Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Happenings

Audubon Pilgrimage

Going strong into its 38th year, this weekend’s Pilgrimage is sure to be another success.  Tickets are on sale now at the Museum and are $30 – good for all three days.  Other night time events are a separate ticketed activity and are also on sale now.  Here again are the times for this year’s events surrounding the 38th Annual Audubon Pilgrimage which will be held this weekend, March 20 – 22, throughout West Feliciana Parish:

Friday, March 20 – Tickets on sale in the barn behind the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum.  Home tours begin at 9:30 am with the last tour beginning at 4:30 pm.  The Rural Homestead and the Antique Show and Sale will be open from 9:30 am until 5:00 pm.  Hymn singing at the United Methodist Church on Royal Street will be enjoyed from 6:30 pm until 7:30 pm.  The Wine & Cheese Reception at the WF Historical Society Museum ($15 ticket) will be from 6:30 pm until 9 pm, and the Graveyard Tales at Grace Episcopal Church will be from 6:30 pm until 9 pm.

Saturday, March 21 – Tickets again on sale in the barn behind the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum.  Home tours continue at 9:30 am with the last tour beginning at 4:30 pm.  The Rural Homestead and the Antique Show and Sale re-open from 9:30 am until 5:00 pm.  Light Up the Night Soiree ($40) will be on Prosperity Street between the Courthouse and Lawyers’ Row at 7 pm.

Sunday, March 22  -- Tickets again on sale in the barn behind the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum at noon.  Home tours continue from noon until the last tour beginning at 4:30 pm.  The Rural Homestead and the Antique Show and Sale re-open from 9:30 am until 5:00 pm.

On Saturday and Sunday, costumed children will dance the Maypole at Virginia on Royal Street, while the Sweet Maids will perform throughout the day at different venues on Royal Street.

Also, Afton Villa, Audubon State Historic Site and Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site will be open for tours throughout the weekend from 9:30 am until 5:00 pm.

For even more information, visit www.audubonpilgrimage.info or phone 635-6330.

 

Light up the Night

This fun party is a separate ticketed event and reservations are being taken now by calling 635-6330. "Light up the Night" on Prosperity Street will be held during the Audubon Pilgrimage on Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 7:00pm. Tickets are $40/person which includes dinner catered by V Catering and Chef Scott Varnedoe, live music and complimentary beer and wine. A cash bar will also be available, and I am pretty sure, there will be dancing in the street!

 

Music at The Mag

Friday, March 20 – Smugglin’ Plums; Saturday, March 21 – Eilen Jewel with Kim Smith at 9:30 with a cover charge; Friday, March 27 – The Delta Drifters.

 

Third Weekend Events

The monthly antique auction at Bayou Sara Auction Depot will be held on Friday, March 20 at 6:30 pm.  Preview is available at www.bayou-auction.com.

Avondale Antiques will be open this weekend, the third weekend of the month, and there is a new shipment of antiques for sale.

BirdMan Coffee and Books hosts the monthly Arts Market this Saturday.

 

Audubon State Historic Site

The centerpiece of Audubon Pilgrimage, Audubon State Historic Site and Oakley Plantation will present programs throughout the weekend of March 20 – 22, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.  For three days, including a school day on Friday, the park hosts open hearth cooking, spinning, weaving and candle and soap making demonstrations. For more information call 888-677-2838 toll free or 635-3739 locally.

 

Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site

Visitors can participate in the annual West Feliciana Parish Audubon Pilgrimage on March 20-22, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.  The site's Lost Arts: Down Hearth Cooking program will be held on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., while other activities illustrating daily life during the early 1800s will be presented through the weekend. For more information call 888-376-1867 toll free or 653-3110 locally.

 

Opera Louisiana

Opera Louisiana is a professional non-profit company based in Baton Rouge that features Louisiana's finest talent as well as guest appearances by world-renowned singers.  On Sunday, March 22, at Hemingbough, an elegant luncheon will be followed by a concert featuring music from Madama Butterfly, Hansel & Gretel , Porgy & Bess and more. Soloists include Young Artists Terrance and Tiffany Brown, Jennifer Juilfs, Susan Ruggiero, Jennifer Crippen, Adam Holcomb, and Brandon Hendrickson, with Robert Grayson at the piano.  Tickets are available through their website at www.operalouisiane.com or by calling the office at 225-377-2029.

 

Movie Under the Stars

Re-scheduled because of the rain last week, the St. Francisville Main Street will have the season’s first Movie Under the Stars on Friday, March 27 at Parker Park.  Refreshments will be sold by the International Club of West Feliciana High School who will also be offering face painting.  Admission is a canned good for the West Feliciana Food Bank.  The movie starts at dark so bring your chairs, your blankets and your kids!

 

Audubon Country BirdFest

This premier event sponsored by the Feliciana Nature Society will showcase the beautiful and abundant bird life on Saturday, April 4, with a wide array of birding field trips into spectacular wildlife areas and privately owned properties.  They will also host the ever popular canoe trips into Cat Island National Wildlife Preserve.  For more information and tickets, visit www.audubonbirdfest.com.

 

Audubon Nature School Day

Area schools are invited to Audubon State Historic Site to experience Audubon Nature School Day on Friday, April 3. From 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., area schools can experience the wonder of nature, as it exists in the Felicianas.  Interactive stations will be set up providing classes with opportunities for hands-on learning. The stations vary from nature walks to crafts to outdoor experiences with both the plant and wild life of the area. All schools wishing to participate in this special program must pre-register with the site. Admission for pre registered school groups is free.  For more information, call 1-888-677-2838 toll free or 635-3739.

 

Thinking Green

Audubon State Historic Site invites all to experience Audubon Nature Day “Thinking Green” on Saturday, April 4.  From 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. visitors can learn about nature as well as how they interact with the natural environment.  Interactive stations will be set up providing classes with opportunities for hands-on learning. The stations vary from nature walks to crafts to outdoor experiences with both the plant and wild life of the area. Entergy, Demco, and Whole Foods Market are just some of the booths on hand to promote a greener tommorow.   For more information, call 1-888-677-2838 toll free or 635-3739.

 

Spring Bird Walk

Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site presents this program on Saturday, April 4 from 10 am-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 888-376-1867 or 635-3110.

 

Chamber Music Series

The last of the concerts of the Chamber Music Series will feature the musicians of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra.  The April 4th symphony begins at 8 pm and will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church located on Ferdinand Street at Sewell Street.   Tickets are available at Bank of St. Francisville or by calling BRSO at 225-383-0500.

 

Flintnapping at Rosedown

On Sunday, April 5, at 11 am, 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. Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site offers this program every second Saturday, January through June.  For more information call toll free 888-376-1867 or local at 635-3110.

 

Livestock of Oakley Plantation

On Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Audubon State Historic Site presents this program which will include talks about the different types of livestock on the plantation as well as the impact that these animals had on the plantation home.  For more information call 888-677-2838 toll free or 635-3739 locally.

 

Easter Sunrise Services

Hemingbough will again be the site of Easter Sunrise Services on Easter Sunday, April 12, at 7 am sharp.  For more information, call 635-6617.

 

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Happenings

Music at The Mag

Friday, March 13 – Emily Branton; Saturday, March 14 – Mike Stinson at 9:30 pm with a cover charge; Friday, March 20 – Smugglin’ Plums; Saturday, March 21 – Eilen Jewel with Kim Smith at 9:30 with a cover charge; Friday, March 27 – The Delta Drifters.

 

Events at The BirdMan

Sunday, March 15 - Dylan Sneed will play live at 7 pm.  Rob is cooking a beef brisket dinner which will be served from 6 until 7.  Costs:  Dinner and music - $12; concert only - $7 ($5 for students.)

Monday, March 16 – Supper from 5:30 till 7:30

Saturday, March 21 – Arts Markets Saturday 

March 19 through April 23 - exhibit of new paintings by Donna Kilbourne and Linda Broderick

March 28 at 7 pm - a reading by author Ed Cullen

 

Is It Easter Already?!

On Saturday, March 14 area children and their parents are invited to spend a day at Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site celebrating spring with a Nineteenth-Century Easter Easter Egg Hunt on the grounds of the plantation.  Interpretive Ranger Sasha Traña will greet participants and lead the Easter Egg Hunt, which will begin promptly at 1 pm, with participants meeting in the carriage court in front of the plantation Main House.  Prizes will be awarded to the children finding the special "Rosedown" Easter Eggs.  Following the Hunt, refreshments will be served and nineteenth-century games will be featured.  Participating children are encouraged to bring their own Easter baskets.   For more information, call 635-3110.

 

Timeline for Audubon Pilgrimage

Here are the times for this year’s events surrounding the 38th Annual Audubon Pilgrimage which will be held next weekend, March 20 – 22, throughout West Feliciana Parish:

Friday, March 20 – Tickets on sale in the barn behind the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum.  Home tours begin at 9:30 am with the last tour beginning at 4:30 pm.  The Rural Homestead and the Antique Show and Sale will be open from 9:30 am until 5:00 pm.  Hymn singing at the United Methodist Church on Royal Street will be enjoyed from 6:30 pm until 7:30 pm.  The Wine & Cheese Reception at the WF Historical Society Museum ($15 ticket) will be from 6:30 pm until 9 pm, and the Graveyard Tales at Grace Episcopal Church will be from 6:30 pm until 9 pm.

Saturday, March 21 – Tickets again on sale in the barn behind the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum.  Home tours continue at 9:30 am with the last tour beginning at 4:30 pm.  The Rural Homestead and the Antique Show and Sale re-open from 9:30 am until 5:00 pm.  Light Up the Night Soiree ($40) will be on Prosperity Street between the Courthouse and Lawyers’ Row at 7 pm.

Sunday, March 22  -- Tickets again on sale in the barn behind the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum at noon.  Home tours continue from noon until the last tour beginning at 4:30 pm.  The Rural Homestead and the Antique Show and Sale re-open from 9:30 am until 5:00 pm.

Throughout the weekend, costumed children will dance the Maypole at Virginia on Royal Street, while the Sweet Maids will perform throughout the day at different venues on Royal Street.

Also, Afton Villa, Audubon State Historic Site and Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site will be open for tours throughout the weekend from 9:30 am until 5:00 pm.

For even more information, visit www.audubonpilgrimage.info or phone 635-6330.

 

Light up the Night

The West Feliciana Historical Society invites you to "Light up the Night" on Prosperity Street for the 4th Annual Saturday Soiree. The soiree will be held during the Audubon Pilgrimage on Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 7:00pm. Tickets are $40/person which includes dinner catered by V Catering and Chef Scott Varnedoe, live music and complimentary beer and wine. A cash bar will also be available. To purchase tickets, please contact the West Feliciana Historical Society at 635-6330.

 

Movie Under the Stars

It’s back!  The St. Francisville Main Street will have the season’s first Movie Under the Stars on Friday, March 27 at Parker Park.  Refreshments will be sold by the International Club of West Feliciana High School who will also be offering face painting.  Admission is a canned good for the West Feliciana Food Bank.  The movie starts at dark so bring your chairs, your blankets and your kids!

 

Coming in April

For those of you who want to get a jump on things, April is looking like a busy month.  Here’s what we have on the calendar so far:

April 3 – Audubon State Historic Site presents Audubon Nature School Day; 635-3739

April 4 – Audubon State Historic Site presents Audubon Nature Day “Thinking Green”; 635-3739

April 4 – Annual Audubon BirdFest, www.stfrancisvillefestivals.com\

April 4 – Chamber Music Series with Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church; 383-0500.

April 12 – Easter Sunday

April 18 – Spring Garden Stroll, 9 am – 1 pm; 635-3614 or abrock@agcenter.lsu.edu

April 25 – The Rosedown Wedding, 1 pm – 5 pm; 635-3110.

 

Friday, March 6, 2009

Happenings Mar 6

Music at The Mag

Friday, March 6 – Late Evening; Friday, March 13 – Emily Branton; Saturday, March 14 – Mike Stinson at 9:30 pm with a cover charge; Friday, March 20 – Smugglin’ Plums; Saturday, March 21 – Eilen Jewel with Kim Smith at 9:30 with a cover charge; Friday, March 27 – The Delta Drifters.

Events at The BirdMan

Monday, March 9 – Supper from 5:30 till 7:30 with music by Kevin Johnson and Ken “Mudcat” Johnston, an evening of delta blues classic!

Saturday, March 14 - Dylan Sneed will play live at 7 pm. $8 cover charge, $5 for students.

Saturday, March 21 – Arts Markets Saturday

March 19 through April 23 - exhibit of new paintings by Donna Kilbourne and Linda Broderick

March 28 at 7 pm - a reading by author Ed Cullen

Rosedown’s Old Kitchen

An historic cooking demonstration is planned for March 7 from 11 am until 2 pm at Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site. 19th Century down-hearth cooking will feature recipes taken from the original Turnbull-Bowman Family Papers using reproduction cooking equipment. For more information, call 635-3110.

Wash Day and Soaps

On Saturday, March 7, Audubon State Historic Site features programs that will demonstrate the different processes involved in washing at the plantation that includes boiling clothes, bluing and the different types of soap and tools used. This will be followed by a demonstration and talks about the typical ingredients used in making soaps and why soaps were scented. The wash day program is from 10 am until noon while the soap making demonstration is from 2 to 4 pm. For more information on this, call 635-3739.

Nineteenth Century Children's Easter Egg Hunt

On Saturday, March 14 area children and their parents are invited to spend a day at Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site celebrating spring with a Nineteenth-Century Easter Easter Egg Hunt on the grounds of the plantation. Interpretive Ranger Sasha Traña will greet participants and lead the Easter Egg Hunt, which will begin promptly at 1 pm, with participants meeting in the carriage court in front of the plantation Main House. Prizes will be awarded to the children finding the special "Rosedown" Easter Eggs. Following the Hunt, refreshments will be served and nineteenth-century games will be featured. Participating children are encouraged to bring their own Easter baskets.

Annual Audubon Pilgrimage

The West Feliciana Historical Society presents the Audubon Pilgrimage which will celebrate 38 years of annual home and garden tours on the third weekend in March – March 20, 21 and 22. Through the years, there have been added events such as the cemetery tales at Grace Churchyard, the demonstrations at the Rural Homestead, the antique show and sale, and the Saturday Soiree, Light Up the Night. One thing that never changes is the quality of the event, and the cooperation of many of the civic and governmental agencies to produce this major undertaking. Oakley House at Audubon State Historic Site is the centerpiece of the pilgrimage, and three private homes open their doors to welcome visitors during this weekend only. This year those private homes include Rosebank, Wyoming and Fairview Townhouse. Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site is also included in the tour ticket as well as Afton Villa Gardens. This year West Feliciana Parish Courthouse will be open to exhibit the paintings of our present day Audubon, Murrell Butler. For a brochure on the Pilgrimage and more information, visit the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum on Ferdinand Street or the website at www.audubonpilgrimage.info.

Varnedoe’s at The Bluffs

This fine eating establishment is once again open to the public. Located in the clubhouse overlooking Thompson Creek, there are two dining rooms available for seating on the weekends and outside dining on the surrounding veranda. They are open for dinner only during the week but will serve lunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday. Sunday Brunch is also available. To receive email regarding menu specials and special events, send a message to doughty@thebluffs.com.

Highway 61 Construction

As we have all noticed, the southbound lanes of the divided portion of Highway 61 have been closed through St. Francisville, and the northbound lanes now handle two-way traffic. Please be patient and courteous while driving through this area and allow extra time for your journey.