September Happenings

Farmer's Market

It's still going strong every Thursday from 9 am until 1 pm at the Old 4-H Barn on Wilcox Street.  Fresh farm eggs, lettuces, eggplants, potatoes, okra, cucumbers, and squashes.  Buddy Metz had some beautiful pumpkins last week, too.  A new addition is Hutch McClendon's organic produce so you don't have to drive to that store in Baton Rouge!  Michelle Roth has some pretty flowers already arranged in small bouquets for you.  Pickled peppers, salsa and fresh baked goodies round out the selection.  Let's support our local farmers!

Book Signing

The West Feliciana Parish Library will host Mary Webb, author of the inspirational and personal story "The Summer of Superheroes and the Making of Iron Boy,"  on Thursday, September 9 at 6 pm.  Books will be available for purchase and signing by the author.

Friday Football

The West Feliciana High School Saints will host their first home football game against Pearl River this Friday, September 10.  Kickoff is scheduled for 7 pm.

Freedom Walk

On Saturday, September 11, the Blue Star Mothers have organized a memorial for all of those killed in the World Trade Centers as well as our servicemen who have died in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Join them in honoring our fallen heroes from 9 am until 1 pm at Parker Park.  For more information, call 225-635-3640.

Ideas for Gateways?

The St. Francisville Area Foundation is hosting a public meeting and feedback session to hear your ideas of what you'd like to see as a gateway to our community.  On Wednesday, September 15 at 6 pm, you are asked to join them at Entergy River Bend Station's Training Center in the first floor assembly room to offer your thoughts.  For more information, contact Lauren Field at 225-978-9502 or ladfield@bellsouth.net.

Community Market Day

September 18 is the third Saturday of the month so it's time again for Community Market Day at Parker Park.  Hosted from 9 am until 1 pm, vendors will be offering their hand made art work, clothes, jewelry, paintings, photos and much more.  Music will be provided by Kevin Johnson.  This event is made possible by the St. Francisville Main Street Program and Arts For All.

Vibes in the 'Ville

It's back!  On Saturday, September 25 in Parker Park, from 1 pm until dark, Arts for All is presenting another "Vibes in the 'Ville" music festival of local talent.  Music will include some bluegrass pickers from the First Baptist Church, The Bryant Family Singers, Everett, The Fugitive Poets, and Gordon Graham.  At 2 pm, there will be a Kids' Kazoo Parade around the park, and kids of all ages are invited to join in!

Looking for People

The Louisiana commission on the West Florida Republic Bicentennial is looking high and low for any and all descendants of General Philemon Thomas, the commander of the troops who captured the Spanish Fort at Baton Rouge on September 23, 1810, thus commencing the West Florida Rebellion.  While celebrating the bicentennial of this historical event, the Commission would like for descendants to be honored guests at some of the commemorative events that are coming up this fall.  If you or any of your friends are descendants of General Thomas, please contact Mary Sentell at Sentell@aol.com.

West Florida Rebellion Bicentennial

Audubon State Historic Site is celebrating the bicentennial of the West Florida Rebellion with a weekend full of activities.  On Saturday, September 25 from 10 am until 4 pm, visit the site on Highway 965 for programs on open hearth cooking, soldier life, games, spinning and weaving, tatting, medicine, wood working, chair making, and tours of Oakley House.  at 1 pm, David Bice, author of "Original Lone Star Republic," will speak on the historical happenings of 1810.  At 2 pm, Mountain and Wren Music of this period will be performed inside the museum, and from 3 pm until 5 pm, enjoy performances by Vintage Dancers.

On Sunday, September 26, activities from 10 am until 4 pm will include open hearth cooking, soldier life, period clothing, medicine, a plant sale and the Friends of Oakley membership drive.  Dr. David Narrett, of the University of Texas at Arlington, is set to speak at 1:30 pm.  Dr. Narrett is an author and authority on the West Florida Republic, and his talk will include interesting information about the Kemper Brothers and their part in this period of our history.  For more information on this exciting weekend, phone 225-635-3739.

October Events

As always, October is chock full of fun things to do in West Feliciana.  Here is a rundown so you can save the dates:

Every Sunday in October - there are five this year - the Angola Rodeo

October 15 and 16 - Garden Symposium

October 16 - Community Market Day

October 16 - BR Symphony at Grace Episcopal Church

October 22 - Movie in the Park

October 30 - Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale

October 29, 30 and 31 - The Myrtles Halloween Experience

October 30 and 31 - Yellow Leaf Arts Festival

White Linen Night

This Saturday, August 28, is the third annual White Linen Night in downtown St. Francisville. Beginning at 5 pm, this annual event has grown in popularity . . . probably because it is the last fling of the summer for most of us! Produced by the St. Francisville Main Street Merchants, this event is sponsored by The Highlands Bank, The Bank of St. Francisville, the Town of St. Francisville, Entergy - Riverbend Station, and the St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce.

Parking is provided at four convenient locations - Hillcrest Gardens & Gifts on Commerce Street; the West Feliciana Courthouse on Ferdinand Street; St. Francisville Town Hall; and the St. Francisville Post Office. Leave your car at one of these convenient locations and hop aboard The Highlands Bank trolley. The trolleys will run continuously throughout the downtown area and will be manned by volunteers who will provide helpful information and maps showing locations of all participating shops.

Here's a rundown of the participating merchants, artists and restaurants:

Hillcrest Gardens & Gifts will feature a trunk show of Kameleon Jewelry. Get a free gift with purchase of any Kameleon item. Emily Branton is the featured performer, and food will be provided by Sonny's Pizza.

Avondale Antiques will highlight pottery by Craig Roth and music by The Baldwin Sisters.

Trends Salon will host an Artist Open House and a display from Patrick's Fine Jewelry. There will also be a drawing for a pearl Fleur de Lis necklace. Music is by Steve Judice, and the talented artists will provide refreshments, too.

The Wine Parlor at the St. Francisville Inn will display photography by Jill Moore and music by The Fugitive Poets. Food will be provided by the St. Francisville Inn.

Backwoods Gallery will have an exhibit by Krista Roche and food by the Magnolia Cafe.

St. Francisville Town Hall will host Busy Bee, Toodles by Nadia, Compass Rose, Wild Bunch Farms, and B3 Designs. The Boy Scouts will be selling bottled water.

R. Ladnier Jr. Photography will have a presentation of portraits, and photographs of historical sites for sale. Food will be provided by Heirloom Cuisine.

Miller's on Main and The Massage Clinic will host music by the Spencer Family Band. Michael Miller will, of course, show off his pottery.

The West Feliciana Parish Library will feature Margie Blake and her beautiful stained glass. Hill Country Smokehouse will provide the refreshments.

The West Feliciana Parish Historical Society Museum will have a book signing by local author Anne Butler. Food will be by Que Pasa Mexican Restaurant.

Old Market Hall will be the site of an artist open house featuring Sherri Corbin, Holly Fant, Linda Thompson, and Sonny & Debra Hood. The Hoods will also perform gospel music, while refreshments will be provided by the artists.

Harrington Gallery celebrates its 34th Anniversary with music by Kevin Johnson and food by Heirloom Cuisine.

Grandmother's Buttons celebrates its 25th Anniversary with champagne and cake, and by introducing a new line of deluxe antique buttons, set in Sterling Silver, of course! Entertainment is by Nancy and Joe Roppolo while food is provided by Audubon Cafe.

The Painted Bench, Emily Fruge, Susan Rodrigue and Plantation Dolls will be set up at the corner of Ferdinand and Feliciana Streets, near the public restrooms.

The Shanty Too will feature Gourmet Food samplings and adult beverages. Featured artists are Todd Koester - Potter, and Diane Christopher - Picasseaux Artist. Lynn Brossett will entertain, and Eight Sisters will be serving tastes of their specialties.

Green Door Productions highlights an art exhibit by Laura West and others, drawings for 10 aromatherapy buckwheat groat neck pillows, and Interior Design Displays. Refreshments will be provided.

St. Francis Art & Antiques will have an open house, with food provided by the OxBow Restaurant.

Bohemianville Antiques will also feature an open house, with music by the Laughing Lizards. Refreshments will be provided.

BirdMan Coffee & Books presents the Arts for All Young Peoples' Exhibit. Other featured artists include Suzanne Holland, Sherri Kohlert and LesAnn Kirkland. Refreshments will be provided.

Sage Hill Antiques & Gifts will be introducing the new line of limited edition collectible charms and chains by Pure Sanctuary Jewelry, and will have samples and cookbook signing of "adJUSTed FOR YOU II" by Dana Hotard. Music will be provided by Kim Smith, with food by Heirloom Cuisine and Wine Glace'.

The Blue Room will be open and offering light refreshments.

As with most events, there may be some changes in the schedule, and while every precaution has been taken to include all of the merchants, musicians, artists and restaurants, some may have accidentally been left off. Please accept our apology in advance.

So as you can see, White Linen Night promises to be a night full of fun, food and music. See you on the Trolley!

--
Kitty Martin, LCTP

Executive Director

West Feliciana Parish Tourist Commission

800-789-4221 or 225-635-4224

www.stfrancisville.us

FW: August Happenings

Farmer’s Market

Yes, they are still bringing in the produce from their gardens each Thursday from 9 am until 1 pm, and on Saturday from 8 am until noon.  Support our local farmers and visit them at the old 4-H Barn on Wilcox Street.

 

Hummingbirds!

These small and fascinating creatures have long held our imagination, and on Saturday, July 31, you can get up close and personal with these tiny birds at the Feliciana Hummingbird Celebration.  From 7 am until 3 pm, hummingbird biologists Linda Beall and Nancy Newfield will capture and band birds at 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.  Hummingbird friendly plants and feeders will be sold at both sites.

The Feliciana Hummingbird Celebration will begin with a reception on Friday evening, July 30, beginning at 6 pm at Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site, where 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.  For more information, visit www.audubonbirdfest.com  or call 1-800-488-6502.  

 

Music at the Mag

Every Friday night is live music night on the screened porch at the Magnolia Café.  This Friday, July 30, Delta Drifters will perform.  The lineup for August is:  August 6 – Trouvere; August 13 – Eyes of the South; August 20 – Rock it Sound; and August 27 – Delta Drifters.

 

A Time to Remember

An art exhibit of Darrell Chitty’s most recent portraits and landscapes will be held on Thursday, August 5, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Old Market Hall on Royal Street.  Darrell is an accomplished artist who collaborated with local author and historian Anne Butler of Butler-Greenwood Plantation on the book, The Spirit of St. Francisville.  This exhibit is free and open to the public.

 

Big Valley Filming

I reported last week that Big Valley is filming at properties in West Feliciana Parish, and that Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site would be closed on four days.  Well, there’s been a change in plans.  Rosedown will only be closed on Friday, August 13.  Greenwood Plantation is another of the locations for filming but Rick Barnes and his staff are doing their best to keep the home open for tours.  The tours are altered a bit and may have to be halted at alternate times, so if you have guests who want to visit the plantation, please give them a call first at 225-655-3850.

 

Discover Nature

Audubon State Historic Site once again invites us to enjoy the great outdoors.  On Sunday, August 15, at 10am 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 1:30pm and again at 2:30 pm, 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.  Beautiful weather and interesting guides make this a perfect day to get out with the family.  For more information, call 225-635-3739.

 

We All Scream for Ice Cream!

Rosedown Plantation State Historic Sites presents its monthly demonstrations of the “Lost Arts” of the 19^th century on every third Saturday of each month.  The August program will be on Saturday, August 21, from 11 am until 2 pm, and will feature the “lost art” of ice cream making.   For more information, call 225-635-3332.

 

West Florida Militia Muster

Audubon State Historic Site invites you to experience The West Florida Militia Muster on Sunday, August 22nd.   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.