events

Jackson Parish Classic & Antique Car Club's Twenty Sixth Annual Car Show: JACKSON PARISH CLASSIC AND ANTIQUE CAR CLUB’S TWENTY SIXTH ANNUAL CAR SHOW will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Jay Mallard Ford in Jonesboro, Louisiana. Registration 8:30 - 10:00 a.m., judging at noon, awards at 2:30 p.m. Classic and antique cars and trucks that are at least 25 years old are eligible for entry in the Classic & Antique classes AND cars and trucks Models 2000 - 2024 are eligible for entry in the Late Model judging class. Trophies given in 16 classes. Entrance fee per vehicle is $30.00 the day of the show and $25.00 for those that preregister. Show to benefit Shriners Hospital for Children. The nineteenth annual Jonesboro Sunshine Festival will also be held in conjunction with the car show in downtown Jonesboro. For more information call Randy Shows (318) 243-4452, Sonny Stephens (318) 533-0434, or Cathie Toler (318) 475-1001.

Car show proceeds are donated to charity. This year’s proceeds will go to benefit the Shriners Hospital for Children. For additional information, call Randy Shows (318) 243-4452, Sonny Stephens (318) 533-0434, or Cathie Toler (318) 475-1001.

Community invited to Run/Walk to support St. Jude

APRIL 15, 2024

The Natchitoches community is invited to come out and walk a few miles for the kids at the St. Jude Walk/Run April Challenge on Thursday, April 18 from 4-6 pm at PARC Natchitoches. Donations can be made during the walk or directly to the LEO Club of Natchitoches Central High School. For more information contact Paula Callender at Paula.callender@npsb.la. This is a come and go event hosted by the LEO Club of NCHS. Feel free to come by at your convenience.

High School Graduation Schedule

APRIL 17, 2024

As the end of the 2023-2024 school year quickly approaches, the Natchitoches Parish School Board is proud to celebrate the graduating high school seniors in Natchitoches Parish. Please see the schedule below for the list of high school commencement ceremonies for Natchitoches Parish Schools:

Natchitoches Parish Technical and Career Center (NPTCC)

• Wednesday, May 15 @ 6 pm in Magale Recital Hall at Northwestern State University

Lakeview High School

• Thursday, May 16 @ 7 pm in A.A. Fredericks Fine Arts Center at Northwestern State University

Natchitoches Central High School

• Friday, May 17 @ 7 pm in Prather Coliseum at Northwestern State University

• NCHS will live-stream their ceremony for those unable to physically attend.

NPSB looks forward to celebrating the class of 2024 and would like to wish all graduating seniors well in their next journey.

Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival May 10th-11th, 2024

APRIL 17, 2024

The 27th annual Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival will be held in historic downtown Natchitoches on the riverbank of Cane River Lake, the festival will kick off Friday evening, May 10th with “Tribute to Legends Night”. Appearing first at 7:00 p.m. will be “Lone Star Skynrd”, the award nominated Lynyrd Skynrd tribute act from Texas which faithfully recreates the atmosphere and energy of Lynyrd Skynrd concerts. Closing out Friday at 9:00 p.m. will be “Rumours-ATL”, the award-winning Fleetwood Mac tribute band out of Atlanta, Georgia which is widely recognized as the ultimate Fleetwood Mac tribute with its note for note recreation of the Mac’s hit songs. Craig Morgan and Chapel Hart are set to headline the Main Stage on Saturday, May 11th. Millions have seen them on TV, they are selling out venues nationwide performing their number one hit “You Can Have him, Jolene” and many others. Preceding “Chapel Hart” will be regional favorites “Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs” who have been hailed as “Louisiana’s top show band” and are the only band to have appeared in all twenty-six previous festivals. They are making this a stop on their 30th anniversary “Over the Moon Tour” and promise some “special surprises” during their performance. The Moondogs performance is scheduled for 5:20 p.m. As always, they’ll deliver a high quality and high energy mix of rock and roll and R&B horn-driven favorites. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to http://www.natchjazzfest.com. There will be 20 bands in all performing on three stages, which will feature a wide variety of music, including country, rock ‘n’ roll, funk, soul, Gospel, Latin, Celtic, and yes, plenty of jazz and R&B. This is a family event, and as always, there will be plenty of great food and fun activities for the kids.

Musicians’ Appreciation event at St. Mary Baptist Church on Cane River

APRIL 16, 2024

St. Mary Baptist Church on Cane River will hold its annual Musicians’ Appreciation on Sunday, April 21 at 9:30 AM. The event will be honoring Bro. Andrew Cofield & Bro. Thomas Carter Jr. Special guest speaker will be Pastor J’Rel West.

Annual Steel Bands Workshop and Concert to be held April 26

APRIL 18, 2024

Northwestern State University’s Steel Bands will host the Third Annual Steel Band Workshop on Friday, April 26. The workshop will be from 2 – 4 p.m. in the William Brent Band Room in the Fine Arts Annex. The concert will be held at 6 p.m. at the Downtown Riverfront Stage in Natchitoches. Those taking part in the workshop will learn to play steel drums in a day and perform in the No prior experience needed. To get more information, email Dr. Oliver Molina at molinao@nsula.edu. To register for the workshop, go to https://forms.gle/hcrjptnu3bwdBftS9. The deadline to register is Thursday, April 25. The concert will feature music from Trinidad and Tobago and by Taylor Swift, No Doubt and more. Featured groups will include the NSU Steel PanDEMONium Band and participants in the Fourth Annual Steel Band Workshop.

NSU Spring Commencement May 8-9: Northwestern State University will hold Spring Commencement exercises Wednesday, May 8-Thursday, May 9 in Prather Coliseum. During ceremonies at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 8, diplomas will be awarded to graduates in the College of Business and Technology and the Gallaspy Family College of Education and Human Development. During ceremonies at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, diplomas will be awarded to graduates in the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health. During ceremonies at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 9, diplomas will be awarded to graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences and the Louisiana Scholars’ College. For a detailed schedule, a list of Frequently Asked Questions and candidate information, visitwww.nsula.edu/graduation.

Natchitoches Historic Foundation invites public to Dedication, Gala celebrating Pacalé-Roque House restoration: The Natchitoches Historic Foundation is delighted to announce a Dedication Ceremony and Gala event to commemorate the completion of the Pacalé-Roque House restoration project, located on the picturesque Cane River Lake downtown riverbank. After more than a year of dedicated work, we are thrilled to invite the community to join us in celebrating this momentous occasion. The Dedication Ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 9 at 2 PM, on the grounds of the Pacalé-Roque House. The public is warmly invited to attend this special ceremony at no charge, as we express our gratitude for the support and enthusiasm shown throughout the restoration process. Following the dedication, the festivities will continue with an elegant Gala event, beginning at 7 PM on the same evening. Hosted at a stunning location, this adult-only affair promises an evening of sophistication, featuring delectable cuisine, refreshing beverages, and live entertainment provided by the talented Katrice Lacour. Tickets for the Gala are priced at $50 per person and can be purchased by contacting Lee Akin at (832) 729-2610 or visiting www.nhfla.com. Additionally, businesses and groups are invited to become sponsors by purchasing a table for $500, which includes seating for eight individuals, prominent signage at the event, and the opportunity to have their chosen name engraved on the Preservationist Wall. For those who wish to leave a lasting legacy in support of historic preservation, we invite you to consider adding your name or the name of a loved one to the Preservationist Wall. For a contribution of $150, your name will be eternally memorialized as a testament to your commitment to the preservation of Natchitoches’ rich history. Join us as we celebrate the culmination of our hard work and dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of Natchitoches. Together, let us honor the legacy of the Pacalé-Roque House and ensure its enduring presence for generations to come. For further information or inquiries, please contact Lee Akin at (832) 729-2610.

Roper Memorial golf tournament set for April 27: Northwestern State University will host the 42th annual Chris Roper Memorial Golf Tournament Saturday, April 27 at Northwestern Hills with a kick-off party Friday, April 26. Proceeds from the tournament are used to fund two scholarships awarded each year to two deserving students who are enrolled in the Health & Human Performance Department. Tee time for the tournament will be at 8:30 a.m. Saturday with check-in beginning at 8 a.m. The four-man scramble will include prizes for first, second and third place teams, closest to the hole, long drive and door prizes. The entry fee is $300 per team or $75 per person, which includes cart, green fees, lunch and beverages. Sponsorships are available at the $500, $250 and $50 levels. Those unable to attend may consider a tee sponsorship which is $50. Tee signs are placed on different tee boxes around the course. Lunch will be served after the awards. Friday’s kick-off party will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Antoon’s. Those who plan to arrive on Friday, April 29 and stay the weekend can make reservations at the Comfort Suites by calling (318) 228-8816. A special rate is available for the Chris Roper Golf Tournament. Fifteen rooms have been set aside. Entry fees should be sent to Jill Bankston or Cristy Bernard, NSU Foundation, Natchitoches, LA 71497. Checks can be made payable to the NSU Foundation Memo: Chris Roper. For more information, contact Bernard at bernardc@nsula.edu or call (318) 357-4292. The tournament is held annually in memory of Chris Roper, a native of Camden, Arkansas, who was a senior and top golfer on the 1981 Demon Squad. He was a member of the Trans-American All-Conference team, placing ninth in the league tournament. He was killed in a traffic accident over Christmas break in 1982. Over the years, the tournament has generated enough money to support two scholarships that provide $1,500 per semester for recipients.

NSU Dept. of Social Work will co-host opioid symposium: Northwestern State University’s Department of Social Work and the Louisiana Department of Public Health will host the in-person and virtual Spring Opioid Symposium on Maternal Health on Friday, April 26 at NSU. Lunch will be from 11:30 a.m.-noon with the program going from noon-3 p.m. The event is open to faculty, staff, students and the community. A free lunch will be provided by Louisiana Healthcare Connections. The symposium offers no-cost CEU credits for social workers, nurses and EMS professionals. About 7 percent of women reported using prescription opioid pain relievers during pregnancy, according to 2019 self-reported data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Participants will learn about the effects of opioid use disorder (OUD) on maternal health, including: Pregnancy and OUD, Support through and after pregnancy, Improving the health outcomes of women with OUD, The legal and law enforcement side, Northwest Louisiana’s Mobile Crisis Response, Demonstration of Narcan administration, One individual’s powerful recovery story. Register in advance by scanning the QR code below or visit https://bit.ly/3P9JoVS. For more information, contact Dr. Susan Campbell, Social Work Department interim chair, at campbellsu@nsula.edu.

NSU volleyball to host GrassFest on April 27: Spots for teams and tickets for crawfish are still available for Northwestern State volleyball’s Demon GrassFest scheduled for Saturday, April 27. The grass DigFest will take place on campus at the tailgate field near the Collins’ Pavilion located between Prather Coliseum and Turpin Stadium. The 4-on-4 bracket competition offers fans and the community a chance to enter a team and join the Demons in some friendly volleyball competition. Teams can have up to six people on the roster, only four players play at a time, with at least one female required to be on the court at all times. The entry fee is $150 per team and all proceeds from the event aid the NSU volleyball summer scholarship fund as well as many other needs within the program. Teams may also add an NSU volleyball player to their team for $25 more. Participants and fans can also purchase tickets for boiled crawfish that will be sold at the event. Tickets for four pounds of crawfish are available for $30 with NSU students able to purchase for $25 with student ID. To register you team or purchase crawfish tickets visit www.nsudemons.com/outdoordigfest. The day-long event will also feature live music, other games and activities between matches and various raffles and silent auction items up for bid. For more information contact associate head coach Stacey Aldredge at (832) 797-6855 or via email at difrancescoa@nsula.edu

Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival from 9a-5pm on Saturday, April 20^th and from 10a – 3p Sunday, April 21^st. There will be an admission fee.

The Natchitoches Parish Library will host a shred event on April 26th from 10am – 2pm. An industrial strength mobile shredding truck will be available to the public for getting rid of old and disposing of confidential information.

The Farmers Market will be on Saturday, April 27^th on the downtown riverbank.