Wednesday, October 28, 2009

FW: Happenings

Haunted Hayrides!

Located on Highway 965 just two miles off of Highway 61, The Pumpkin Patch will offer 25 – 35 minutes rides from 7:30 pm until 10:30 pm from October 29 through October 31.  The cost is $7 per person.  You can also pick up a pumpkin or two for your jack-o-lantern!  For more information, call 245-1307 or 978-2342.

 

Farmer’s Market

For those of you thinking ahead to a Thanksgiving feast, check out the Farmer’s Market on Thursday from noon until 5 pm at the Old 4-H Barn on Wilcox Street.

 

Halloween Carnival and Trunk or Treat

St. Francisville United Methodist Church on Royal Street/Fidelity Street presents the Halloween Carnival, hosted by PAX youth and assisted by the church family, on Thursday, October 29th from 6 to 8 pm.  A long-standing tradition of St. Francisville United Methodist Church, they invite all ages to join them for fun, food, and fellowship among the pumpkins, candy and costume clad.   This year’s celebration will include “Trunk or Treat”, a time for members of the congregation to park their trucks or cars along Fidelity Street and distribute candy and other prizes as part of the evening’s activities.   On the church grounds, there will be the 14 games, including 5 new games, along with the traditional favorites.  Games will be set-up on both playgrounds and include a variety of “skills” for a variety of ages.  Under the carport, near the Robb House, will be the Cake Walk.   Inside the Fellowship Hall will be four different activities. At the west entrance you can add a Halloween “design” to your costume through the talents of our face painters.  In the center of the room share your vocal talents through Karaoke, complete with mic, stage, and lights. To top the activities off, there will be an area for you to have your pictures taken with a harvest background.  At the east end enjoy grilled hotdogs with chili, chips, a drink, and yummy homemade goodies.

 

Live Music at The Mag

Every Friday night The Magnolia CafĂ© features live music on the porch.  This Friday, October 30 is our favorite local band, The Delta Drifters.  The line-up for November is:  November 6 – Emily Branton; November 13 – Copas Trio; November 20 – United We Jam; November 27 – Delta Drifters.

 

 All Hallows Eve

Visitors are invited to Audubon State Historic Site on Friday, October 30, to discover Halloween traditions of the 1800s during the program All Hallows Eve.  Between 6:30 and 8:30 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 games and treats for the whole family to enjoy.  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.

 

Halloween Extravaganza at The Myrtles 

For a real Halloween treat, take a guided tour through “One of America’s Most Haunted Homes,” The Myrtles Plantation, circa 1796.  It’s a Halloween Experience like no other!  Tours will be ongoing from 6 until 10 p.m. on Friday, October 30th and Saturday, October 31st.   Admission is $10 per person, and tickets will be sold at the door.  Food and beverages by The Carriage House Restaurant will be available throughout the weekend event for indoor dining, or choose from hamburgers, BBQ chicken, pizza and concessions in The Courtyard.  For additional information, call 800-809-0565 or email chloe@myrtlesplantation.com.

 

Halloween at Rosedown

On Saturday, October 31, Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site features Funeral Re-enactment and Ghost Stories with the funeral at 4 pm, and Soul Stories at 5:30 pm.  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.  Admission charged.  For more information, call 635-3110.

 

Garden Talk

On Sunday November 1 at 10:30am, Audubon State Historic Site offers this program which introduces the different plants found in the gardens of Audubon SHS.  The talk covers the history and origin of the plants as well as their uses both modern and historic. An admission fee is charged.  For more information call Audubon State Historic Site at 1-888-677-2838 or 225-635-3739.

 

Life in a Slave Cabin

Also on Sunday, November 1, this hour long program is held at Audubon State Historic Site's original slave cabins and allows guests to have a better understanding about what life was like for slaves on a plantation.  This program starts at noon and covers family life and customs as well as discussing housing accommodations, rations, etc.  An admission fee is charged. For more information call Audubon State Historic Site at 1-888-677-2838 or 225-635-3739.

 

 Cooking in Slave Cabin Row

This program is set for Sunday, November 1 at 1:30pm, and invites guests to Audubon SHS to observe the types of cooking used by slaves for themselves. The program will discuss not only what slaves ate and how they cooked it, but also the differences between their meals and that of the owner of the plantation.  An admission fee is charged.  For more information call Audubon State Historic Site at 1-888-677-2838 or 225-635-3739.

 

Plantation Crafts

Continuing with the slave experience at Audubon State Historic Site, this hour long program invites the guests to observe one of the many period handcrafts, which would have been done by a slave on a plantation.  These crafts would be some of the same skills from which the plantation itself would have been built.  It begins at 3 pm on Sunday, November 1.  An admission fee is charged.  For more information call Audubon State Historic Site at 1-888-677-2838 or 225-635-3739.

 

Open Auditions

The St. Francisville Transitory Theatre will be holding open auditions for A St. Francisville Christmas Carol, its adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic.  Actors of all ages – no experience necessary – are needed, as well as musicians, costume designer and coordinator, scenic painter and anyone else who wants to help.  Auditions are Tuesday, November 3 at 6 pm at the Old Presbyterian Church behind Grandmother’s Buttons.  For more information call 721-2124 or visit www.sftheatre.wordpress.com.

 

Community Treasure Sale Day

The Downtown Merchants and the St. Francisville Youth Groups are hosting a “Clean Out Your Closet and Store Room” sale day on Saturday, November 7 from 8 am until at Parker Park.  For set up information, call Laurie Walsh with St. Francisville Main Street at 635-3873.

 

Beast Master Mountain Bike Race

The West Feliciana Parish Parks & Recreation Department is hosting the inaugural Beast Master, a mountain bike race on Saturday, November 7.  This time trial format race takes place on the challenging Beast trail located at the WFP Sports Park.  Race registration starts at 7 am with the Beginner Event starting at 9 am.  Remaining racers start at 10:15 am and thereafter.  Entry fee is $10, and there will be prizes, T-shirts and free food and drink for riders.  Visit www.tunicatrails.org or email info@tunicatrails.org for more information or to volunteer to help.

 

Outdoors at Audubon State Historic Site

Saturday, November 7, and the interpretive staff at Audubon State Historic Site has a full day of outdoor programs scheduled.  Here’s the list:

Ecosystem of Audubon State Historic Site at 10am:  This one-hour program will focus on one of the many ecosystems found at ASHS. Guests are invited to explore the nature around the park, and learn about how the different habitats and creatures interact with each other.

Tree Identification Walk at 11am:  This program focuses on a more specific aspect of nature, and allows guests to Audubon SHS the chance to learn about the forest that surrounds them.  The identification walk covers the park and discusses many of the important and significant trees found here.

Guided Nature Hike at 1:00 pm and again at 3:00pm:  A short hiking tour of Audubon SHS.  The hike focuses on the naturally forested area surrounding the plantation home as well as the original paths, which John James Audubon would have used during his stay at Oakley in 1821.  The program allows guests a chance to observe the natural beauty, which surrounds the home. 

Plants and Animals of Oakley at 2pm:  This program invites guests to interact with the animal and plant life surrounding Audubon SHS.  There will be hands on animal demonstrations as well as introductions to the plants that one should be most aware of when hiking the grounds at Audubon SHS. An admission fee is charged. For more information call Audubon State Historic Site at 1-888-677-2838 or 225-635-3739.

 

Old West Florida at Audubon SHS                

On Sunday, November 8 from Noon until 4pm, this program invites the visitor to explore the unique and rich history of the Felicianas, from Spanish Colony to early statehood.  Activities may include black powder weapons demonstrations, costume talks, period crafts, and more.  An admission fee is charged.  For more information call Audubon State Historic Site at 1-888-677-2838 or 225-635-3739.

 

Open Hearth Cooking

The folks at Audubon State Historic Site will be cooking up something special on Saturday, November 14.  Between 10 am and 4 pm, the staff will present a cooking demonstration on the open hearth, and guests will see the different methods used to prepare and cook foods in the 1800s.  Guests will also witness the different types of foods which would have been served to the Big House during this time period.  An admission fee is charged. For more information call Audubon State Historic Site at 1-888-677-2838 or 225-635-3739.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Happenings

There is still so much going on this month here in Louisiana’s Hill Country, and the weather couldn’t be more perfect!  Get out and enjoy not only the weather but all the things we have to offer here in West Feliciana parish and St. Francisville.  Here’s what’s happening:

 

Farmer’s Market

Oh, the beautiful and tasty vegetables at the market will have you remembering recipes from the past.  Lots of greens and okra still for that gumbo you want to make.  Fresh lettuces, butternut squash, miniature eggplants, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins!  Include fresh cut flower bouquets and herbs to plant in your garden or to use in those recipes!  It’s every Thursday from noon until 5 pm at the Old 4-H Barn on Wilcox Street.

 

pARTy in the Ville

This Thursday, October 22 at 7 pm, the girls have put together another painting party at Sage Hill Gifts & Antiques.  This week’s artist is Susan Woodard, a water colorist who specializes in unique portraits, gift cards and other paintings.  The class is $35 which includes all needed materials.  Appetizers are served but you bring your own beverage.  To make a reservation, call 225-635-6596.

 

Haunted Hayrides!

Thursday, October 22 is the inaugural run of this new seasonal attraction in West Feliciana.  Located on Highway 965 just two miles off of Highway 61, The Pumpkin Patch will offer 25 – 35 minutes rides from 7:30 pm until 10:30 pm from October 22 through 25, and again from October 29 through October 31.  The cost is $7 per person.  You can also pick up a pumpkin or two for your jack-o-lantern!  For more information, call 245-1307 or 978-2342.

 

Live Music at The Mag

Let this Friday night’s performance be a prelude to the awesome lineup of music for the Yellow Leaf Arts Festival this weekend.   Signs plays Friday night on the porch at The Mag starting around 7 pm.  On Saturday night, Lee Barber & the Broken Cup Band will play, and there is a $10 cover fee.  Next Friday, it’s one of our local favorites – The Delta Drifters!

 

Friends of the Library Book Sale

This annual book sale is set for Saturday, October 24 from 8:30 am until 2:30 pm at the St. Francisville Town Hall on Ferdinand Street.  Each year when the Friends hold its book sale, all sorts of wonderful, gently used items appear – fiction and non-fiction books for all ages, CDs, DVDs, videos, and even games.  It’s a great opportunity to either restock your own book shelves or look for gifts for others.  In addition, this year the Friends will be raffling off a large Madame Alexander “Scarlett O’Hara” doll.  There will be coffee and sweet rolls for the early birds, and all proceeds benefit the West Feliciana Parish Library.

 

7th Annual Yellow Leaf Arts Festival

Lynn Wood and the Arts for All group have a dynamite festival planned for this weekend, October 24 and 25, in Parker Park, from 10 am until 5 pm both days.  This is a good place to start your Christmas shopping!  Artists of all medium will be there displaying and selling their wares – a partial list includes jewelry, glass, photography, fabric art, furniture, a beekeeper, water color paintings, dolls, pottery, wooden bowls, candles, birdhouses, folk art, soaps and lotions, metal artistry, outdoor art, and so much more.  Artist in residence will be muralist Ronnie Collins.

 

Yellow Leaf Music Lineup

Saturday, October 24:  11 am – Voices in Motion, West Feliciana Children’s Chorus; 11:45 am – The Mosspickers, an old time string band; 1 pm – The Laughing Lizards String Band, blue grass; 2 pm – Kim Smith, singer/songwriter; 3 pm – Karuna Spoon, singer/songwriter, alternative; 4:30 pm – Lee Barber & The Broken Cup.

Sunday, October 25:  11 am – Nancy Roppolo’s Songwriters Circle; 1 pm – Dylan Sneed with Judd and Maggie; 2:30 pm – The Ben Bell 3; 4 pm – The Fugitive Poets.

 

Methodist Church Folk Choir

You are invited to join the United Methodist Church Folk Choir for an evening of gospel, country and folk music on Sunday, October 25.  The Methodist Men will serve a pancake supper at 5:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall on Fidelity Street, and the Folk Choir will present music in the Sanctuary starting at about 6:15 pm.  All donations will benefit the Highway 61 property fund.

 

Last Rodeo of the Year

This Sunday will be the last of this year’s Angola Prison Rodeo & Craft Show.  Gates open at 9 am for the arts and crafts show, while the rodeo starts at 2 pm.  The rodeo features bull riding, bareback riding, the wild horse race, barrel racing, bull-dogging, wild cow milking, rodeo clowns and more.  Tickets are $10 each and should be purchased ahead of time as all of the last Sundays have been sold out.  For more information, call 225-655-2607 or visit www.angolarodeo.com.

 

Halloween Carnival and Trunk or Treat

St. Francisville United Methodist Church on Royal Street/Fidelity Street presents the Halloween Carnival, hosted by PAX youth and assisted by the church family, on Thursday, October 29th from 6 to 8 pm.  A long-standing tradition of St. Francisville United Methodist Church, they invite all ages to join them for fun, food, and fellowship among the pumpkins, candy and costume clad.   This year’s celebration will include “Trunk or Treat”, a time for members of the congregation to park their trucks or cars along Fidelity Street and distribute candy and other prizes as part of the evening’s activities.   On the church grounds, there will be the 14 games, including 5 new games, along with the traditional favorites.  Games will be set-up on both playgrounds and include a variety of “skills” for a variety of ages.  Under the carport, near the Robb House, will be the Cake Walk.   Inside the Fellowship Hall will be four different activities. At the west entrance you can add a Halloween “design” to your costume through the talents of our face painters.  In the center of the room share your vocal talents through Karaoke, complete with mic, stage, and lights. To top the activities off, there will be an area for you to have your pictures taken with a harvest background.  At the east end enjoy grilled hotdogs with chili, chips, a drink, and yummy homemade goodies.

 

 All Hallows Eve

Visitors are invited to Audubon State Historic Site on October 30, to discover Halloween traditions of the 1800s during the program All Hallows Eve.  Between 6:30 and 8:30 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 games and treats for the whole family to enjoy.  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.

 

Halloween Extravaganza at The Myrtles 

For a real Halloween treat, take a guided tour through “One of America’s Most Haunted Homes,” The Myrtles Plantation, circa 1796.  It’s a Halloween Experience like no other!  Tours will be ongoing from 6 until 10 p.m. on Friday, October 30th and Saturday, October 31st.   Admission is $10 per person, and tickets will be sold at the door.  Food and beverages by The Carriage House Restaurant will be available throughout the weekend event for indoor dining, or choose from hamburgers, BBQ chicken, pizza and concessions in The Courtyard.  For additional information, call 800-809-0565 or email chloe@myrtlesplantation.com.

 

Halloween at Rosedown

On Saturday, October 31, Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site will be in mourning as Rosedown Staff re-enacts the wake and funeral service of Daniel Turnbull, the plantation’s original owner and builder.  Turnbull was laid to rest on October 31, 1861, shortly after the commencement of the Civil War.   Funeral and mourning customs of the 19th century followed strict traditions and formalities, and in keeping with the event, the main house will be decorated according to 19th century mourning customs, and re-enactors will be dressed throughout the day in 19th century-style mourning costumes.  The funeral service will be held in the Informal Parlor of the Main House at 4 pm.

 

Following the funeral service, Rosedown Plantation will be visited by members of the historic Turnbull-Bowman family, as the Plantation opens its doors for a rare evening of “ghost” tours in celebration of the Halloween season.  At 5:30 pm visitors are invited to take a candlelight tour through the Plantation Main House as living history presenters portray the spirits of family members who have returned from their graves.  Each of the “spirits” will speak about their former lives at Rosedown and share reminiscences from their pasts.  Admission charged.  For more information, call 635-3110.

 

Open Auditions

The St. Francisville Transitory Theatre will be holding open auditions for A St. Francisville Christmas Carol, its adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic.  Actors of all ages – no experience necessary – are needed, as well as musicians, costume designer and coordinator, scenic painter and anyone else who wants to help.  Auditions are Tuesday, November 3 at 6 pm at the Old Presbyterian Church behind Grandmother’s Buttons.  For more information call 721-2124 or visit www.sftheatre.wordpress.com.

 

Community Treasure Sale Day

The Downtown Merchants and the St. Francisville Youth Groups are hosting a “Clean Out Your Closet and Store Room” sale day on Saturday, November 7 from 8 am until at Parker Park.  For set up information, call Laurie Walsh with St. Francisville Main Street at 635-3873.

 

Save the Date

The Women’s Service League of St. Francisville will host its Seventh Annual Taste of the Felicianas Gala on Friday, February 26, 2010, at Heminbough Convention Center.  This year’s theme is “A Mystical Night in Black and White.”  For further details and ticket purchasing information, visit www.womensserviceleague.com.

 

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Happenings

Farmer’s Market

The Farmer’s Market is open every Thursday from noon until 5 pm at the old 4-H Barn on Wilcox Street – and they’ll be there until the first frost!  Lots of fall vegetables are available as well as pumpkins of all sizes.  Come out and support our local farmers!

 

Haunted Hayrides

This is something new this year, and it sounds like so much fun! The Pumpkin Patch is located at 11371 Highway 965 in St. Francisville, and children’s hayrides will be offered beginning on Thursday, October 22 through Sunday, October 25, and then again from Thursday, October 29 through Halloween on October 31. The rides are 25 to 35 minutes long, cost $7 per person, and are from 7:30 pm until 10:30 pm. For more information, call 245-1307 or 978-2342.

 

Party in the Ville

Those wild women are back and planning another night of art, cocktails, appetizers, and fun! On Thursday, October 15 at 7 pm, at Sage Hill, the featured artist is Sally Bynum. You bring the cocktails and the appetizers, paint supplies, and fun are supplied! The artist gives step-by-step instructions so you can paint your own piece of art to take home. The cost is only $35 so make your reservation by calling 635-6596.

 

Pumpkins, Scarecrows and a Movie – Changed Venue

The St. Francisville Main Street Program is sponsoring pumpkin carving and scarecrow decorating at the West Feliciana Sports Park on Friday, October 16 starting at 5:30 pm, under the pavilion. They’ll provide the pumpkins and the hay – you bring the old clothes to decorate your scarecrow.   The movie is Coraline in 3-D, and 3-D glasses will be given out.  The Women’s Service League will be selling concessions, and admittance is a canned good for the West Feliciana Food Bank.  The movie starts at dark so bring your chairs or a blanket and join us for the fun!

 

Live Music at The Mag

October 16 – United We Jam; October 23 – Signs; and October 30 – Delta Drifters.  There are also two Saturday night ticketed performances:  Saturday, October 17 – Captain Legendary Band; and Saturday, October 24 – Lee Barber & the Broken Cup Band.  Each of these Saturday performances have a $10 cover charge.

 

A Taste of Alaska

The Carriage House Restaurant at The Myrtles will have wild caught Fresh Alaskan Halibut and Salmon for the weekend menu.  It will arrive from Alaska just in time to treat that special someone to dinner this Friday or Saturday night. What a treat!

 

Third Weekend Events

Avondale Antiques will be open this weekend.  Store hours are Friday and Saturday, 9 am until 5pm, and Sunday from 11 am until 5 pm.

The Arts for All Artists’ Market is on Saturday in front of BirdMan Coffee and Books.

 

Lost Arts Saturday

Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site presents its monthly program on 19th century arts.  Lost Arts: Spanish Moss Preparation will be held on Saturday, October 17 from 11 am until 3 pm.  Demonstrations of the "Lost Arts" of the 19th century occurring every third Saturday of each month. For more information call 888-376-1867 toll free or 635-3110 locally.

 

Southern Garden Symposium

This year marks the 21st year of the Southern Garden Symposium which attracts garden enthusiasts from across the South and will be held on Friday and Saturday, October 16-17.   Workshops will be held at various sites throughout beautiful West Feliciana Parish.  For more information, visit www.SouthernGardenSymposium.org or call Lucie Cassity, 225-635-3738.

 

Angola Prison Rodeo

Here is the information on the rodeo again:  Gates open at 9:00 am for the arts and crafts show, and the rodeo starts at 2:00 pm.  Ticket cost $10 each and can be purchased before the rodeo by calling 655-2042 or 655-2041.  Tickets for just the hobby craft event are also on sale.  During the Rodeo, the Prison Museum will be open from 9 am until 7 pm, and there will be booths on the rodeo grounds selling t-shirts and other items from the Museum Gift Shop.  For more information call (225) 655-2607 or visit www.angolarodeo.com.

 

Sunday Mystery Tour

The Myrtles Plantation is offering a Sunday night Mystery Tour at 6 pm.  It’s a great way to end the day after watching the rodeo – more chills and thrills!  Mystery tours are also offered every Friday and Saturday at 6 pm, 7 pm and 8 pm.  Reservations are suggested so call 225-635-6277 to make your plans today.

 

Yellow Leaf Arts Festival

Arts for All of St. Francisville sponsors this unique, original festival which will be held in the tree covered Parker Park from 10 until 5, Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25.  The Yellow Leaf Arts Festival celebrates our small, intimate atmosphere and love of art and artists!  Stroll around the park to find authentic art - from paintings to pottery, sculpture, mixed media, metal, jewelry and more.  This weekend is a wonderful mix of art, music, poetry and nature.  Musical performances include the West Feliciana Parish children’s chorus, The Mosspickers, The Laughing Lizards String Bank, Kim Smith, Karuna Spoon, Lee Barber and the Broken Cup, Nancy Roppolo’s songwriter circle, Dylan Sneed with Judd and Maggie, and The Fugitive Poets.  For more information call Lynn at 721-1296 or email her at birdmancoffee@bellsouth.net.

 

Book Sale

The Friends of the Library is once again having their annual Book Sale on Saturday, October 24, from 8:30 am until 2:30 pm at the St. Francisville Town Hall.  There will be lots of books, DVDs, CDs and great prices!  All proceeds benefit the West Feliciana Parish Library.

 

Methodist Church Folk Choir

You are invited to join the United Methodist Church Folk Choir for an evening of gospel, country and folk music on Sunday, October 25.  The Methodist Men will serve a pancake supper at 5:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall on Fidelity Street, and the Folk Choir will present music in the Sanctuary starting at about 6:15 pm.  All donations will benefit the Highway 61 property fund.

 

Halloween Extravaganza at The Myrtles 

For a real Halloween treat, take a guided tour through “One of America’s Most Haunted Homes,” The Myrtles Plantation, circa 1796.  It’s a Halloween Experience like no other!  Tours will be ongoing from 6 until 10 p.m. on Friday, October 30th and Saturday, October 31st.   Admission is $10 per person, and tickets will be sold at the door.  Food and beverages by The Carriage House Restaurant will be available throughout the weekend event for indoor dining, or choose from hamburgers, BBQ chicken, pizza and concessions in The Courtyard.  For additional information, call 800-809-0565 or email chloe@myrtlesplantation.com.

 

Halloween at Rosedown

On Saturday, October 31, Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site will be in mourning as Rosedown Staff re-enacts the wake and funeral service of Daniel Turnbull, the plantation’s original owner and builder.  Turnbull was laid to rest on October 31, 1861, shortly after the commencement of the Civil War.   Funeral and mourning customs of the 19th century followed strict traditions and formalities, and in keeping with the event, the main house will be decorated according to 19th century mourning customs, and re-enactors will be dressed throughout the day in 19th century-style mourning costumes.  The funeral service will be held in the Informal Parlor of the Main House at 4 pm.

 

Following the funeral service, Rosedown Plantation will be visited by members of the historic Turnbull-Bowman family, as the Plantation opens its doors for a rare evening of “ghost” tours in celebration of the Halloween season.  At 5:30 pm visitors are invited to take a candlelight tour through the Plantation Main House as living history presenters portray the spirits of family members who have returned from their graves.  Each of the “spirits” will speak about their former lives at Rosedown and share reminiscences from their pasts.  Admission charged.  For more information, call 635-3110.

 

Bits and Pieces

HGTV is casting what it calls "enthusiastic" Baton Rouge area homebuyers and Realtors to appear on House Hunters, which follows buyers and their agents as they search for the right home. High Noon Entertainment, which produces the popular show, is currently looking for homebuyers who are closing within the next 1-2 months (this includes buyers who are actively bidding on a home or newly under contract); fun, enthusiastic and have a great story to tell; and are purchasing within a 90-minute drive of Baton Rouge, Lafayette and surrounding areas. To learn more about House Hunters, click here for the HGTV site and here for the High Noon site. To apply, contact Associate Producer Marcia Neville by phone at (303) 712-3209 or by e-mail at mneville@highnoontv.com.

 

Congratulations to Sue Wilbert Turner! 

On Tuesday, the Inter-Civic Council and The Advocate recognized Sue Turner for her many years of work with museums and in historic restoration and preservation, naming her the recipient of the 68th annual Golden Deeds Award.  Mrs. Turner has received national recognition for her preservation and advisory work with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  She is also a member of the Louisiana Museum Foundation, served on the board of directors for the Louisiana State Museum, and is a board of trustees member and adviser on the National Trust, a member of the board of directors for the BREC Foundation, and founding member of Louisiana Association of Museums.

Some of Turner’s notable accomplishments include her efforts and those of others to save Magnolia Mound Plantation’s historic house from developers who in the mid-1960s had proposed using the site for condominiums.  Turner and her husband also restored Live Oak Plantation in St. Francisville.

 

Our Schools are Tops!

West Feliciana Parish schools are the top performing parish-wide school system in the state, second overall to Zachary Community Schools, but ahead of third place St. Tammany Parish.  Congratulations to our teachers, principals, West Feliciana School Board members and the School Board Staff who do such an outstanding job every year for our children!

 

Have a great week!

 

Kitty Martin, LCTP

Executive Director

West Feliciana Parish Tourist Commission

225-635-4224 / 800-789-4221

www.stfrancisville.us

 

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Happenings

Live Music at The Mag

Friday, October 9 – Kristin Diable; October 16 – United We Jam; Saturday, October 17 – Captain Legendary Band.  The Saturday performance has a $10 cover charge.

 

Farmer’s Market

The Farmer’s Market is open every Thursday from noon until 5 pm at the old 4-H Barn on Wilcox Street – and they’ll be there until the first frost!  Come out and support our local farmers!

 

Angola Prison Rodeo

Gates open at 9:00 am for the arts and crafts show, and the rodeo starts at 2:00 pm.  Ticket cost $10 each and can be purchased before the rodeo by calling 655-2042 or 655-2041.  Tickets for just the hobby craft event are also on sale.  During the Rodeo, the Prison Museum will be open from 9 am until 7 pm, and there will be booths on the rodeo grounds selling t-shirts and other items from the Museum Gift Shop.  For more information call (225) 655-2607 or visit www.angolarodeo.com.

 

Construction and Traffic

I heard about the heavy traffic this past Sunday after the rodeo on Highway 61.  Let’s all remember that with a little preparation and a lot of patience, things should go much smoother.  And be kind – let someone merge into traffic.  You won’t get there any later!  And don’t forget - be careful out there!

 

Sunday Mystery Tour

The Myrtles Plantation is offering a Sunday night Mystery Tour at 6 pm.  It’s a great way to end the day after watching the rodeo – more chills and thrills!  Mystery tours are also offered every Friday and Saturday at 6 pm, 7 pm and 8 pm.  Reservations are suggested so call 225-635-6277 to make your plans today.

 

1779 in Baton Rouge

The largest battle in the American Revolutionary War fought in Louisiana was the Battle of Baton Rouge and on Saturday, October 10, from 10am-4pm, this largely forgotten battle will be remembered at Audubon State Historic Site.  On September 21st, 1779 the Spanish General Bernardo Galvez along with American troops captured the British military post and garrison at Baton Rouge ending British control of the Mississippi Valley and river.  This year will actually mark the 230th anniversary of the event, and this program will begin the series of programs held at Audubon to commemorate the movement of West Feliciana from Spanish Territory to the West Florida Rebellion of 1810. Visitors can experience the sights and sounds of 1779 through seeing the soldiers' camps, a musket demonstration, talks and much more.  An admission fee is charged. For more information call Audubon State Historic Site at 1-888-677-2838 or 225-635-3739.

 

Pumpkins, Scarecrows and a Movie

The St. Francisville Main Street Program is sponsoring pumpkin carving and scarecrow decorating at Parker Park on Friday, October 16 starting at 5:30 pm.  They’ll provide the pumpkins and the hay – you bring the old clothes to decorate your scarecrow.  (I’m almost finished with mine so look for it in the window of the Museum and Information Center on Ferdinand Street!)  The movie is Coraline in 3-D, and 3-D glasses will be given out.  The Women’s Service League will be selling concessions, and admittance is a canned good for the West Feliciana Food Bank.  The movie starts at dark so bring your chairs or a blanket and join us for the fun!

 

Southern Garden Symposium

This year marks the 21st year of the Southern Garden Symposium which attracts garden enthusiasts from across the South and will be held on Friday and Saturday, October 16-17.   Workshops will be held at various sites throughout beautiful West Feliciana Parish.  For more information, visit www.SouthernGardenSymposium.org or call Lucie Cassity, 225-635-3738.

 

The Myrtles on TV

Last night, Tuesday, The Myrtles Plantation was all over TV!  The SciFi Channel feature Ghost Hunters had the 2005 visit by TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society), and the Discovery Channel also featured a 2009 visit by Ghost Lab.  Congratulations!

 

Book Sale

The Friends of the Library is once again having their annual Book Sale on Saturday, October 24, from 8:30 am until 2:30 pm at the St. Francisville Town Hall.  There will be lots of books, DVDs, CDs and great prices!  All proceeds benefit the West Feliciana Parish Library.

 

Coming Events

October 24 and 25 – Yellow Leaf Arts Festival

October 25 – United Methodist Folk Choir concert and pancake supper

October 30 and 31 – Halloween Extravaganza at The Myrtles

November 7 – Community Treasure Sale Day