts, in downtown Baton Rouge.  The exhibit The Line That Roars: Editorial Cartoons in the Age of Anxiety features the work of David Horsey, David Norwood and Steve Kelley and will be featured until February 10, 2008.

 

That's all for 2007 . . . happy new year to all!

Christmas Happenings

Caroling in the Park

Because of the howling wind and the rain forecast, the first Caroling in the Park ever had to be postponed but not cancelled.  This Sunday, December 23 at 3:00, join your friends and neighbors in singing some of our favorite Christmas carols, led by our favorite . . . Nancy Roppolo!  Hot cider and song sheets will be provided by the sponsor, Grandmother's Buttons.

 

Shop Local

The best gifts for those special people on your list can be found right here in West Feliciana Parish.  Please support our local businesses!

 

Reminder - Holiday Restaurant Hours

The OxBow will be closed on December 24 and 25 and will re-open December 26 at 5 pm.  Reservations are suggested for New Year's Eve dinner from 5 until 9 pm.  They will close again on January 1 and 2 and re-open on January 3 at 5 pm.

The Magnolia Cafe' will be closed December 24 and 25, and January 1.

Varnedoe's Carriage House will be closed December 24, 25 and 26.  They will be open Monday, December 31 for New Year's lunch and dinner with a prix fixe dinner menu from 5 until 11 pm, reservations only.  They will be closed on January 1 and 2.

 

Traditional Afternoon Tea

Sage Hill Antiques and Heirloom Cuisine have joined together to offer something special.  On Thursday, December 20 a traditional three-course tea will be served starting promptly at 2:00 pm at Sage Hill Antiques, 5622 Commerce Street.  Future dates are Tuesday, January 8 and Thursday, January 10, both at 2:00 pm.  Price is $18 per person, including tax and gratuity.  For more information or to make reservations, please call 784-0535 or 907-4429.

 

Happenings - December 12

 

Caroling in the Park

Vibes in the Ville continues its monthly music fete with Caroling in the Park.  Meet up with friends and neighbors this Saturday, December 15, at 6:30 at the gazebo in Parker Park.  Grandmother's Buttons is sponsoring this event and will provide songsheets and candles so that everyone can join in the holiday spirit.  Nancy Roppolo and Robbie Gilmore will lead the singing!

 

Christmas at Rosedown

Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site will host its Fifth Annual Christmas celebration.  Site staff and volunteers will demonstrate 19th century arts and crafts throughout the plantation complex.  The public will see the Main House dressed in period decorations and hear stories of Christmas traditions at Rosedown that were passed down through the Turnbull and Bowman families.  Demonstrations will include period music and dancing, candlemaking, spinning, quilting, shaving horse and hayrides.  Food vendors will be available for the public.

 

Down-Hearth Cooking

In conjunction with Christmas at Rosedown, the staff there will also feature the "lost art" of Down-Hearth Cooking:  The Rosedown Christmas Menu.  That's this Saturday, December 15 from 10 am until 1 pm.  For more information on events at Rosedown, phone 635-3332.

 

Traditional Afternoon Tea

Sage Hill Antiques and Heirloom Cuisine have joined together to offer something special for the holidays.  On Tuesday, December 18 and Thursday, December 20 a traditional three-course tea will be served starting promptly at 2:00 pm at Sage Hill Antiques, 5622 Commerce Street.  Price is $18 per person, including tax and gratuity.  For more information or to make reservations, please call 784-0535 or 907-4429.

 

Music at The Mag

The Magnolia Cafe' offers live music each Friday night.  On Friday, December 14, Fugitive Poets performs; December 21, it's Gary Bello; and ending the month will be the Delta Drifters on the 28th.

 

Holiday Restaurant Hours

The OxBow will be closed on December 24 and 25 and will re-open December 26 at 5 pm.  Reservations are suggested for New Year's Eve dinner from 5 until 9 pm.  They will close again on January 1 and 2 and re-open on January 3 at 5 pm.

The Magnolia Cafe' will be closed December 24 and 25, and January 1.

Varnedoe's Carriage House will be closed December 24, 25 and 26.  They will be open Monday, December 31 for New Year's lunch and dinner with a prix fixe dinner menu from 5 until 11 pm, reservations only.  They will be closed on January 1 and 2.

 

Happenings

Christmas in the Country

It all starts Friday at Town Hall with the children's choir from the First Baptist Church singing on the front porch followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree.  There's a reception with a special guest who wants to hear what you want for Christmas and fireworks end the night's events.  Saturday morning there will be three seatings of Breakfast with St. Nick at Jackson Hall.  Throughout the day, vendors will be set up along Ferdinand Street and at parker Memorial Park.  St. Francisville's merchants will be having special sales all weekend long.  Don't miss the annual Women's Service League Children's Parade at 2:00 pm that will bring out the child in all of us.  There's so much more so pick up a schedule at any local shop or restaurant or here at the Information Center in the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum on Ferdinand Street.  T-shirts and posters are also on sale.  For added convenience, visit www.stfrancisvillefestivals.com for a complete listing of events.

 

Symphony Concert

The Baton Rouge Symphony will perform a special Christmas Concert featuring brass and percussion on Friday, December 7 at Grace Episcopal Church.  Tickets are available at the Bank of St. Francisville.

 

A Merry Medieval Christmas

The St. Francisville Transitory Theatre presents this special Christmas play that will take you "from Creation to Christ in about an hour!"  Performances are scheduled December 7 and 8 at 7:30 pm with a special matinee on December 9 at 2:00 pm.  Presented at Market Hall on Royal Street, tickets are $5.  There are no reservations, and seating is limited to 50 per show.  Box office opens at 6:30 pm on the night of the show.  For more information call 225-721-2124, e-mail sftheatre@gmail.com or visit the website -- www.sftheatre.net.

 

Tour of Homes

The Annual Friends of the Library Tour of Homes will be held on Sunday, December 9 from noon until 5:00 pm.  Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advanced or on Sunday at the Library located on Ferdinand Street.  This year's tour includes the homes of Kevin and Shannon Couhig, Mike and Shideh Hammack, Mark Chustz and Janice McDermott, and Cole and Carolyn Thornton.  For more information, call 635-3364.

 

Live Nativity

On Saturday, December 8 there will be a live nativity scene from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the First Baptist Church located on the corner of Hwy. 61 and Hwy. 10.

 

Colonial Christmas At Oakley House

Come experience the sights and sounds of an early 19th century Christmas at Oakley House festively decorated with natural greenery for the occasion.  During the day the kitchen will come alive with costumed living historians busily preparing period holiday dishes.  From 10 am until 5 pm the weekend of Christmas in the Country, December 7 - 9.  Please note that Friday is a school program and geared towards children.

 

Oakley in Candlelight

Join us on Saturday night, December 8, for candlelight tours of Oakley House as the park will remain open from 6:00-8:00 pm.  For more information on all the special events at Audubon State Historic Site, please call 1-888-677-2838 or locally 635-3739.

 

Grandmother’s Buttons Annual Factory Jewelry Sale

On Saturday, December 8, 9 am til dark on sidewalk in front of Grandmother’s Buttons, you'll find thousands of earrings, necklace, bracelets, etc. made right here in St. Francisville offered this day only from 50 to 80% off of retail prices.   These are discontinued designs from Grandmother’s Buttons wholesale business.  Prices begin at $5.

 

Music this Weekend

Besides all of the musical performances during Christmas in the Country, there are live bands playing at different venues around the parish.  Here are the listings we have so far:

Magnolia Cafe = Friday, December 7 - Feliciana Band; Monday, December 10 at 7 pm - The Mother Truckers from Austin, TX.  $10 cover for this harmony driven country band.  Want to know more about this interesting band?  Visit www.themothertruckers.com!

 

Happenings

Sunday Buffet Service at The Bluffs

Beginning Sunday, December 2, Eighteen at The Bluffs will offer Sunday Brunch from 11:00 a.m.  – 7:00 p.m.  Items featured will include 4-5 Entrees with selected vegetables,  salad bar and Dessert Bar.  Adults $17.95, Children 6-12 $10.95, Children 5 and under $6.95.  Menu service will not be available on Sundays.

 

6th Annual Toy Drive

The West Feliciana Food Pantry is sponsoring their annual toy drive.  Please drop off new, unwrapped toys to the West Feliciana Parish Library or The Bluffs Clubhouse by December 19.  If you have any questions, call 634-7530.  Thank you for your generosity!

 

Historic Cooking Demonstration at Rosedown SHS

On Saturday, December 1, from 11 am until 4 pm, Rosedown Interpretive Ranger Sasha Traña and Living History Presenters Barbara Bryant and Stella Pitts will demonstrate 19th century down-hearth cooking in Rosedown's Old Kitchen using 19th century recipes with period and reproduction cooking equipment.  Featured recipes will be taken from the original Turnbull-Bowman Family Papers.  For more information call toll free 888-376-1867 or local at 635-3110.

 

St. Francisville History

On Sunday, December 2  at 3:30 pm, award winning local historian Libby Dart will speak and show slides on the history of this area.  Continue the celebration of St. Francisville's 200th birthday with this special presentation at the West Feliciana Parish Library.  For more information call 225-784-0260.

Christmas in the Country

This annual event will be held next weekend, December 7 - 9, throughout downtown St. Francisville.  The celebration begins as always with the voices of the First Baptist Church Children's Choir singing on the front porch of Town Hall followed by Mayor Billy D'Aquilla's lighting of the Town Christmas tree.  A reception in Town Hall will feature a special guest who will listen to Christmas wishes!  The whole weekend is packed full of musical performances, specials at local merchants', and the highlight of the day -- the annual Children's Christmas Parade at 2 pm sponsored by the Women's Service League.  And this just in -- a special performance by David St. Romain in Parker Park following the parade at 4 pm.  For a complete list of events and specials, visit www.stfrancisvillefestivals.com.

 

Symphony Concert

The Baton Rouge Symphony will perform a special Christmas Concert featuring brass and percussion on Friday, December 7 at Grace Episcopal Church.  Tickets are available at the Bank of St. Francisville.

 

A Merry Medieval Christmas

The St. Francisville Transitory Theatre presents this special Christmas play that will take you "from Creation to Christ in about an hour!"  Performances are scheduled December 7 and 8 at 7:30 pm with a special matinee on December 9 at 2:00 pm.  Presented at Market Hall on Royal Street, tickets are $5.  There are no reservations, and seating is limited to 50 per show.  Box office opens at 6:30 pm on the night of the show.  For more information call 225-721-2124, e-mail sftheatre@gmail.com or visit the website -- www.sftheatre.net.

 

Tour of Homes

The Annual Friends of the Library Tour of Homes will be held on Sunday, December 9 from noon until 5:00 pm.  Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advanced or on Sunday at the Library located on Ferdinand Street.  This year's tour includes the homes of Kevin and Shannon Couhig, Mike and Shideh Hammack, Mark Chustz and Janice McDermott, and Cole and Carolyn Thornton.  For more information, call 635-3364.

 

Live Nativity

On Saturday, December 8 there will be a live nativity scene from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the First Baptist Church located on the corner of Hwy. 61 and Hwy. 10.

 

Breakfast with St. Nick

Due to popular demand, there will be 3 seatings this year for the little ones and their parents to have breakfast with St. Nick -- 8:00 am, 9:30 am and 11:00 am.  Breakfast will be served at Jackson Hall at Grace Episcopal Church, and tickets are $8.  For more information, call 225-202-5403.

 

Colonial Christmas At Oakley House

Come experience the sights and sounds of an early 19th century Christmas at Oakley House festively decorated with natural greenery for the occasion.  During the day the kitchen will come alive with costumed living historians busily preparing period holiday dishes.  From 10 am until 5 pm the weekend of Christmas in the Country, December 7 - 9.  Please note that Friday is a school program and geared towards children.

 

Oakley in Candlelight

Join us on Saturday night, December 7, for candlelight tours of Oakley House as the park will remain open from 6:00-8:00 pm.  For more information on all the special events at Audubon State Historic Site, please call 1-888-677-2838 or locally 635-3739.

 

Vibes in the Ville Christmas Caroling

On Saturday December 15 at 6:30pm in Parker Memorial Park on Commerce Street, Grandmother's Buttons will sponsor Vibes in the Ville's First Annual Christmas Caroling.  This is a product of the ArtsForAll and the St. Francisville Main Street program, and sheet music and candles will be provided. Bring your singing voices, your family and let's start a new tradition in town. For more information, call Laurie 635-3873 or Lynne 635-3665.

 

Down-Hearth Cooking At Rosedown

Demonstrations of the "Lost Arts" of the 19th century occurs every third Saturday of each month. The December program will feature the "Lost Art" of Down-Hearth Cooking: The Rosedown Christmas Menu, on Saturday, December 15, from 1 pm until 4 pm at Rosedown State Historic Site.  For more information call toll free 888-376-1867 or local at 635-3110.

 

Christmas At Rosedown

Rosedown will host its 5th annual Christmas celebration on Sunday, December 16 from 8 am until 5 pm.  Site staff and volunteers will demonstrate 19th century arts and crafts throughout the plantation complex.  The public will see the Main House dressed in period decorations and hear stories of Christmas traditions at Rosedown that were passed down through the Turnbull and Bowman families. Demonstrations will include period music and dancing, candle making, spinning, quilting, shaving horse and hayrides. Food vendors will be available for the public.  The historic down-hearth cooking demonstration will also be presented.  For more information call toll free 888-376-1867 or local at 635-3110.

 

Thanksgiving Happenings

Special Market Day

With so much still to do to prepare our Thanksgiving dinners, I am happy to pass along that the Farmers’ Market will be open on Wednesday from 1 until 5.  Pick up your fresh vegetables and produce because your family deserves the best!

 

Thanksgiving Dinner Offerings

18 at The Bluffs will have a special Thanksgiving Dinner from 11 am until 3 pm.  For a full menu, call them at 634-5222, ext. 174.

Varnedoe’s Carriage House at The Myrtles will also be open from 11 am until 3 pm for a Thanksgiving Lunch Buffet.  Visit http://www.varnedoes.com/THANKSGIVING%20BUFFET1.pdf for the menu.

The OxBow will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 11 am until 2 pm.  Call them at 635-6276.

 

Music this Weekend

The Magnolia = Friday, November 23 – Joe Hall & Stomp Down Zydeco

Fat Mama’s at The Bluffs = Friday, November 23 – Three Blind Mice

 

Christmas in the Country

This annual event held in downtown St. Francisville will be held the weekend of December 7 and 8, while the Friends of the Library will hold its annual Holiday Tour of Homes on Sunday, December 9.  For more information on these events, visit www.stfrancisvillefestivals.com.  More in next week’s Happenings.

 

Have a great week!

Happenings

Farmers Market

Don’t forget to visit the Farmers Market at the 4-H building on Thursdays from 1 till 5 pm.  It’s the perfect place to find those perfect ingredients for that special dish for Thanksgiving.

 

Music this Weekend

The Magnolia = Friday, November 16 – Fugitive Poets; November 23 – Joe Hall & Stomp Down Zydeco

Fat Mama’s at The Bluffs = November 16 – Run Jane Run; November 23 – Three Blind Mice

 

In the Footsteps of Slavery

This week through Sunday, November 18, Audubon State Historic Site is presenting In the Footsteps of Slavery.  This small exhibit focuses on the history of American slavery tracing life in Africa, the slave trade, and Louisiana plantation life.  For more information, call 888-677-2838 or locally 635-3739.

 

Antique Auction

Audubon Antique Gallery is holding an auction on Sunday, November 18 at 1:00 pm.  Multiple estate items are to be liquidated, and you’ll find antiques, fine furnishings and collectibles.  Hunt Gallery will be conducting this auction.  Early preview is set for Saturday the 17^th from 10 am until 6 pm.  For information contact Rod Hunt at 241-2200 or Audubon Antiques at 635-3977.

 

Lost Arts Saturday

Demonstrations of the “Lost Arts” of the 19^th century are given every third Saturday of each month at Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site.  On Saturday, November 17, from 11 am until 3 pm, the program will feature Down-Hearth Cooking: The Rosedown Thanksgiving Menu.  For more information call toll free 888-376-1867 or local at 635-3110.

 

Avondale Antiques

This antique shop is open only one weekend a month, and this weekend is it!  Located on Commerce Street in The Quarters, maybe you’ll find that perfect piece to fit on that wall that you really didn’t know what to do with anyway.  Well . . . it’s worth a try!

 

Riverboat Schedule

Thursday, November 15 – Delta Queen from 8 to 5

Tuesday, November 20 – American Queen from 8 to 5

Thursday, November 22 – Delta Queen from 1 to 5

Tuesday, November 27 – American Queen from 1 to 5

 

Thanksgiving Schedule

Our friendly ladies who work in the Tourist Information Center have been calling around to see who’s open and who’s not during the holidays.  If you haven’t been reached yet, give us a call at 635-4224.  Here’s what we have so far:

Closed Thanksgiving Day – The Beaded Path, Border Imports, Britches and Stitches, Hillcrest, Ins-N-Outs, Sage Hill, Shanty Too, The Vintage Store, West Feliciana Museum & Gift Shop, Cottage Plantation, Hemingbough, The Myrtles Plantation, Greenwood Plantation, Angola Museum, Audubon State Historic Site – Oakley Plantation, and Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site but Rosedown Gift Shop is open 2 to 4.  Restaurants:  BirdMan Coffee & Books, D’Johns, East Dragon, Eight Sisters, Elm Park Restaurant, Magnolia Café, Nina’s Back Door Café,  Sonic Drive Inn, Sonny’s Pizza.  Open: 18 at The Bluffs is open 11 – 3; OxBow is open 11 to 2; and Varnedoe’s is open 11 to 3.

Closed or opening late on Friday:  Cottage Plantation, Nina’s Back Door Café, D’John’s opens at 4 pm; OxBow opens at 5 pm.

 

I’ll preview December’s events and holiday closings and specials, but please visit our website at www.stfrancisville.us then click on “events calendar” for a complete listing of what’s happening in West Feliciana.  Have a great weekend!

Happenings

Farmers Market

Just in time for Thanksgiving . . . don’t forget to visit the Farmers Market at the 4-H building on Thursdays from 1 till 5 pm.  Last week I picked up a “mess” of green beans, lettuce, tomatoes, and was sorry that I passed over the greens, sweet potatoes, fresh baked goodies and homemade preserves.  This week I won’t be so rushed!

 

Music this Weekend

The Magnolia = Friday, November 9 - A Band Named Sue; November 16 – Fugitive Poets

Fat Mama’s at The Bluffs = Friday, November 9 – JC Melancon; November 16 – Run Jane Run

BirdMan Coffee & Books = Saturday, November 10 – Dylan Sneed

 

Remember November

Friday will begin a whole weekend of special events as St. Francisville’s Main Street presents “The Spirit of St. Francisville” celebrating St. Francisville’s 200^th Birthday.  At 6:30 pm on Friday, November 9 local author and historian Anne Butler and photographer Darrell Chitty will be on hand to sign and make a presentation on their new book THE SPIRIT OF ST. FRANCISVILLE. The event will be held at Old Market Hall on Royal Street.  They will also be signing books at Joe Savell’s Backwoods Gallery on Saturday, November 10.

 

The weekend continues with Birthday Sales at the downtown shops. Visit each one and have your Birthday card stamped to win a Birthday present of your own. Birthday cards may be picked up at The Tourist Information Center located at 11757 Ferdinand Street.

 

The Feliciana Stitchers will present a Quilt Show at Parker Park from 9 am until 4 pm.  Antique quilts will be on display, and there will also be small quilted items for sale.  You can also pick up information on how to become a quilter so you, too, can begin a family heirloom.

 

Saturday night is date night at the movies, so get a babysitter and come out to the 4H Livestock Barn located on Wilcox Street.  "The Reaping”, filmed mostly in West Feliciana, will be shown at 7 pm.  Bring your chair and blanket.  The admission is one canned good for the WFP Food Bank, and concessions will be available by the West Feliciana High School International Club.

 

And then on Sunday, November 11 at 2:30 pm past students of Julius Freyhan High School will recall their school days during a special open house, School Days at Julius Freyhan School.  The West Feliciana High School Jr. ROTC will present the colors as we honor our veterans, share memories and photographs, and look to the future of this grand old building.  The Community Choir will entertain, refreshments will be provided, and architectural renderings of the renovations will be displayed.  There will be a special black and white photo exhibit celebrating the school’s history and 200 Years of St. Francisville.  Light refreshments will be sold.

 

Fall Bird Walk
On Saturday, November 10 from 10 am until noon, local amateur ornithologist Millie Broussard will lead a guided tour through selected areas of Rosedown’s grounds to view birds on site. Ms. Broussard will discuss the various birds of the area, their habitats, characteristics, habits and seasonal patterns.  For more information call toll free 888-376-1867 or local at 635-3110.

 

Last Call for the Flea Market

The Vintage Store At Star Hill will be having their last flea market of this year on November 10.  If you would like to have a booth, please call the Vintage Store at 635-6466 and reserve a spot.  If you like flea markets then please do stop and check them out.  There will be lots of things to look at and to buy!

 

Swing for Scholarships

The Chamber’s annual Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, November 12 with registration and range open at 10:30.  Lunch buffet begins at 11 and shot gun start is at 12 noon.  Proceeds from this tournament benefit the Swing for Scholarships Fund and the Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce.  Teams are $500 and there are $200 hole sponsorships available.  For more information or to register, call 635-6717 or log on to www.stfrancisvillechamber.org.

 

In the Footsteps of Slavery

During the week of November 12 through 18, Audubon State Historic Site presents In the Footsteps of Slavery.  This small exhibit focuses on the history of American slavery tracing life in Africa, the slave trade, and Louisiana plantation life.  For more information, call 888-677-2838 or locally 635-3739.

 

You Can Never Be Too Smart

LSU Continuing Education programs are coming to St. Francisville!  Stop by for a FREE information session on Wednesday, November 14, from 1:30pm - 3:30pm to learn more about the educational and entertaining classes coming to the area, including Lagniappe Studies Unlimited, Financial Planning and Travel and Learn Programs.  The event will take place at the St. Francisville Inn & Restaurant, 5720 Commerce Street.  Refreshments will be served.  Call Julia at 578-5076 for more information.

 

Lost Arts Saturday

Demonstrations of the “Lost Arts” of the 19^th century are given every third Saturday of each month at Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site.  On Saturday, November 17, from 11 am until 3 pm, the program will feature Down-Hearth Cooking: The Rosedown Thanksgiving Menu.  For more information call toll free 888-376-1867 or local at 635-3110.

 

Happenings

Homecoming

West Feliciana High School celebrates homecoming on Friday, October 26 with a parade through St. Francisville beginning at 2:35.  Pre-game festivities begin at 6:30 with the game against Capitol High School at 7 pm.

 

ALL HALLOW’S EVE OF THE 1800s

 Schools are invited to Audubon State Historic Site on October 26, to discover Halloween traditions of the 1800s during the program All Hallows Eve.  Between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., there will be an interactive program held throughout the grounds of Oakley illustrating Halloween practices of the 1800s in America. Included will be the origins of pumpkin carving and tales of mystery, apple bobbing, an old fashioned maze, plus funerary practices of the 1800s. All school groups wanting to participate in this unique program must pre-register with the site.  There is a $2 admission to the program.  Children (12 and under) and senior citizens (62 and older) are admitted free.  For more information, call 1-888-677-2838 toll free or 635-3739 in the St. Francisville area.

 

Soul Stories at Rosedown Plantation

On Saturday, October 27 the Rosedown Main House will be in mourning as Rosedown Interpretive Staff re-enacts the funeral service for a member of the historic Turnbull-Bowman family. Throughout the day, the house will be decorated according to 19th century mourning customs and re-enactors will be dressed in 19th century-style mourning costumes. The funeral service will be held at 4 pm inside the main house. Following the funeral, costumed Rosedown Interpretive Staff will portray the spirits of various Turnbull-Bowman family members who have returned to the main house from their graves. The “spirits” will talk about their lives and share reminiscences from their pasts. The funeral starts at 4 pm, and Soul Stories are told between 5:30 and 7 pm.  For more information call 635-3110.

 

Exploring Southern Gardens

The 19^th Annual Southern Garden Symposium & Workshops is scheduled for the weekend of October 26 and 27 at various venues throughout St. Francisville including Afton Villa Gardens, Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site, Market Hall on Royal Street, Jackson Hall at Grace Episcopal Church and Hemingbough.  Pre-registration is required by calling 635-3738.

 

The Myrtles Halloween Extravaganza

This ever popular event will be held on Friday the 26th, Saturday the 27th, and, of course, Wednesday the 31st at 6pm.  Tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis (cash or check) at the Front Gate, and the tours will be continuous until Midnight.  Varnedoe's will be serving an a la carte dinner in the Restaurant as well as providing Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice, and beverages on the Courtyard.  Please call 225.635.6277 or 800.809.0565 or225.635.2635 with questions, to schedule a Private Tour, to make a reservation or purchase a ticket.  www.myrtlesplantation.com

 

Audubon Fall Festival to Benefit St. Jude

Also scheduled for the weekend of October 27 and 28 with the sole purpose to raise money for St. Jude is the Audubon Fall Festival.  There will be tennis and softball tournaments, arts & crafts and vendor booths, a car show, hot air balloon and more at the West Feliciana Sports Park; a 5K run at The Bluffs Nature Trail; a Challenge of the Cooks and a Live Auction at the Parish Barn; and much, much more.  For more information, call 225-635-0005 or 225-721-1624 and leave message.  For up to date info, visit http://stfrancisvillefestivals.com.

 

Yellow Leaf Arts Festival

The 5^th Annual Yellow Leaf Arts Festival will be held on October 27^th and 28^th from 10:00 until 5:00 in the area in front of BirdMan Coffee, behind Magnolia Cafe'.  Artists from jewelry makers, painters, stained glass artists, photographers to woodcarvers will be displaying and selling their work. Some artists will even be demonstrating!  There will be live music off and on all weekend including on Saturday: 1:00 Annie Fergus, 2:00 Villanelle, 3:00 Kevin Johnson; and on Sunday: 1:00 James Williams, 3:00 The West Feliciana Community Singers.  For more details, visit www.stfrancisvillefestivals.com.

 

"Vibes in the 'ville"

Music under the Stars in Parker Park with The Fugitive Poets after the Yellow Leaf Arts Festival, October 27, Saturday night from 6 – 9 pm.

 

Angola Rodeo

This is the last Sunday for the Wildest Show in the South.  Gates open at 9 am, and the rodeo begins at 2 pm.  For more information call (225) 655-2030 or visit www.angolarodeo.com.

 

 

Week 2-3

Wines Of Spain

This special Wine Tasting in The Piano Bar at Eighteen at The Bluffs is tonight, Wednesday, October 17 at 7 pm.  Taste 6 wines from the finest regions of Spain and traditional Spanish tapas will be served to enhance the evening’s pleasure.  Reservations Required.  Call 634-5222, ext.169, $48.00 per person.

 

Farmers’ Market

Thursdays from 1 pm to 5 pm at the 4-H barn you’ll find some of the best produce around!  Pumpkins, squash, greens, lettuce, fresh bake breads and pies, homemade jellies and preserves, sweet potatoes, and much more.  Please help support your local farmers!

 

CC Lockwood Book Signing

Tomorrow night, Thursday, October 18 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the West Feliciana Parish Library, C.C. Lockwood will be signing his newest book, C.C. Lockwood's Atchafalaya, which comes out in August.  For more information, call the Library Director at 225-784-0260.

 

Movie Under the Stars

Monster House is the feature film being shown at Parker Park on Friday, October 19 at 6 pm.  Admission is one canned good for the West Feliciana Parish Food Bank.  Wear your costumes for the costume parade, and there will be bags to decorate for your trick or treating.  Concessions will be available from the Women’s Service League so bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy!  This event is sponsored by the St. Francisville Main Street so for more information call Laurie at 635-3873.

 

Live Music

Cypress Grill – Friday, October 19 -- karaoke by Lyn Barsott; Saturday, October 20 - LSU vs. Auburn on the Big Screen in the Bar; Sunday, October 21 - Studio B Productions

Fat Mama’s at the Bluffs – Fridays, October 19 – Run Jane Run; October 26 – Keith and Scott

The Mag – Fridays – October 19 – Root 61; October 26 – Delta Drifters

 

Lost Arts Saturdays

Rosedown Plantation presents the lost art of Spanish Moss Preparation on Saturday, October 20 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.  These demonstrations of the “Lost Arts” of the 19th century occur every third Saturday of each month.  For more information call 635-3110.

 

Chamber Music Series

The Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra will perform on Saturday, October 20, at 8pm at Grace Episcopal Church.  Tickets are available at the Bank of St. Francisville or by calling BRSO at 225-383-0500.

 

The Dead of Locust Grove

 Visitors are invited to Locust Grove State Historic Site on Saturday, October 20, to discover who is buried in the historic plantation graveyard in the program, The Dead of Locust Grove.  Between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., visitors to the cemetery can learn about both the famous and the not-so-famous inhabitants of the cemetery. Locust Grove SHS is the setting for the one-acre 200-year-old Locust Grove cemetery which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.  Admission to the historic site is free.  For more information, call 635-3739.

 

Life Changing Skills “Coping with Stress”

The Institute of Mindfulness presents a day with The Master, Mindfulness Meditation Master Thich Dao Quang on Sunday, October 21^st at Hemingbough Conference Center.  Registration begins at 1:00 p.m., and the day will end at 7:00.  An evening meal is included, specially prepared by Hemingbough’s chef Ida Cage.  Seating is limited so call for your reservation at 505-3403.

 

Harrington Gallery

Herschel reminds us that the holidays are fast approaching! It's time to start thinking about framing those special photos and art prints. Harrington Gallery is offering 10% off picture framing that is brought in before October 31. He’s celebrating their 31st year serving the community with fine picture framing in St Francisville. Please stop in and visit next time you are on Royal Street.

 

Homecoming

West Feliciana High School celebrates homecoming on Friday, October 26 with a parade through St. Francisville beginning at 2:35.  Pre-game festivities begin at 6:30 with the game against Capitol High School at 7 pm.

 

Soul Stories at Rosedown Plantation

On Saturday, October 27 the Rosedown Main House will be in mourning as Rosedown Interpretive Staff re-enacts the funeral service for a member of the historic Turnbull-Bowman family. Throughout the day, the house will be decorated according to 19th century mourning customs and re-enactors will be dressed in 19th century-style mourning costumes. The funeral service will be held at 4 pm inside the main house. Following the funeral, costumed Rosedown Interpretive Staff will portray the spirits of various Turnbull-Bowman family members who have returned to the main house from their graves. The “spirits” will talk about their lives and share reminiscences from their pasts. The funeral starts at 4 pm, and Soul Stories are told between 5:30 and 7 pm.  For more information call 635-3110.

 

Exploring Southern Gardens

The 19^th Annual Southern Garden Symposium & Workshops is scheduled for the weekend of October 26 and 27 at various venues throughout St. Francisville including Afton Villa Gardens, Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site, Market Hall on Royal Street, Jackson Hall at Grace Episcopal Church and Hemingbough.  Pre-registration is required by calling 635-3738.

 

The Myrtles Halloween Extravaganza

This ever popular event will be held on Friday the 26th, Saturday the 27th, and, of course, Wednesday the 31st at 6pm.  Tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis (cash or check) at the Front Gate, and the tours will be continuous until Midnight.  Varnedoe's will be serving an a la carte dinner in the Restaurant as well as providing Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice, and beverages on the Courtyard.  Please call 225.635.6277 or 800.809.0565 or225.635.2635 with questions, to schedule a Private Tour, to make a reservation or purchase a ticket.

 

Audubon Fall Festival to Benefit St. Jude

Also scheduled for the weekend of October 27 and 28 with the sole purpose to raise money for St. Jude is the Audubon Fall Festival.  There will be tennis and softball tournaments, arts & crafts and vendor booths, a car show, hot air balloon and more at the West Feliciana Sports Park; a 5K run at The Bluffs Nature Trail; a Challenge of the Cooks and a Live Auction at the Parish Barn; and much, much more.  For more information, call 225-635-0005 or 225-721-1624 and leave message.  For up to date info, visit http://stfrancisvillefestivals.com.

 

Yellow Leaf Arts Festival

The 5^th Annual Yellow Leaf Arts Festival will be held on October 27^th and 28^th from 10:00 until 5:00 in the area in front of BirdMan Coffee, behind Magnolia Cafe'.  Artists from jewelry makers, painters, stained glass artists, photographers to woodcarvers will be displaying and selling their work. Some artists will even be demonstrating!  There will be live music off and on all weekend including on Saturday: 1:00 Annie Fergus, 2:00 Villanelle, 3:00 Kevin Johnson; and on Sunday: 1:00 James Williams, 3:00 The West Feliciana Community Singers.

 

"Vibes in the 'ville"

This event was so successful that it’s back with an encore performance.  Join us for Music under the Stars in Parker Park with The Fugitive Poets after the Yellow Leaf Arts Festival, October 27, Saturday night from 6 – 9 pm.

 

Angola Rodeo

Remember that there are still two Sundays of The Wildest Show in the South.  Gates open at 9 am, and the rodeo begins at 2 pm.  For more information call (225) 655-2030 or visit www.angolarodeo.com.

 

November Preview

Celebrate 200 years of St. Francisville during the weekend of November 9 through the 11.  Starting on Friday local author Anne Butler and photographer Darrell Chitty will be on hand to sign and make a presentation on their new book THE SPIRIT OF ST. FRANCISVILLE. The event will be held at Old Market Hall on Royal Street starting at 6:30pm. This will kick off our weekend 200-year celebration in conjunction with the Louisiana Main to Main project.

 

Saturday, November 10, will begin with Birthday sales by the downtown merchants, and a Quilt Show in Parker Park. The day will cap off with the showing of “The Reaping” in the 4-H barn.

 

Sunday, November 11, will begin with a Veterans’ Recognition Program, a black and white photo exhibit and Julius Freyhan School Open House.  For more information call Laurie Walsh at 635-3873 or email lauriemstreet@bellsouth.net.

 

Swing for Scholarships Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, November 12 with registration and range open at 10:30.  Lunch buffet begins at 11 and shot gun start is at 12 noon.  Proceeds from this tournament benefit the Swing for Scholarships Fund and the Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce.  Teams are $500 and there are $200 hole sponsorships available.  For more information or to register, call 635-6717.  Deadline to enter is November 7.

 

Week 1-2

Live Music

Cypress Grill = Saturday, October 13 - Pandora (all girl band) $3 cover charge

Fat Mama’s at The Bluffs = Fridays, October 12 – Kirk Holder; October 19 – Run Jane Run

The Mag = Fridays, October 12 – The Andy Roberts Band; October 19 – Root 61

 

Flea Market

The Vintage Store will be having a flea market on Saturday, October 13.  If you would like to sell, please call the store at 635-6466. Libbey invites everyone else come on out and check out the neat stuff being sold.

 

Olde West Florida Day

Learn about life in Old Spanish West Florida and find out about the 1810 Rebellion time period of when the local colonists successfully fought against the Spanish Government.  This program will feature living history crafts demos, costume talks, black powder demonstrations and much more.  It’s all at Audubon State Historic Site, Oakley Plantation on Saturday, October 13 from 10 am until 4 pm.  For more information, please call 635-3739.

 

Angola Rodeo & Craft Show

Every Sunday in October you can enjoy “The Wildest Show in the South” and/or a day of shopping for arts and crafts. The rodeo features bull riding, bareback riding, the wild horse race, barrel racing, bull-dogging, wild cow milking, rodeo clowns and more, in a recently expanded arena.  Gates open 9:00 a.m. for the arts and crafts show. Rodeo starts at 2:00 p.m. Ticket cost $10.00 each.  For more information call (225) 655-2030 or visit www.angolarodeo.com.

 

Wines Of Spain

Move beyond Sherry into the wines of the world’s third leading wine producing nation!  A special Wine Tasting in The Piano Bar at Eighteen at The Bluffs on Wednesday, October 17 at 7 pm.  Come explore the noble grape from the Spanish point of view!  Spain is one of the most exciting wine nations of the world, producing great reds, whites, and sparkling.  We will taste 6 wines from the finest regions of Spain and traditional Spanish tapas will be served to enhance the evening’s pleasure.  Reservations Required.  Call 634-5222, ext.169, $48.00 per person.

 

CC Lockwood Book Signing

On October 18 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the West Feliciana Parish Library, C.C. Lockwood will be signing his newest book, C.C. Lockwood's Atchafalaya, which comes out in August.  For more information, call the Library Director at 225-784-0260.

 

Movie Under The Stars

It’s that time again so join the fun on Friday, October 19 beginning at 6pm at Parker Park.  There will be a costume parade for those who dress in Halloween costumes, and this year we will be decorating Trick or Treat Bags before the Movie.  Bring you chair and blanket and join the fun as we watch Monster House.  The admission is one canned good for the West Feliciana Parish Food Bank.  Concessions will be available by the Women’s Service League to help fund their philanthropic endeavors.  For more information please call Laurie Walsh, St. Francisville Main Street, 635-3873

 

Lost Arts Saturdays

Rosedown Plantation presents the lost art of Spanish Moss Preparation on Saturday, October 20 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.  These demonstrations of the “Lost Arts” of the 19th century occur every third Saturday of each month.  For more information call 635-3110.

 

Chamber Music Series

The musicians of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra will perform selections from Mozart, Ravel, and Debussey on Saturday, October 20, at 8pm at Grace Episcopal Church.  Tickets are available at the Bank of St. Francisville or by calling BRSO  at 225-383-0500.

 

The Dead of Locust Grove

 Visitors are invited to Locust Grove State Historic Site on Saturday, October 20, to discover who is buried in the historic plantation graveyard in the program, The Dead of Locust Grove.  Between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., visitors to the cemetery can learn about both the famous and the not-so-famous inhabitants of the cemetery. The cemetery contains the final resting places of such notables as Sarah Knox Taylor Davis, the daughter of President Zachary Taylor and first wife of later Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Also included in the cemetery is the grave of Maj. General Eleazar Ripley, a hero of the War of 1812 and one of the first Major Generals in the United States Army.  Locust Grove SHS is the setting for the one-acre 200-year-old Locust Grove cemetery.  Locust Grove is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.  Admission to the historic site is free.  For more information, call 635-3739.

 

Life Changing Skills “Coping with Stress”

The Institute of Mindfulness presents a day with The Master, Mindfulness Meditation Master Thich Dao Quang on Sunday, October 21^st at Hemingbough Conference Center.  Registration begins at 1:00 p.m., and the day will end at 7:00.  An evening meal is included, specially prepared by Hemingbough’s chef Ida Cage.  Seating is limited-Call for Reservation 225-505-3403

 

Happenings

The Wildest Show in the South

The Angola Rodeo is another of those fall celebrations we look forward to every year.  Held every Sunday in October, this event draws thousands to West Feliciana parish to watch rodeo events and browse through the arts and crafts created by the inmates of the Louisiana State Penitentiary.  Gates open at 9 am, and the rodeo begins at 2 pm.  For more information call (225) 655-2030 or visit www.angolarodeo.com

 

Farmers Market

Looking for a pumpkin for that jack-o-lantern?  Try the Farmers Market this Thursday from 1 pm until 5 pm.  You’ll also find other gourds available, as well as Indian corn, fresh eggs, lettuce, okra, greens, potatoes, baby eggplants that are delicious grilled or broiled, and beautiful fresh cut flowers.  There’s even fresh baked fruit breads, homemade jellies and jams and pickles.

 

Live Music

Cypress Grill = Saturday, October 6 - Kid Mixon 7-10 pm; Sunday, October 7 - George Freeman 6-9 pm; Saturday, October 13 - Pandora (all girl band) $3 cover charge

Fat Mama’s at The Bluffs = Fridays, October 5 – Eric Baskin; October 12 – Kirk Holder

The Mag = Fridays, October 5 – Gary Bello; October 12 – The Andy Roberts Band

 

Archaeology Week

In conjunction with Louisiana Archaeology Week, the West Feliciana Parish Tourist Commission, West Feliciana Historical Society and St. Francisville Main Street will host a Wine and Cheese Reception on Thursday, October 4 at 6:30 pm at Old Market Hall on Royal Street that will feature a discussion of the recently completed Archaeological Investigations of the Star Hill Sugar Mill Site.

 

Digging Up the Past

Many artifacts from the 1800s have been found at Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site so on Saturday, October 6, from 11:00 am - 3:00pm is devoted to learning the art of the archaeologist. Visitors will learn how archaeologists find historic artifacts, by participating in an archaeological “dig.” Participants will be shown the proper way to excavate, and record their findings by drawing their “dig site” and the artifacts found. This program is being held in conjunction with Archaeology Week.  For more information call 635-3110.

 

Chamber Events

The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce will host a public forum for candidates for all local offices on Monday, October 8 from 6 pm until 7:30 pm at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.  The Chamber will also host its After Hours on Thursday, October 11 at 5:30 pm at the Bank of St. Francisville.

 

Olde West Florida Day

Learn about life in Old Spanish West Florida and find out about the 1810 Rebellion time period of when the local colonists successfully fought against the Spanish Government.  This program will feature living history crafts demos, costume talks, black powder demonstrations and much more.  It’s all at Audubon State Historic Site, Oakley Plantation on Saturday, October 13 from 10 am until 4 pm.  For more information, please call 635-3739.

 

Young Life FUN-draiser 

The annual fall fundraising event for Young Life of West Feliciana will be October 14, 5 - 7 p.m., at The Glynns.  Tickets are $10 and are available by calling - 634-7590 or emailing Young Life Director, Dan Vander Woude at dan@westfeliciana.younglife.org   

 

Sip & Shop

The Wine Parlor at the St. Francisville Inn will host a wine and Silpada jewelry show on Thursday, October 18 from 5 pm until 7:30 pm.  For more information, call 635-6502.

 

Movie Under the Stars

It’s back!  Bring your lawn chairs or a blanket and enjoy watching “Return to Halloween Town” under the stars at Parker Memorial Park in downtown St. Francisville on Friday, October 19.  St. Francisville Main Street will host this popular event and invite the children to decorate trick or treat bags and show off their costumes in a Halloween Costume Parade around the Park.  All this begins at 6 pm.

 

CC Lockwood at the Library

Hear the author/photographer discuss his latest book at the West Feliciana parish Library on Thursday, October 18 at 6 pm. The book will be available for purchase (check or cash only, please), and gift wrapping is available.  For more information, call the Library at 635-3364.

 

Harrington Gallery

Herschel reminds us that the holidays are fast approaching! It's time to start thinking about framing those special photos and art prints. Harrington Gallery is offering 10% off picture framing that is brought in before October 31. He’s celebrating their 31st year serving the community with fine picture framing in St Francisville. Please stop in and visit next time you are on Royal St.

 

Symphony Performance

The St. Francisville Symphony Association’s Chamber Music Series featuring the musicians of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra has its first concert on Saturday, October 20 at 8 pm at Grace Episcopal Church.  Tickets are on sale now at the Bank of St. Francisville or by calling BRSO at 383-0500.

 

Homecoming

West Feliciana High School celebrates homecoming on Friday, October 26 with a parade through St. Francisville beginning at 2:35.  Pre-game festivities begin at 6:30 with the game against Capitol High School at 7 pm.

 

Exploring Southern Gardens

The 19^th Annual Southern Garden Symposium & Workshops is scheduled for the weekend of October 26 and 27 at various venues throughout St. Francisville including Afton Villa Gardens, Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site, Market Hall on Royal Street, Jackson Hall at Grace Episcopal Church and Hemingbough.  Pre-registration is required by calling 635-3738.

 

The Myrtles Halloween Extravaganza

This ever popular event will be held on Friday the 26th, Saturday the 27th, and, of course, Wednesday the 31st at 6pm.  Tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis (cash or check) at the Front Gate, and the tours will be continuous until Midnight.  Varnedoe's will be serving an a la carte dinner in the Restaurant as well as providing Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice, and beverages on the Courtyard.  Please call 225.635.6277 or 800.809.0565 or225.635.2635 with questions, to schedule a Private Tour, to make a reservation or purchase a ticket.

 

Audubon Fall Festival to Benefit St. Jude

Also scheduled for the weekend of October 27 and 28 with the sole purpose to raise money for St. Jude. Lots of activities will be going on – tennis and softball tournaments, arts & crafts and vendor booths, a car show, hot air balloon and more at the West Feliciana Sports Park; a 5K run at The Bluffs Nature Trail; a Challenge of the Cooks and a Live Auction at the Parish Barn; and much, much more.  If you are willing to volunteer in any capacity or want to participate in any of the events, call 225-635-0005 or 225-721-1624 and leave message.  For up to date info, visit http://stfrancisvillefestivals.com.

 

Yellow Leaf Arts Festival

We’ve been enjoying this great little festival for five years now!  On October 27^th and 28^th from 10:00 until 5:00 in the area in front of BirdMan Coffee, behind Magnolia Cafe' artists from jewelry makers,  painters, stained glass artists, photographers to woodcarvers will be displaying and selling their work. Some artists will even be demonstrating!  There will be live music off and on all weekend including on Saturday: 1:00 Annie Fergus, 2:00 Villanelle, 3:00 Kevin Johnson; and on Sunday: 1:00 James Williams, 3:00 The West Feliciana Community Singers.

 

"Vibes in the 'ville"

This event was so successful that it’s back with an encore performance.  Join us for Music under the Stars in Parker Park with The Fugitive Poets after the Yellow Leaf Arts Festival, October 27, Saturday night from 6 – 9 pm.