Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Happenings

Farmer’s Market

Sadly, the old 4-H barn took a beating from Gustav and suffered so much damage as to make holding the farmer’s market there impossible.  Until there is another site, the farmer’s market will no longer be open on Thursdays.  We look forward to when we can help take some of that produce off their hands and will let you know when they are back in business.

 

Music at the Mag

Let’s all sing along and dance to the music of the ever popular Delta Drifters.  They play Friday night at The Mag starting at 7:30.

 

Oakley is Open!

Audubon State Historic Site is back open and will hold their scheduled interpretive program this Saturday.  Walking Nature Tour, 10:30 am until 3 pm, invites you to discover the wildlife that drew a young John James Audubon to Oakley Plantation in the summer of 1821.  For more information call 635-3739 locally or 888-677-2838 toll free.

 

Rosedown Picking Up

Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site is still closed to visitors, but the clearing of tree debris is coming along nicely.  They are hoping to open in the next couple of weeks so stay tuned!

 

Restaurants Closed

Sonny’s Pizza and Cypress Grill are both still closed with no word of when they will be opening again for business.  Sonny’s had major roof damage but it looks like they are working hard to get back open.  More news when we get it.

 

New Restaurant Open

Wing It Grill is now open seven days a week from 11 am until 9 pm.  They are located in the old Hill Country Sporting Goods store behind Sonny’s Pizza.  For more information and a menu, call 635-0015.

 

October Events

With great fall weather come great fall events.  Get ready for the Angola Rodeo that runs every Sunday.  The Southern Garden Symposium will be held October 17 and 18.  Friends of the Library have a book sale on Saturday, October 25 from 8:30 am until 3 pm.  The 6th Annual Yellow Leaf Arts Festival will be held the weekend of October 24 through the 26 at Parker Park – look for news on a scarecrow contest.  And The Myrtles Plantation Halloween Extravaganza promises a hauntingly good time on Friday, October 31 and Saturday, November 1.  More on these events in upcoming weeks and online now at www.stfrancisvillefestivals.com.

 

Friday, September 12, 2008

Happenings After the Storm

We're damaged but not destroyed. The resiliency and determination of the people of West Feliciana is reminiscent of the early English settlers who first made this place their home. We now call it home, and over the last couple of weeks, it's been tough going. But we've survived and none the worse for wear. We've come out of this with a wonderment at how our parents lived without air conditioning and the simple creature comforts to which we are so accustomed. Many thanks go out to the tireless volunteers, the crews from Entergy and Demco, the countless out-of-state utility crews and the ever present National Guard for all of their hard work to get us back to the modern world. We thank you for taking time away from your families to do this back-breaking job of repairing what Gustav tore apart. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Tourist Information
The Tourist Information Center in the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum on Ferdinand Street is open daily from 9 am until 5 pm except on Sundays when it opens at 9:30 am. Due to a downed phone line, there is only one functioning phone line -- 635-4224. Unfortunately, that is not the line that carried the DSL for internet so we have no access to e-mail. Our fax line is also out, but we are sure that the good folks from AT&T will make these repairs earl next week. We do have remote access to e-mail so if you have any questions, e-mail them to westfelicianapar@bellsouth.net or kitty@stfrancisville.us. We'll get back to you as soon as we can.

State Welcome Center
The Louisiana State Welcome Center on Highway 61 North near the Mississippi state border is back open for business. Welcome back, Kathy and staff. We missed you!

Closed for Repairs
Audubon State Historic Site and Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site are both closed for repairs. While no major damage was done to the historic structures, there were many trees that were downed so while they clear the debris to make it safe for the public, the parks will be closed to visitors. They should both re-open in about two weeks. Stay tuned for more information as we are updated on the progress.

Restaurants Open
All of our restaurants in West Feliciana are open for business. Most are open regular hours with their regular menu while others are open with a limited menu. Call ahead to check for daily specials.

Ready for some Shopping?!
Our wonderful shops are back on line, too. And it's not too early to get some Christmas shopping done so head out to the stores and say hello to your old friends who have been waiting for you to return. Please know that some shops are still without phone lines or internet access but you won't go wrong to drive out just to check what's new.

Sight Seeing
Take the time to treat yourself and your family with a visit to one of our plantation homes. Tours are given daily and times vary according to the attraction. Pick up some information from the Visitor's Center in the Museum on Ferdinand Street. We are open from 9 am until 5 pm daily and can be reached by calling 635-4224.

If you've got an update to add to our post-storm Happenings, send them to me at kitty@stfrancisville.us and we'll alert the public.