Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Happenings

Farmer’s Market

Opening day last Thursday was a tremendous success.  The crowds were big until the rains hit.  Those lucky enough to get the first of the season’s tomatoes were lucky indeed, but there was plenty enough produce to go around.  Visit this Thursday from 1 to 5 pm at the 4-H Barn on Wilcox Street to get your fresh green beans, potatoes, tomatoes, collard and mustard greens, strawberries, yellow squash, yard eggs, lettuce, cucumbers, corn, flowers, baked goods, local honey, and much much more.

 

Chitty Art Exhibit

Paintings and portraits by Shreveport artist Darrell Chitty will be featured at a free, public exhibit at historic Audubon Market Hall on Royal Street in St. Francisville on Thursday, May 29, from 6 to 8:30 pm.  Darrell collaborated with Anne Butler on a full-color book released last fall, The Spirit of St. Francisville.  Several oils and pastels of scenes in the St. Francisville area, and some of the more popular images from the book will be offered for sale at this exhibit.  Wine and cheese will be served, and the public is invited.  For additional information, contact Darrell at 318-213-0735.

 

Music at the Mag

Thursday, May 29 = Free Cajun/Zydeco dance lessons

Friday, May 30 = Delta Drifters

Friday, June 6 = Gary Bello

Sunday, June 8 = Latin Night with Fredy Omar con su banda

 

Antiques Sale

Audubon Antiques is having a huge sale on May 30 and 31, and June 1.  Their next auction will be held on Sunday, June 1.

 

Theatre News

The St. Francisville Transitory Theatre's free theatre workshops are coming soon.  Registration has been extended through the month of May. Workshops will be held June 2-26, Monday thru Thursday, in the Bain Lower Elementary multi-purpose room. Two workshops will be taught, one in acting and one in design. These workshops will be taught by Alan Morton and Heather Fierabend of McKinley Middle Magnet School in Baton Rouge. They are funded by The St. Francisville Arts for All Council through a grant from the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge decentralized arts funding program. Space will be provided by the generous support of the West Feliciana School Board. To register, stop by Birdman coffee and Books or visit www.sftheatre.net.

 

Angola Art Symposium

The Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum Board hosts Art Symposium at the Prison on Saturday, June 7.  Gates open at 9 am, registration is free and lunch is available for $5.  The symposium will feature both inmate art and artwork collected from people most affected by crime.  The artwork will be showcased at various historic locations on the prison grounds including the Red Hat Cellblock, which is listed on the National Register of Historic places.  For more information call 655-2592 or visit www.angolamuseum.org.

 

Coming in June

The Day the War Stopped is an historical re-enactment of a very moving event during the Civil War.  Beginning on Friday, June 13 and continuing through Sunday, June 15, events include graveside histories, an open house at the Masonic Lodge, a parade on Saturday, vintage musical concert, vintage dance, and the drama and re-enactment.  Much more is planned so visit www.daythewarstopped.net for more information.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Happenings

School ends today in West Feliciana Parish so this is my last installment of “stay-cations” that will help save gas and help you realize the beauty that surrounds us here:

 

Bed & Breakfast Inns

We are fortunate enough to have a variety of overnight accommodations here in the parish.  How about trying a getaway during the week at one of our many fine establishments?  Let someone else cook breakfast for you or just sleep late and take advantage of the continental breakfast offered.  Take the kids or leave them with the grandparents.  Get creative and “time share” the kids with other parents – this week you keep their kids while they enjoy a night “away” and next week they keep your kids while you get away.  There are so many possibilities!

 

Dining Out

Not to be overlooked are the fabulous restaurants here.  From white linen service to casual, we have a lot to offer.  If you celebrate a wedding anniversary or birthday this summer, make it special and reserve a table at the restaurant of your choice.  Looking for something more casual to take the kids?  There’s something for everyone, literally.  Cajun dance lessons with dinner one night, live music on another night.  Seafood, soul food . . . it’s all right here in our own backyard.

 

I hope that I have inspired you to stay close to home for some adventures this summer.  We are lucky to live here where these is so much to offer, and it is important to support those businesses that support us with the services we need and enjoy.  Now, here’s what’s happening this week and next:

 

Farmer’s Market

It’s back!  Beginning on Thursday, May 22 from 1 pm to 5 pm and lasting throughout the summer season, local farmers will be selling their wares at the 4-H Barn.  This year, we’re encouraging everyone to “geaux green” by bringing your own re-usable bags to take home your produce.

 

Music, Music Everywhere!

At the Mag = Thursday, May 22 – free Zydeco dance lessons; Friday, May 23 – Fugitive Poets

Cypress Grill = Saturday, May 24 – Run Jane Run

 

Vibes in the Ville

At Parker Memorial Park on Saturday, May 24 at 6 pm, Vibes in the Ville presents Delta Drifters in a free concert.  This event is produced by St. Francisville Main Street and Arts for All and is sponsored by the Bank of St. Francisville.

 

Audubon Café

The café will be closed on Sunday, May 25 and Monday, May 26 in honor of Memorial Day.

 

Theatre News

The St. Francisville Transitory Theatre's free theatre workshops are coming soon.  Registration has been extended through the month of May. Workshops will be held June 2-26, Monday thru Thursday, in the Bain Lower Elementary multi-purpose room. Two workshops will be taught, one in acting and one in design. These workshops will be taught by Alan Morton and Heather Fierabend of McKinley Middle Magnet School in Baton Rouge. They are funded by The St. Francisville Arts for All Council through a grant from the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge decentralized arts funding program. Space will be provided by the generous support of the West Feliciana School Board. To register, stop by Birdman coffee and Books or visit www.sftheatre.net.

 

Chitty Art Exhibit

Paintings and portraits by Shreveport artist Darrell Chitty will be featured at a free, public exhibit at historic Audubon Market Hall on Royal Street in St. Francisville on Thursday, May 29, from 6 to 8:30 pm.  Darrell collaborated with Anne Butler on a full-color book released last fall, The Spirit of St. Francisville.  Several oils and pastels of scenes in the St. Francisville area, and some of the more popular images from the book will be offered for sale at this exhibit.  Wine and cheese will be served, and the public is invited.  For additional information, contact Darrell at 318-213-0735.

 

Antiques Sale

Audubon Antiques is having a huge sale on May 30 and 31, and June 1.  Their next auction will be held on Sunday, June 1.

 

That’s all for this week.  Please have a safe Memorial Day weekend and set aside to remember those who have served our country to preserve the freedoms we enjoy every day.  Thank you!

 

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Happenings

Continuing on my soapbox of “stay-cations” for this summer, here are a few more options:

 

West Feliciana Historical Society Museum

This is the best place to start a visit in our parish because the exhibits tell the story of West Feliciana.  There you can see the flags that once flew over the parish that are now flying from the beams.  A short video will give you an introduction to the West Florida Rebellion and the Reluctant Americans.  The history of Bayou Sara with the photos of the grand homes, the families, the businesses and then the flood that washed it all away can be seen right here.  An actual portion of bousillage taken from a home here, old tools and hardware, a display on the vernacular architecture, the railroads, John James Audubon, and miniatures of different rooms found in homes and country stores are all within these walls.  And it’s free!  There is no charge to visit the museum, but the knowledge and understanding of our past that you take with you are priceless.  Hours are 9 am till 5 pm, seven days a week.

 

Historic Homes

Here in the information center at the museum we have framed pictures of all the houses that are open for tours, and when a visitor asks which of the homes we would recommend, we always point to these pictures and say we’d recommend them all!  All of them are different in architecture and unique in their histories.  Prices range from $2 to $10 and most have lower prices for children under 12.  They are open from 9 am until 5 pm, but usually the tours begin at 10 am and the last tour is at 4 pm.  For a complete listing of the homes, visit our website at www.stfrancisville.us.

 

More ideas next week, but here’s what’s going on around town this week:

 

Graduation

Congratulations to all of the graduates from West Feliciana High School and the area universities.  We welcome their visiting relatives to town and hope their futures are successful.  Graduation is scheduled for Friday, May 16.

 

Music at the Mag

Friday, May 16 – A Band Named Sue; Sunday, May 18, The Creole Zydeco Farmers at 5:30 pm with a $10 cover.  Doors open at 5.

 

Zydeco Dance Lessons

These free dance lessons are offered every Thursday night at 7:30 pm at The Magnolia Café.

 

Spring into Louisiana’s History

On Saturday, May 17 from 10 am until 4 pm, Audubon State Historic Site invites you to get a glimpse of Louisiana history with this program that uses Louisiana’s state historic sites to help visualize the state’s timeline.  Learn why our historic sites are important and how they vary covering prehistory of Native Americans, to early European Settlers, to the Civil War and more.  For more information, please call 635-3739.

 

Lost Arts Saturday

Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site offers demonstrations of the “lost arts” of the 19th century every third Saturday of each month.  The May program will feature the “lost art” of medical practices of the 19th century and is set for this Saturday, May 17.  For more information call 635-3110.

 

Walk or Run for Alzheimer’s

Scruffy’s 3rd Annual 5K Trail Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk at The Bluffs to benefit Alzheimer’s Services of the Capitol Area will be held on May 17 at 9 am.  Walkers and runners will enjoy the scenic route through the woods, swamp and desert-like terrain.  Prizes will be awarded to both male and female winners in various age categories.  Following the race, participants will enjoy free food and beverages provided by the many generous sponsors.  For more information, contact Will Lord at 634-5222, ext. 171 or by e-mail at wlord@thebluffs.com.

 

Farmers Market

The 2008 season of the Farmers Market opens on Thursday, May 22 at the 4-H barn.  The market is open from 1 pm until 5 pm and features locally grown produce.  Come out and support your local farmers, and this year, bring your own re-usable canvas bags to take your fresh pickings home in.

 

Vibes in the Ville

At Parker Memorial Park on Saturday, May 24 at 6 pm, Vibes in the Ville presents Delta Drifters in a free concert.  This event is produced by St. Francisville Main Street and Arts for All and is sponsored by the Bank of St. Francisville.

 

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Happenings

Last week I suggested that with the price of gas, more of us may be interested in “stay-cations” where we visit the wonderful things in our own backyard.  Here are a couple of ideas I had on my drive along Highway 965:

 

The Mary Ann Brown Nature Preserve

This 109-acre preserve was donated to the Nature Conservancy by the late Mr. and Mrs. L. Heidel Brown of Baton Rouge, in memory of their daughter, Mary Ann.  Numerous rare plants and an abundance of wildlife make this a great field trip with the children.  Several hiking trails, a gazebo located on a man-made pond and picnic facilities make this a great place to spend the afternoon enjoying nature.  For more information call 338-1040 or visit www.nature.org/louisiana.

 

Audubon State Historic Site

This is my five-year-old son’s favorite place!  He loves to walk the trails through the acres surrounding Oakley House and hunt for the different animals around the grounds.  On his last trip there, he wasn’t expecting the pig, and the turkey kind of scared him when it drummed its feathers!  The excellent interpretive staff at this state park offer programs that are educational fun for the whole family.  Open 7 days a week from 9 am until 5 pm, admission is $2 for ages 13 – 61 and for children and seniors is free!  For more information, call 635-3739.

 

More next week on other “stay-cation” ideas, but right now, here’s what happening this week and next:

 

Music at The Mag

Every Thursday night The Mag is offering free Cajun – Zydeco dance lessons.

Friday, May 9 – Gary Bello; Friday, May 18 – Bring It; Friday, May 23 – Fugitive Poets

 

At Cypress Grill

Boiled crawfish is available from Thursday through Sunday.

 

Vintage Store Closing

Libby Woodside has let us know that she is closing down The Vintage Store on June 30th.  There are lots of items for sale and even display cases, if anyone is interested.  We will miss the monthly flea markets and the eclectic collection Libby offered to the public, but wish the Woodsides well.

 

Native American History

If you’ve ever wondered what this is, you can find out on Saturday, May 10 at 11 am at Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site.  You see, Native Americans inhabited this region before the European settlers arrived and made their own tools from stone.  Join Interpretive Ranger James Smith as he demonstrates the art, now known as Flint Knapping, which allowed Native Americans to make many of their own tools.  For more information call 635-3110.

 

Brunch with Mom

Varnedoe’s Carriage House Restaurant is offering a pre fixe menu especially for Mom on Sunday, May 11, and they’ve even made sure there is a children’s menu available so that the whole family can share in making Mom’s day special.  Reservations are required and can be made by calling 635-2635 or click on www.varnedoes.com.

 

Spring into Louisiana’s History

On Saturday, May 17 from 10 am until 4 pm, Audubon State Historic Site invites you to get a glimpse of Louisiana history with this program that uses Louisiana’s state historic sites to help visualize the state’s timeline.  Learn why our historic sites are important and how they vary covering prehistory of Native Americans, to early European Settlers, to the Civil War and more.  For more information, please call 635-3739.

 

Lost Arts Saturday

Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site offers demonstrations of the “lost arts” of the 19th century every third Saturday of each month.  The May program will feature the “lost art” of medical practices of the 19th century.  For more information call 635-3110.

 

Walk or Run for Alzheimer’s

Scruffy’s 3rd Annual 5K Trail Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk at The Bluffs to benefit Alzheimer’s Services of the Capitol Area will be held on May 17 at 9 am.  Walkers and runners will enjoy the scenic route through the woods, swamp and desert-like terrain.  Early entry by May 9 includes a t-shirt and the fee is $17; for entries received May 10 and later, the race fee is $20.  Prizes will be awarded to both male and female winners in various age categories.  Following the race, participants will enjoy free food and beverages provided by the many generous sponsors, including The Highlands Bank, Baton Rouge Coca-Cola, Sysco Foodservices, McDonald’s, Mockler Beverage/Budwieser, Silk Screen Shop, Spectrum Fitness, Temple Design, Waste Management and Capitol City Produce.  What a great way to raise awareness and funds to fight this debilitating disease!  For more information, contact Will Lord at 634-5222, ext. 171 or by e-mail at wlord@thebluffs.com.

 

That’s all for this week.  To all of you mothers out there, enjoy the weekend and Happy Mother’s Day!

 

Kitty Martin, LCTP

Executive Director

West Feliciana Parish Tourist Commission

St. Francisville, LA

800-789-4221 or 225-635-4224

www.stfrancisville.us