July Happenings

Main Street’s Poppin’!

The St. Francisville Main Street Merchants will be holding Sidewalk Sales and a Flag Pull.  The Flag Pull works like this:  Each participating store will be given 10 flags.  At the time of purchase, pull a flag to see what you win.  Each store will have a flag worth 5%, 10% or 15% off your purchase, and the other flags are for a special gift.  Sale items are excluded from the Flag Pull.   Participating stores will proudly fly the American Flag.  And at dark, the Town of St. Francisville will host fireworks and music at the town ball park on Burnett Road behind the Sonic.   For more information call Laurie Walsh St. Francisville Main Street 635-3873 or visit www.stfrancisvillefestivals.com.

 

4^th Annual Pie Baking Contest

My favorite event during the Independence Day Weekend is this annual contest held on Saturday, July 3.  Hosted by BirdMan Coffee & Books, entries must be submitted by 12:30 pm.  You must bring two pies, one to sell and one for judging which will begin promptly at 1 pm.  Pies will be sold as soon as winners are announced, and all proceeds from the pies will go to the Julius Freyhan Foundation.  This year, there will be a category for decorated pies and one for traditional pies.  In the organic category, there is a $200 prize for the winner!  Oh, and Lynn took all the hints I wrote about last year and has asked ME to be one of the judges!!

 

Freedom Appreciation Day

As part of Main Street’s Poppin’, The Myrtles Plantation presents Freedom Appreciation Day on Sunday, July 4.  On the lawn from 3 pm until 7 pm, enjoy music by Emily Branton, Nancy Roppolo and The Angola Band. There will be lots of food and fun so wear your red, white and blue to show our support for our servicemen – past, present and future – for the sacrifices they have made to keep us America the Beautiful

 

Greenwood Celebrates

Richard Barnes and the Staff of Greenwood Plantation, along Rick and Dianne Evans (formerly of Zachary) of Best Catered Events, would like to invite the public to a special 4th of July celebration.  Enjoy food and old fashioned games and just have a good patriotic fantastic July 4th Holiday.  Admission is free, and hours are from 1 pm until 4 pm.  Come view the facilities, have some watermelon and ice cream, and be a part of a sack race or play horseshoes.  Enjoy the live oak park consisting of 94 live oak trees planted in rows in front of the mansion, where most of the games of yesteryear will be played.  For more information, call 225-655-4475.

 

Fireworks Safety

For those of us who love a fireworks display, Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Tommy Boyett has shared some safety tips to keep in mind.   These include:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
• Avoid buying fireworks that come in brown paper packaging, as this can often be a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers.
• Adults should always supervise fireworks activities. Parents often don't realize that there are many injuries from sparklers to children under five. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move back to a safe distance immediately after lighting.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light one item at a time then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks fully complete their functioning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding to prevent a trash fire.

 

Storm Updates

For all the weather updates relating to any tropical storm or hurricane, you can log into http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ and get the coordinates, winds, cone of predictability and much more.  There is also a list of supplies you should have on hand in the event of a storm.  Again, our Director of OHSEP Tommy Boyett will keep us posted of any serious weather hazards we may face, and we will pass them on to you.

 

A Slight Increase

Starting July 1, 2010, Louisiana’s State Historic Sites will no longer be offering the multi-site discount promotion.  Here in the Felicianas, all visitors will have to purchase individual tickets at Audubon, Rosedown, Centenary and Port Hudson.  Rosedown’s prices will remain the same, but all other Historic Sites will have a fee increase from $2 to $4 for an adult ticket.

 

Blue Room Entertainment

Wednesday night at the Blue Room located at Three Corners, it’s Karaoke and Ladies Nite from 7 pm to 9 pm.  On Thursday night, sharpen your cue for the Pool Tournament at 7:30 pm, and on Friday night, it’s Karaoke time from 8:30 pm until 12:30 am.

 

Music at The Mag

Will Wesley performs live on Friday, July 2, from 7:30 pm until 8:30 pm.  On Sunday, July 4, our very own Kim Smith will open for Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles.  There is a $10 cover charge for this night, doors open at 5 pm, and the performance is from 6 pm until 8:30 pm.

 

Audubon State Historic Site Presents . . .

Those wishing for a touch of nature need only to go to Audubon State Historic Site to experience Life in a Slave Cabin on Saturday, July 3rd.  Beginning at Noon and running until 1 pm, a Park Ranger will take visitors through the historic slave quarters of the plantation.  There they will see how slaves lived, hear stories of their struggles and accomplishments, and even taste some of the food cooked daily for their families.  “Every day, and with every visit, we want the visitor to the park not to just have a visit but an experience,” says John House, site manager.  Thanks, John, to you and the staff for always providing great interpretive programs!  For more information, call 225-635-3739.

 

Welcome!

Christopher Stroud is the new general manager at the Magnuson Hotel.  Christopher comes to us from Hammond, LA, and has worked in the hotel industry for over 20 years.  Back in the 90’s, Chris even worked at The Myrtles Plantation so please join me in welcoming him back to St. Francisville.

 

Bluffs Restaurant

The Bluffs Restaurant has extended its hours and days of operation have been extended as follows:

Monday - Thursday 11 am - 9 pm; Friday - Saturday 11 am - 10 pm; Sunday 10 am - 3 pm.  General Manager Jim Adair and his staff are eager for everyone to stop by, and they have started a Sunday brunch!  The restaurant number is 634-3000.

 

A Taste of Japan

West Feliciana Parish Library presents Kuniko Yamamoto on Tuesday,   July 6, at 10:00 a.m.  at Fellowship Hall, St. Francisville United Methodist Church, St. Francisville.  Kuniko’s performance is a stunning combination of Japanese folktales, folk songs, original masks, origami, highly stylized movements and a touch of magic.  Her stories, which portray the culture and moral perspective of Japan, are from the oldest Japanese book of Kojiki.  Audiences gain an appreciation of Japanese social ideas through her commentary and description of Japanese traditions and are encouraged to compare Japanese and American tales, arts and culture.  For more information, call the library at 225-635-3364.

 

Summer Reading Splash

The Summer Reading Program closes with a big splash on July 8 at 10 a.m.  All children who have been involved in Summer Reading are invited to the library for our closing party.  There will be food and fun.  Come celebrate another successful Summer Reading Program with the folks from the Library.  For more information, call the Library at 225-635-3364.

 

Crape Myrtle Magic

Take a stroll through natural beauty created upon the alluvial Tunica soils of West Feliciana Parish during Crape Myrtle Magic, June 10 and 11, 2010. Master horticulturist Walter Imahara and his family invite you to enjoy the splendor and magic of blooming crape myrtles at Imahara's Southern Garden on Mahoney Road in St. Francisville.  This arboretum is centered by four-tiered ponds which are surrounded by groupings of hardy and specialized plant collections.  Among these, Mr. Imahara has planted many different species of crape myrtles in a rainbow of colors -- lavender, pink, red, and white.  Included in these plantings are Biloxi, weeping Hopi, Twilight, Arapaho, Lipan, Sioux, Raspberry, Catawa, Sarah, Tuscarora, weeping Acoma, Pink Velour, Royal Flush, Comance and Natchez Crape Myrtles.  The gardens will be open during Crape Myrtle Magic from 8 am until 4 pm on Saturday, and from 10 am until 4 pm on Sunday.  There is no admission fee.

 

Nature Discovery at Audubon

Those wishing for a touch of nature need only to go to Audubon State Historic Site to experience Nature Discovery on Sunday, July 11th.   At 10 a.m. and again at noon, visitors can participate in an Animal Discovery program which introduces them to a few of the site’s resident creatures. At 1:30 p.m. and again at 2:30 p.m., visitors will have the opportunity to go on a guided nature walk around the park led by one of the site’s park rangers. There, they will discover the different plants and habitats found within the park.  For more information, call 1-888-677-2838 toll free or 635-3739 in the St. Francisville area.

 

West Florida Militia Muster

Audubon State Historic Site invites you to experience The West Florida Militia Muster on Sunday, July 18th.

Beginning at 2 PM and running until 4 PM visitors will see drills, black powder weapons, and costume demonstration of the 1810 West Florida militia. The audience is invited to participate in this colonial soldier life presentation. The park also invites those interested to join the volunteer Living History group at Audubon State Historic Site and participate in this and the many other programs held each year at the site.

For more information, call 1-888-677-2838 toll free or 635-3739 in the St. Francisville area.

 

Feliciana Hummingbird Festival

The Feliciana Nature Society will hold their annual Feliciana Hummingbird Celebration on Friday, July 30 and Saturday, July 31, 2010 in St. Francisville, Louisiana.  The Feliciana Hummingbird Celebration promotes the unique breeding habitat found in the St. Francisville area.  The event will include a Friday evening speaker and the opportunity to observe hummingbirds up close as they are banded at two private homes in the St. Francisville area.  Hummingbird-friendly plants will also be available for sale.  The Feliciana Hummingbird Celebration will begin with a reception on Friday evening, July 30, at Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site, 12501Hwy. 10, St. Francisville.  Beginning at 6 p.m., visitors can enjoy wine and cheese while strolling the gardens of Rosedown.  At 6:45 p.m., Mr. Andre Brock will speak on plants and habitats.  Admission is $10.  The festival will continue on Saturday, July 31.  From 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., hummingbird biologists Linda Beall and Nancy Newfield will capture and band birds at two private gardens in the St. Francisville area.  Visitors will have the opportunity to observe hummingbirds up close as they are weighed and measured.  In addition, vendors will be at both homes with hummingbird-attractive plants available for sale.  The gardens include the home of Carlisle Rogillio at 15736 Tunica Trace (Hwy. 66) and Murrell Butler at 9485 Oak Hill Road.  A $5 fee covers admission to both gardens.  For more information, visit www.audubonbirdfest.com or call 1-800-488-6502.

 

Become a Fan!

To get updates on the latest happenings in West Feliciana, become a fan of the West Feliciana Parish Tourist Commission on Facebook.  Click this link:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/WestFelicianaTourism.LA and join us today!

End of June Happenings

Farmers Market is Twice as Nice!

Each Thursday morning from 9 am until 1 pm, our local farmers are offering the best in fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies, and flowers, too!  But if you can’t make it on Thursday, they’re back on Saturdays from 8 am until noon.  It all happens at the old 4-H Barn on Wilcox Street so start eating healthier this week!

 

Sing Me a Song

Our very own Delta Drifters will be performing live this Friday, June 25, at the Magnolia Café.  Music begins at 7 pm on the porch.

 

Library Fun

Johnette Downing, a multi-award winning musician and author, whose many books are already well-known to the children in our area, will be performing at Jackson Hall in St. Francisville on Tuesday, June 29, 2010, at 10:00 a.m.  One of her books, Today is Monday in Louisiana, takes young readers through a culinary calendar describing a delicious Louisiana meal for each day of the week, as children sing along and try to remember the verses!  Her movin’ and groovin’ musical performances are entertaining, educational and filled with audience participation.  She combines her books with her music in a rhythmic vibe to promote literacy.  Students enjoy making these books come alive when they become part of the presentation.  Her performance is sponsored by West Feliciana Parish Library, through a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts.  The performance is free and open to the public.  For more information, call the library at 225-635-3364.

 

Introduction to Clay

Potter Barry Galloway will be holding several sessions of pottery classes for all ages.  For ages 8 and up, the 1^st session will be held June 28, 29 and 30, from 9 am until 11 am.  The second session is set for July 26, 27, and 28 from 9 am until 11 am.  The fee is $50 plus a $10 clay fee for each session.  This is an ArtsforAll program.  For more information, call Lynn Wood at the BirdMan Coffee and Books at 225-635-3665.

 

A Taste of Japan

West Feliciana Parish Library presents Kuniko Yamamoto on Tuesday,   July 6, at 10:00 a.m.  at Fellowship Hall, St. Francisville United Methodist Church, St. Francisville.  Kuniko’s performance is a stunning combination of Japanese folktales, folk songs, original masks, origami, highly stylized movements and a touch of magic.  Her stories, which portray the culture and moral perspective of Japan, are from the oldest Japanese book of Kojiki.  Audiences gain an appreciation of Japanese social ideas through her commentary and description of Japanese traditions and are encouraged to compare Japanese and American tales, arts and culture.  For more information, call the library at 225-635-3364.

 

Summer Reading Splash

The Summer Reading Program closes with a big splash on July 8 at 10 a.m.  All children who have been involved in Summer Reading are invited to the library for our closing party.  There will be food and fun.  Come celebrate another successful Summer Reading Program with the folks from the Library.  For more information, call the Library at 225-635-3364.

 

Main Street’s Poppin’!

It’s a Red, White & Blue Celebration all weekend!  The St. Francisville Main Street presents this annual event that includes the Fourth Annual Pie Baking Contest.  Entries will be taken at BirdMan Coffee & Books by 12:30 pm on Saturday, July 3.  Judging will be at 1 pm, and the pies will be sold AFTER the judging.  On both Saturday and Sunday, July 3 and 4, Main Street Merchants will be holding a Sidewalk Sale and “flag pull” for store discounts.  That evening, join Mayor Billy D’Aquilla at the Town Ball Park (behind the Sonic) for fireworks and music.

 

Audubon State Historic Site Presents . . .

Those wishing for a touch of nature need only to go to Audubon State Historic Site to experience Life in a Slave Cabin on Saturday, July 3rd.  Beginning at Noon and running until 1 pm, a Park Ranger will take visitors through the historic slave quarters of the plantation.  There they will see how slaves lived, hear stories of their struggles and accomplishments, and even taste some of the food cooked daily for their families.  “Every day, and with every visit, we want the visitor to the park not to just have a visit but an experience,” says John House, site manager.  Thanks, John, to you and the staff for always providing great interpretive programs!  For more information, call 225-635-3739.

 

Freedom Appreciation Day

As part of Main Street’s Poppin’, The Myrtles Plantation presents Freedom Appreciation Day on Sunday, July 4.  On the lawn from 3 pm until 7 pm, enjoy music by Emily Branton, Nancy Roppolo and The Angola Band. There will be lots of food and fun so wear your red, white and blue to show our support for our servicemen – past, present and future – for the sacrifices they have made to keep us America the Beautiful

 

Greenwood Celebrates

Richard Barnes and the Staff of Greenwood Plantation, along Rick and Dianne Evans (formerly of Zachary) of Best Catered Events, would like to invite the public to a special 4th of July celebration.  Enjoy food and old fashioned games and just have a good patriotic fantastic July 4th Holiday.  Admission is free, and hours are from 1 pm until 4 pm.  Come view the facilities, have some watermelon and ice cream, and be a part of a sack race or play horseshoes.  Enjoy the live oak park consisting of 94 live oak trees planted in rows in front of the mansion, where most of the games of yesteryear will be played.  Directions to Greenwood are:  Highway US 61 three miles North of St. Francisville to LA Highway 66 (Angola Road) turn left and travel 4 ½ miles to Highland Road, turn left and go to the end of the Road (3 ½ miles) and drive in and have a good time.  For more information, call 225-655-4475.

 

Calling all Creative Young People

ArtsForAll is hosting an exhibit of visual art including paintings, drawings, pastels, etc., which are ready to hang, AND creative writing including poetry or short story (less than two pages), computer generated or typed.  Middle and high school age young people are invited to deliver their entries to the BirdMan Coffee & Books on Tuesday, August 24, and they will be exhibited through September.  A reception for the young artists and writers will be held during White Linen Night on Saturday, August 28, from 5 pm until 7 pm.  One or two works per person, please, with name, address and phone number included on the back.  Respond to Lynn Wood at 225-721-1296, or birdmancoffee@bellsouth.net with questions or intent to participate.

 

Que Pasa

Edward Daniel is happy to report that construction has begun on the new Que Pasa restaurant on Highway 61 at Commerce Street.   They are anticipating completion some time in October, and he will keep us posted.

 

Happenings

Farmer’s Market

You can’t beat the just-picked freshness of homegrown vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers from local farmers.  Every Thursday from 9 am until 1 pm, you’ll find the best tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, onions, bell peppers, eggplants, blueberries, corn, lettuce, farm eggs, homemade preserves, jellies and jams, herbs, honey, flowers and even more!  Let’s all eat healthier and support our local farmers!

 

Art at the Market

During the Thursday Farmer’s Market sessions, Arts for All has a large easel set up for children to create masterpieces while their parents shop for fresh fruit and vegetables.  It’s a public service to get children interested at an early age in the arts.  What a great opportunity!

 

Community Market Day

This Saturday is the third Saturday of the month so that means we welcome back Community Market Day at Parker Park from 9am until 1pm.  The market will feature locally grown produce, homemade mini pies, vegetables, bread, quilts, dresses, photographs, jewelry, soaps, canned goods and so much more.  Kevin Johnson will play music in the gazebo so come spend the morning in Parker Park.  For more information, call either Lynn at 635-3665 or Laurie at 635-3873.  The Community Market is brought to you by St. Francisville Main Street and Arts for All.

 

One Book/One Community

On June 17, Patty Birkett will be the speaker at a discussion of Neil White’s In the Sanctuary of Outcasts, the Summer 2010 choice for One Book/One Community.    This book is the story of the time the author spent as a federal prisoner in Carville, the people who became his friends there, and the life-changing effect they had on him.  Mrs. Birkett was employed as librarian at the federal prison during the time that Mr. White was there.  She will lead the discussion and share her own experiences during that time.   Copies of the book are available to be checked out from the library.  Anyone can participate at this discussion which will be held at the BirdMan.

 

Music

Live music at The Mag begins at 7 pm each Friday.  June 18 – United We Jam; June 25 – Delta Drifters.

 

The Blue Room

Located next door to the Magnolia Café on Commerce Street, this smoke-free establishment has weekly specials.  On Wednesday, June 16, there will be Ladies Nite and Karaoke from 7 – 9 pm.  If you miss karaoke on that night, not to worry!  On Friday, June 18, it’s Karaoke Night again!  On Saturday, June 19, Gary Bello & Friends will entertain you, while on Monday, June 21, there will be a special performance by Gingersnap.  Tickets are available at the door or you can call in advance at 225-721-3668.

 

Rosedown and the Lost Arts

Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site offers the next in its monthly series of “Lost Arts of the Nineteenth Century” Living History Demonstrations with a new presentation scheduled for Saturday, June 19.  Visitors to Rosedown are invited to join Interpretive Ranger Sasha Traña, as she introduces historic arts, activities and crafts that are little seen today.  The “Lost Art” featured this month is Basket Weaving.  For the program, Traña will discuss the history of basket weaving, explaining the various types of basket weaving and the different materials and weaving processes used to make baskets.  Traña will be presenting her demonstration on the back porch of the Main House between 11 am and 2 pm.  Additional “Lost Arts” programs will be offered on the third Saturday of each month.  The Lost Art to be featured in July is Toymaking and Games.  For more information, call 225-635-3110.

 

So, You Want to Be in Movies

Cypress Moon Studios will present the second in a series of music and film workshops and seminars on Saturday, June 26, at Old Centenary Inn in Jackson.  Four workshops are scheduled and include Getting the Audition, Working with the Agent and/or Manager, Preparing for the Audition, and The Producer’s Role.  Cost of all four workshops is $150, and you must register in advance but hurry.  Seating is limited and the deadline is Thursday, June 17!  For more information contact Cypress Moon Studios at 256-381-5745 or info@cypressmoonproduction.com.

 

Introduction to Clay

Potter Barry Galloway will be holding several sessions of pottery classes for all ages.  For ages 8 and up, the 1^st session will be held June 28, 29 and 30, from 9 am until 11 am.  The second session is set for July 26, 27, and 28 from 9 am until 11 am.  An adult introductory session will be held June 22, 23, and 24, from 5:30 pm until 8 pm.  The fee is $50 plus a $10 clay fee for each session.  This is an ArtsforAll program.  For more information, call Lynn Wood at the BirdMan Coffee and Books at 225-635-3665.

 

Library Fun

Johnette Downing, a multi-award winning musician and author, whose many books are already well-known to the children in our area, will be performing at Jackson Hall in St. Francisville on Tuesday, June 29, 2010, at 10:00 a.m.  One of her books, Today is Monday in Louisiana, takes young readers through a culinary calendar describing a delicious Louisiana meal for each day of the week, as children sing along and try to remember the verses!  Her movin’ and groovin’ musical performances are entertaining, educational and filled with audience participation.  She combines her books with her music in a rhythmic vibe to promote literacy.  Students enjoy making these books come alive when they become part of the presentation.  Her performance is sponsored by West Feliciana Parish Library, through a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts.  The performance is free and open to the public.

 

Main Street’s Poppin’!

It’s a Red, White & Blue Celebration all weekend!  The St. Francisville Main Street presents this annual event that includes the Fourth Annual Pie Baking Contest.  Entries will be taken at BirdMan Coffee & Books by 12:30 pm on Saturday, July 3.  Judging will be at 1 pm, and the pies will be sold AFTER the judging.  On both Saturday and Sunday, July 3 and 4, Main Street Merchants will be holding a Sidewalk Sale and “flag pull” for store discounts.  That evening, join Mayor Billy D’Aquilla at the Town Ball Park (behind the Sonic) for fireworks and music.

 

Freedom Appreciation Day

As part of Main Street’s Poppin’, The Myrtles Plantation presents Freedom Appreciation Day on Sunday, July 4.  From 3 pm until 7 pm, enjoy music, food and fun.  It’s just another way to celebrate the greatest country in the world!

 

Greenwood Plantation Celebrates

Richard Barnes and the Staff of Greenwood Plantation, along Rick and Dianne Evans (formerly of Zachary) of Best Catered Events, would like to invite the public to a special 4th of July celebration.  Enjoy food and old fashioned games and just have a good patriotic fantastic July 4th Holiday.  Admission is free, and hours are from 1:00 P. M. to 4:00 P.M.  Come view the facilities and have some watermelon and ice cream and be a part of a sack race or play horseshoes.  Enjoy the live oak park consisting of 94 live oak trees planted in rows in front of the mansion, where most of the games of yesteryear will be played.  Directions to Greenwood are:  Highway US 61 three miles North of St. Francisville to LA Highway 66 (Angola Road) turn left and travel 4 ½ miles to Highland Road, turn left and go to the end of the Road (3 ½ miles) and drive in and have a good time.  For more information, call 225-655-4475.

 

Calling all Creative Young People

ArtsForAll is hosting an exhibit of visual art including paintings, drawings, pastels, etc., which are ready to hang AND creative writing including poetry or short story (less than two pages), computer generated or typed.  Middle and high school age young people are invited to deliver their entries to the BirdMan Coffee & Books on Tuesday, August 24, and they will be exhibited through September.  A reception for the young artists and writers will be held during White Linen Night on Saturday, August 28, from 5 pm until 7 pm.  One or two works per person, please, with name, address and phone number included on the back.  Respond to Lynn Wood at 225-721-1296, or birdmancoffee@bellsouth.net with questions or intent to participate.