Happenings

Trick or Treat

Yes, those little ghouls and goblins will be out and about this Friday.  The Town of St. Francisville and the Main Street Merchants will be passing out treats between the hours of 5:30 pm till 7:30 pm.  Trick or treating throughout West Feliciana parish on Friday, October 31, is from 5:30 pm till 7:30 pm.  Drive slowly and carefully during these witching hours!

 

Halloween Extravaganza

The Myrtles Plantation invites you to experience the true meaning of Halloween at America’s most haunted house on October 31 and November 1.  Tickets will go on sale at 6 pm for $10, first come, first served.  (Cash or check only.)  Advance ticket sales will continue up to and resume after the Halloween Extravaganza.  Parking will be available at the NAPA store across Highway 61 with jitney service for those who need it.  Food and beverages for purchase will be sold in the courtyard.  For additional information, please phone 800-809-0565 or 635-6277.

 

All Hallows Eve of the 1800s

Audubon State Historic Site invites you to discover Halloween traditions of the 1800s during the program All Hallows Eve to be held on October 31, of course.  Between 6:30 and 8:30 pm, on the grounds of Oakley Plantation an old-fashioned torch light celebration will be held exploring the traditions of Halloween in the United States.  Guests are invited to join in historic Halloween activities including Jack-o-Lantern carving, apples on a string, a candlelit rope maze, fortune telling, superstitions, storytelling, Halloween treats, and more.  Children of all ages are invited to attend in costume.  For more information, call 888-677-2838 or 635-3739.

 

Music at The Mag

Friday, October 31 – The Delta Drifters begin around 7 pm.

 

Down Hearth Cooking

Demonstrations of 19^th century down-hearth cooking, using 19^th century recipes and reproduction cooking equipment, will be held at Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site on Saturday, November 1 from 11 am until 3 pm.  Featured recipes will be taken from the historic Turnbull-Bowman Family Papers.  For more information call 888-376-1867 or 635-3110.

 

The Spinning Wheel

On Saturday, November 8, Audubon State Historic Site presents this program that centers on the work required on a plantation to provide the thread and cloth utilized by the house and its inhabitants.  There will be demonstration of spinning on the spinning wheel along with how the wool and cotton are prepared.  The program runs from 10 am until 2 pm, and for more information, call 888-677-2838 or 635-3739.

 

The Weaving Room

As a follow up to the earlier program on spinning, Audubon State Historic Site will present a demonstration and talk about the use of the plantations original weaving loom on Saturday, November 8 from 2 pm until 4 pm.  This program centers on the work required on a plantation to provide the thread and cloth utilized by the house and its inhabitants.  For more information, call 888-677-2838 or 635-3739.

 

Save the Date

With the enormous success of our White Linen Night held in August, the St. Francisville Merchants Association has teamed up again to offer White Light Night on Friday, December 5 from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm following the lighting of the town’s Christmas Tree.  This year’s Christmas in the Country will be held the weekend of December 5, 6 & 7 with the Friends of the Library Annual Home Tour to be conducted on Sunday, December 7.  More information to come!

 

FW: Happenings

Wide Open!

Audubon State Historic Site and Oakley Plantation has re-opened.  See below for upcoming interpretive programs at the site.  Welcome back to John and his staff!

 

Music at The Mag

Friday, October 24 – Bossier’s Neighborhood; Friday, October 31 – The Delta Drifters

A limited number of tickets are still available for The Iguanas CD release party to be held on Sunday, October 25 starting at 6:30 pm.  For advanced tickets at $15 each, call 721-7003.

 

Movie Under the Stars

This Friday, October 24 at Parker Park Meet the Robinsons will be shown at dark, and the Women’s Service League will provide refreshments.  All you’ll need is a canned good for the Food Bank for admission and a blanket and/or chairs.

 

Poetry Workshop

The current poet laureate of Louisiana, Darrell Bourque, will conduct a poetry workshop on Friday, October 24, at Birdman Coffee and Books.  Registration is required so call 721-1296 or e-mail birdman@bsf.net.

 

Library Book Sale

This annual event will be held on Saturday, October 25 from 8:30 am until 3 pm at St. Francisville Town Hall.  Hosted by the Friends of the Library, all proceeds benefit the West Feliciana Library.  It’s a very worthy cause and there are some great finds!

 

Yellow Leaf Arts Festival

The 6^th Annual Yellow Leaf Arts Festival will be held at Parker Park on Saturday and Sunday, October 25 and 26, from 10 am until 5 pm.  Music at the festival on Saturday begins at 10:30 the children’s group, “Voices in Motion.”  At noon, Annie Fergus will perform followed at 1 pm with a poetry reading by Darrell Bourque, Louisiana’s poet laureate.  At 3 pm join in the acoustic jam, and then listen to the multi-talented Nancy Roppolo at 4 pm.  Music on Sunday includes The Laughing Lizards String Band at noon; Kevin Johnson at 1:30; The West Feliciana Community Singers at 2:30; and The Fugitive Poets at 3 pm.  There are more than 35 artists who will display and sell their artworks, with some that will demonstrate their artistic talents.   More information is on the web at www.stfrancisvillefestivals.com.

 

Mourning at Rosedown

On Saturday, October 25, Rosedown Plantation’s main house will be in mourning as the 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 19^th century mourning customs and re-enactors will be dressed in 19^th century-style mourning costumes.  The funeral service will be held at 4 pm inside the main house.  Following the funeral, costumed 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 past.  For more information, call 635-3110 or toll free 888-376-1867.

 

The Dead of Locust Grove

On Sunday, October 26, Locust Grove State Historic Site will offer two very interesting programs.  From 10 am until noon, The Dead of Locust Grove discusses who is buried at this historic cemetery and their importance to the area.  Included in the discussion will be Major General Eleasar Ripley, an early American military hero, and Sarah Knox Taylor Davis, the first wife of later Confederate President Jefferson Davis.  Then from 2 pm until 4:30 pm, grave rendering will teach this process using the stones of the inhabitants of the Locust Grove Cemetery.  For more information on either program, call 888-677-2838 or 635-3739.

 

Angola Rodeo

This is the last Sunday for The Wildest Show in the South.  The gates open at 9 am, the rodeo begins at 2 pm, and crafts are open until 5 pm.  Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased by calling 655-2030 or by visiting www.angolarodeo.com.

 

Halloween Extravaganza

The Myrtles Plantation invites you to experience the true meaning of Halloween at America’s most haunted house on October 31 and November 1.  Tickets will go on sale at 6 pm for $10, first come, first served.  (Cash or check only.)  Advance ticket sales will continue up to and resume after the Halloween Extravaganza.  Parking will be available at the NAPA store across Highway 61 with jitney service for those who need it.  For additional information, please phone 800-809-0565 or 635-6277.

 

All Hallows Eve of the 1800s

Audubon State Historic Site invites you to discover Halloween traditions of the 1800s during the program All Hallows Eve to be held on October 31, of course.  Between 6:30 and 8:30 pm, on the grounds of Oakley Plantation an old-fashioned torch light celebration will be held exploring the traditions of Halloween in the United States.  Guests are invited to join in historic Halloween activities including Jack-o-Lantern carving, apples on a string, a candlelit rope maze, fortune telling, superstitions, storytelling, Halloween treats, and more.  Children of all ages are invited to attend in costume.  For more information, call 888-677-2838 or 635-3739.

 

Down Hearth Cooking

Demonstrations of 19^th century down-hearth cooking, using 19^th century recipes and reproduction cooking equipment, will be held at Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site on Saturday, November 1 from 11 am until 3 pm.  Featured recipes will be taken from the historic Turnbull-Bowman Family Papers.  For more information call 888-376-1867 or 635-3110.

 

Happenings

Temporary Closings

Audubon State Historic Site is still closed while hurricane debris is cleared out, but expects to be open some time next week.  The ferry boat, however, suffered more damage than originally thought and will be out until probably the 23^rd.

 

Music at The Mag

Friday, October 17 – Gary Bello; Friday, October 24 – Bossier’s Neighborhood.  There are still a limited number of tickets left to The Iguanas CD Release Party on Sunday, October 25 at 6:30 pm.

 

Southern Garden Symposium

Friday and Saturday, October 17 and 18, the 20^th Southern Garden Symposium will be held.  This annual meeting attracts garden enthusiasts from across the South.  For more information, visit www.SouthernGardenSymposium.org or call Lucie Cassity at 635-3738.

 

Digging Up the Past

Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site offers this program which is devoted to learning the art of the archaeologist.  On Friday, October 17 from 11 am until 4 pm, visitors will learn how archaeologists find historic artifacts by participating in a “dig.”   This program is being held in conjunction with Archaeology Month.  For more information, call 888-376-1867 or 635-3110.

 

Lost Arts Saturdays

This program occurs every third Saturday of each month at Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site.  The October program will feature the “lost art” of Spanish moss preparation.  Held on Saturday, October 18 from 11 am until 3 pm, call 888-376-1867 or 635-3110 for more information.

 

Symphony Concert

The St. Francisville Symphony Association kicks off its 2008-08 Baton Rouge Symphony Chamber Music Series this Saturday, October 18, at Grace Episcopal Church.  Timothy Muffitt, Music Director for the BR Symphony, will direct the string quintet plus clarinet in playing selections from Handel, Shostakovick and Mozart.  Tickets are available at the Bank of St. Francisville, by calling the BRSO at 383-0500, or at the door.  Tickets are $20 each or $18 each for seniors and students.  Children under 18 get in free if accompanied by an adult to this concert.  Other concerts are scheduled for December 5 and on April 4, 2009.  Season tickets are $50 or $40 for seniors and students.

 

Angola Rodeo

The Wildest Show in the South has two more Sundays of performances.  The gates open at 9 am, the rodeo begins at 2 pm, and crafts are open until 5 pm.  Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased by calling 655-2030 or by visiting www.angolarodeo.com.

 

Mystery Tours

And as a special treat after the rodeo each Sunday in October, The Myrtles Plantation will be open for a 7 pm Mystery Tour.  This is in addition to their regular Mystery Tours which are held on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the year.  Cost is $10.  For more information, call 635-6277 or 800-809-0565 or visit www.myrtlesplantation.com.

 

Movie Under the Stars

It’s back!  This ever popular event makes a comeback on Friday, October 24 at Parker Park.  Meet the Robinsons will be shown at dark, and the Women’s Service League will provide refreshments.  All you’ll need is a canned good for the Food Bank for admission and a blanket and/or chairs.

 

Poetry Workshop

The current poet laureate of Louisiana, Darrell Bourque, will conduct a poetry workshop on Friday, October 24, at Birdman Coffee and Books.  Registration is required so call 721-1296 or e-mail birdman@bsf.net.

 

Library Book Sale

This annual event will be held on Saturday, October 25 from 8:30 am until 3 pm at St. Francisville Town Hall.  Hosted by the Friends of the Library, all proceeds benefit the West Feliciana Library.  It’s a very worthy cause and there are some great finds!

 

Yellow Leaf Arts Festival

The 6^th Annual Yellow Leaf Arts Festival will be held at Parker Park on Saturday and Sunday, October 25 and 26, from 10 am until 5 pm.  Music at the festival on Saturday begins at 10:30 the children’s group, “Voices in Motion.”  At noon, Annie Fergus will perform followed at 1 pm with a poetry reading by Darrell Bourque, Louisiana’s poet laureate.  At 3 pm join in the acoustic jam, and then listen to the multi-talented Nancy Roppolo at 4 pm.  Music on Sunday includes The Laughing Lizards String Band at noon; Kevin Johnson at 1:30; The West Feliciana Community Singers at 2:30; and The Fugitive Poets at 3 pm.  There are more than 35 artists who will display and sell their artworks, with some that will demonstrate their artistic talents.   More information is on the web at www.stfrancisvillefestivals.com.

 

Mourning at Rosedown

On Saturday, October 25, Rosedown Plantation’s main house will be in mourning as the 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 19^th century mourning customs and re-enactors will be dressed in 19^th century-style mourning costumes.  The funeral service will be held at 4 pm inside the main house.  Following the funeral, costumed 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 past.  For more information, call 635-3110 or toll free 888-376-1867.

 

The Dead of Locust Grove

On Sunday, October 26, Locust Grove State Historic Site will offer two very interesting programs.  From 10 am until noon, The Dead of Locust Grove discusses who is buried at this historic cemetery and their importance to the area.  Included in the discussion will be Major General Eleasar Ripley, an early American military hero, and Sarah Knox Taylor Davis, the first wife of later Confederate President Jefferson Davis.  Then from 2 pm until 4:30 pm, grave rendering will teach this process using the stones of the inhabitants of the Locust Grove Cemetery.  For more information on either program, call 888-677-2838 or 635-3739.

 

Halloween Extravaganza

The Myrtles Plantation invites you to experience the true meaning of Halloween at America’s most haunted house on October 31 and November 1.  Tickets will go on sale at 6 pm for $10, first come, first served.  (Cash or check only.)  Advance ticket sales will continue up to and resume after the Halloween Extravaganza.  Parking will be available at the NAPA store across Highway 61 with jitney service for those who need it.  For additional information, please phone 800-809-0565 or 635-6277.

 

All Hallows Eve of the 1800s

Audubon State Historic Site invites you to discover Halloween traditions of the 1800s during the program All Hallows Eve to be held on October 31, of course.  Between 6:30 and 8:30 pm, 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 games and treats for the whole family to enjoy.  There is a $2 admission to the program, but children 12 and under and senior citizens 62 and older are admitted free.  For more information, call 888-677-2838 or 635-3739.

 

Happenings

Rosedown Open, Oakley Closed

Yes, Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site has re-opened to the public as of Monday, October 6.  Now the crews that cleaned up that park have moved over to Audubon State Historic Site to do the debris clean up there.  John House, Park Manager, expects the work to take at least two weeks.  Stay posted for updates on the progress.

 

Ferry Down

It seems like our ferry lost its rudder and now the part is on back order.  It is always an inconvenience when the ferry is not running but never as much as when we have so much going on.  Let’s hope the part comes in quickly so we can get that river traffic moving.

 

Live Music at The Mag

Every Friday at 7:30 pm, the music cranks up at The Magnolia Café.  This Friday, October 10 – Chris Cole; next Friday, October 17 – Gary Bello.  Also, on Sunday, October 25 at 6:30 pm, The Iguanas of New Orleans will be having a CD Release Party.  For advanced tickets -- $15 – call 721-7003.

 

Freedom Walk

On Saturday, October 11, the Blue Star Mothers are hosting a Freedom Walk to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11 and in support of our armed forces who protect the freedoms we so often take for granted.  Check in time is at 8 am with the walk beginning at 10 am.  Pre-registration is encouraged for an accurate t-shirt count which is included in the $10 fee.  For more information on the walk, call 635-3640.

 

Red, White and Blue – American Sale Day

Walk, snack and shop St. Francisville’s downtown stores all day on Saturday, October 11^th.  This sale is in conjunction with the Freedom Walk.  Participants include:  Sage Hill Gifts with sale items and apple pie and ice cream; Shanty Too has a sidewalk sale, hot dogs and mac & cheese; St. Francis Art & Antiques is having a 10% storewide sale; Harrington Gallery will contribute 10% of all sales that day to the Military Family Fund; Grandmother’s Buttons is offering 20% off “Made in America” GB jewelry and Yankee Doodle Snickerdoodle cookies; Hillcrest will have a 25% to 75% sidewalk sale and lemonade; The Wine Parlor is offering 15% off any bottle of wine and popcorn; and Ins-N-Outs Nursery has 10% off all mums and peanuts, too!  For more information on the American Sale Day, call Laurie at 635-3873.

 

Angola Rodeo

Don’t forget the Wildest Show in the South.  Every Sunday in October the gates open at 9 am, the rodeo begins at 2 pm, and crafts are open until 5 pm.  Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased by calling 655-2030 or by visiting www.angolarodeo.com.

 

Mystery Tours

And as a special treat after the rodeo each Sunday in October, The Myrtles Plantation will be open for a 7 pm Mystery Tour.  This is in addition to their regular Mystery Tours which are held on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the year.  Cost is $10.  For more information, call 635-6277 or 800-809-0565 or visit www.myrtlesplantation.com.

 

Southern Garden Symposium

Friday and Saturday, October 17 and 18, the 20^th Southern Garden Symposium will be held.  This annual meeting attracts garden enthusiasts from across the South.  For more information, visit www.SouthernGardenSymposium.org or call Lucie Cassity at 635-3738.

 

Digging Up the Past

Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site offers this program which is devoted to learning the art of the archaeologist.  On Friday, October 17 from 11 am until 4 pm, visitors will learn how archaeologists find historic artifacts by participating in a “dig.”   This program is being held in conjunction with Archaeology Month.  For more information, call 888-376-1867 or 635-3110.

 

Lost Arts Saturdays

This program occurs every third Saturday of each month at Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site.  The October program will feature the “lost art” of Spanish moss preparation.  Held on Saturday, October 18 from 11 am until 3 pm, call 888-376-1867 or 635-3110 for more information.

 

Symphony Concert

The St. Francisville Symphony Association kicks off its 2008-08 Baton Rouge Symphony Chamber Music Series on Saturday, October 18, at Grace Episcopal Church.  Timothy Muffitt, Music Director for the BR Symphony, will direct the string quintet plus clarinet in playing selections from Handel, Shostakovick and Mozart.  Tickets are available at the Bank of St. Francisville, by calling the BRSO at 383-0500, or at the door.  Tickets are $20 each or $18 each for seniors and students.  Children under 18 get in free if accompanied by an adult.  Other concerts are scheduled for December 5 and on April 4, 2009.  Season tickets are $50 or $40 for seniors and students.

 

Library Book Sale

This annual event will be held on Saturday, October 25 from 8:30 am until 3 pm at St. Francisville Town Hall.  Hosted by the Friends of the Library, all proceeds benefit the West Feliciana Library.

 

Yellow Leaf Arts Festival

Bigger and better, the 6^th annual festival will be held at Parker Park on Saturday and Sunday, October 25 and 26.  There will be artists display and selling their wares as well as demonstrating their artistic talents.  Musical groups will entertain you during this not-to-miss weekend.  More information is on the web at www.stfrancisvillefestivals.com.

 

Movie Under the Stars

It’s back!  This ever popular event makes a comeback on Friday, October 24 at Parker Park.  Meet the Robinsons will be shown at dark, and the Women’s Service League will provide refreshments.  All you’ll need is a canned good for the Food Bank for admission and a blanket and/or chairs.

 

Audubon State Historic Site and Oakley House will be closed for approximately two weeks beginning 10/06/08 for debris removal and minor repair work on outbuildings.

 

Happenings

Storm Closures

Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site expects to have everything cleaned up and ready for visitors by next week.  See below for their next interpretive programs.  Sonny’s Pizza is also closed and it is getting quite a face lift.  Stay tuned for a re-opening date.  Sadly, Cypress Grill will not re-open.

 

Last Event

“The End” has come for Audubon Antiques but they are going out with a bang, literally.  Of course, it is the bang of the auctioneer’s gavel that you’ll hear!  On Saturday, October 4 at 5 pm and Sunday, October 5 at 1 pm, Audubon Antiques and Hunt Auction will hold the last auction with lots of furniture, unusual collectibles, estate glassware and much more.  An early preview will be held on Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and on Sunday from 10 am until 1 pm.  You can see color photos of auction items at www.huntantiquegallery.com.

 

Angola Rodeo

Yep, time once again for the Wildest Show in the South.  Every Sunday in October the gates open at 9 am, the rodeo begins at 2 pm, and crafts are open until 5 pm.  Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased by calling 655-2030 or by visiting www.angolarodeo.com.

 

Mystery Tours

After the rodeo each Sunday in October, The Myrtles Plantation will be open for a 7 pm Mystery Tour.  This is in addition to their regular Mystery Tours which are held on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the year.  Cost is $10.  For more information, call 635-6277 or 800-809-0565 or visit www.myrtlesplantation.com.

 

Freedom Walk

On Saturday, October 11, the Blue Star Mothers are hosting a Freedom Walk to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11 and in support of our armed forces who protect the freedoms we so often take for granted.  Along with the walk, several Main Street Merchants will be featuring sales and other specials.  For more information on the walk, call 635-3640.

 

Southern Garden Symposium

Scheduled for Friday and Saturday, October 17 and 18, this year’s program will be the 20^th annual meeting that attracts garden enthusiasts from across the South.  For more information, visit www.SouthernGardenSymposium.org or call Lucie Cassity at 635-3738.

 

Digging Up the Past

Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site offers this program which is devoted to learning the art of the archaeologist.  On Friday, October 17 from 11 am until 4 pm, visitors will learn how archaeologists find historic artifacts by participating in a “dig.”   This program is being held in conjunction with Archaeology Month.  For more information, call 888-376-1867 or 635-3110.

 

Lost Arts Saturdays

This program occurs every third Saturday of each month at Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site.  The October program will feature the “lost art” of Spanish moss preparation.  Held on Saturday, October 18 from 11 am until 3 pm, call 888-376-1867 or 635-3110 for more information.

 

Yellow Leaf Arts Festival

Now in its 6^th year this festival of the arts has moved to a larger location to accommodate the artisans and visitors.  Art, music and poetry can be viewed and enjoyed – and purchased – from 10 am until 5 pm On Saturday and Sunday, October 25 and 26, at Parker Park.  Louisiana’s Poet Laureate, Darrell Bourque, will do a reading on Saturday at 1 pm, and artist in residence for the festival, Donna Kilbourne, will be in the gazebo.  Sponsored by a grant from the office of the Lt. Governor, the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, and the World Cultural Economic Forum, more information is on www.stfrancisvillefestivals.com or call 635-3665.

 

Funeral Re-enactment

On Saturday, October 25, from 10 am until 6:30 pm, the staff of Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site will re-enact the funeral of Daniel Turnbull who died on October 30, 1861.  After the funeral the Turnbull family will tell ghost stories.  For more information, call 888-376-1867 or 635-3110.

 

Locust Grove State Historic Site

On Sunday, October 26, this site will offer two interesting programs.  From 10 am until noon, The Dead of Locust Grove discusses who is buried at this historic cemetery and their importance to the area.  Included in the discussion will be Major General Eleasar Ripley, an early American military hero, and Sarah Knox Taylor Davis, the first wife of later Confederate President Jefferson Davis.  Then from 2 pm until 4:30 pm, Grave Rendering at Locust Grove will teach this process using the stones of the inhabitants of the Locust Grove Cemetery.  For more information on either program, call 888-677-2838 or 635-3739.

 

All Hallows Eve

Audubon State Historic Site offers this program on October 31, of course, from 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm.  Through interactive stations visitors can learn about the beginnings and evolution of Halloween traditions and superstitions.  For more information, call 888-677-2838 or 635-3739.

 

Annual Halloween Extravaganza

The Myrtles Plantation will feature special Halloween tours, great food and refreshments during their annual Halloween Extravaganza to be held on Friday, October 31 and Saturday, November 1.  Tickets are $10 and go on sale at 6 pm.  For more information, call 635-6277 or 800-809-0565.

 

Opening Soon

The Carriage House Restaurant at the Myrtles Plantation will be opening soon.  More information in upcoming Happenings.

 

Save the Date

The Women’s Service League of St. Francisville will host its Sixth Annual Taste of the Felicianas Gala on Friday, January 23, 2009 at Hemingbough.  For further details and ticket purchasing information visit www.womensserviceleague.com or contact Krystal Marionneaux at kkmarionneaux@bellsouth.net.