Happenings

Living History – Civil War

Those with an interest in Louisiana’s Civil War past are invited to Audubon State Historic Site for this program on Saturday, January 23.  Civil Ware re-enactors dressed in authentic reproduction costumes of the armies of both North and South will be on hand to present a look at life in Civil War Louisiana.  The day’s demonstrations, starting at 10 am and ending at 4 pm, will include drills, black powder weapon demonstrations, open hearth cooking, costume talks, camp life, and more.  There will be a small scale reenactment of the 1863 Battle of Plains Store, the battle that led to the Siege of Port Hudson, the longest siege in American History.   The day’s schedule of activities for this Civil War event are:

 

10:00 AM Infantry drill demonstration

10:30         Bath Salt and Potpourri class

11:00         Cavalry Drill Demonstration

12:00         Cannon Drill Demonstration

12:30         Military uniform and Weapon demonstration

 1:00          Children’s Games of the 1800's

 2:00          Skirmish: The Battle of Plains Store- Prelude to Port Hudson

 3:00          Medical Demonstration

 3:30          Ladies Clothing talk

 

Ongoing: Tours of Oakley House on the hour, Open hearth cooking in the plantation kitchen, and blacksmithing demonstrations.  A small admission fee is charged.  For more information, call 225-635-3739.

 

Star Hill Half Marathon

On Saturday, January 30, Rocket Racing will hold a half marathon race as well as a 4-mile race here in West Feliciana parish.  Event organizers say all proceeds from these events benefit charities such as Rocketkidz Foundation, a non-profit hosted by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation which in turn funds local programs that promote childhood fitness and positive experiences through physical activities such as Rouge Runners, Girls on the Run, Wheels to Succeed, Booster Rocket Program, and BREC Summer Camp Scholarships.  The races will begin at The Bluffs, to Freeland Road, down Highway 966 to Hwy. 61 and then back again.  So if you happen to be out running errands on that Saturday, watch out for the bikers and runners.  For more information, visit www.starhillhalf.com.

 

Book Signing

Heminbough will be the site of a presentation and book signing by Leo Honeycutt, author of Edwin Edwards, Governor of Louisiana, An Authorized Biography.  The event takes place on Sunday, January 31 from 2 pm until 4 pm, and is hosted by Arlin Dease, Duane Ulkins, Owen Couhig Kemp and Gaye Landry.  For details call 225-784-2000.

 

All Things Camellias

To kick off festivities for the 6th annual Camellias in the Country sponsored by the Feliciana Nature Society,

pARTy in the Ville will offer a night of art, cocktails, appetizers, and fun planned to compliment the event.  Native artist, Elizabeth Leake Mackey, will guide participants through the steps of painting their own camellia masterpiece.  You bring the cocktails and the appetizers - paints, supplies, and fun will be provided!  pARTy in the Ville will be held at Sage Hill Antiques and Gifts, located at 5622 Commerce Street.  The cost is $35 per person.  Reservations can be made by calling 225 635-6596 or to sylvialeake@gmail.com.

 

On Friday evening, February 5, at the historic Market Hall on Royal Street in St. Francisville, the Feliciana Nature Society will host local historian and author Anne Butler as she speaks on the history of camellias in the West Florida Republic.  Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for a wine and cheese reception, followed at 6:30 by Anne Butler’s program.

 

The program will continue on Saturday, February 6, beginning at 9:00 a.m., at the visitor center at Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site.  The morning session will feature Darrell Chitty who will lead a seminar on camellia photography.  Lunch at Audubon Café will be followed by an extensive walking tour of Rosedown’s historic gardens where participants can practice their photography skills while viewing some of the best heirloom and contemporary varieties of camellias on the grounds.  Participants are advised to bring a camera.

 

A $25 registration fee covers the Anne Butler reception and lecture on Friday night as well as the Saturday photography program and lunch.  Admission for the Friday reception only is $10.  Proceeds benefit projects of the Feliciana Nature Society.  For reservations and more information call the Feliciana Nature Society at 1-800-488-6502.

 

Art View

On Sunday, February 28, Arts for All will host an art show from 2 pm until 4 pm at Old Market Hall on Royal Street.   Art View will feature the work of artists captured in Kathryn Ward’s recent articles published in the St. Francisville Democrat.  Everyone is invited and light refreshments will be served.

 

Taste of the Felicianas Gala

The Women’s Service League of St. Francisville will host its Seventh Annual Taste of the Felicianas Gala on Friday, February 26, 2010 at Hemingbough Convention Center.  This year’s theme, “A Mystical Night in Black and White,” promises endless possibilities for an exciting and fun filled night.  Festivities begin at 7:30 pm and tickets are $60 in advance or $75 at the door.  Ticket prices include our scrumptious all-you-can-eat tasting from area restaurants and caterers, live music by Bits & Pieces, an exceptional silent auction, and other delightful surprises.  A wine pull and cash bar will also be available.  Proceeds from this event support local philanthropies.  For further details and ticket purchasing information, visit www.wslgala.com.

 

Celebration of Readers and Writers Symposium

The West Feliciana Library and The Friends of the Library of West Feliciana Parish have announced its panel of speakers for the February 27 Celebration of Writers and Readers Symposium.  They are poet Ava Haymon, journalist and columnist, Rheta Grimsley Johnson, and novelists Malcolm K. Shuman and Erica Spindler. Closing the program in his own inimitable style will be literary critic and historian, Charles Elliott.  The event will be held at The Oxbow Restaurant in St. Francisville from 8:30 AM until 2:00 PM.  Lunch is included in the day’s agenda of speakers, book signings, Q & A, and critiques.  For more information and to make a reservation, call 225-635-3364.

 

More from the Friends of the Library

The Friends of the Library have changed their meeting times to 10 am, but still on the second Monday of the month.   Please join the Friends at the Library for a social beginning at 10 am followed by a brief business meeting.  All the Friends efforts are directed towards supporting our West Feliciana Parish Library. Remember: a great parish needs a great library and a great library needs lots of Friends.

 

The Big Read

This year’s Big Read book is The Great Gatsby, and the Friends of the Library planning committee are working on developing some special events to encourage everyone to read this classic.  Look for more information coming soon!