1-5 Slidell Fire District 1 Art Exhibit. History of Slidell Fire District 1. Old photographs, uniforms and equipment. Slidell Museum, 2020 First St., Slidell. Tues-Sat, 9am-4pm. Kary Seigert, 646-4380.

1-6 Mary Monk Art Exhibit. Abita Art Gallery, 72078 Maple St., Abita Springs. Tues-Fri, 2-6pm, Sat-Sun, 9am-6pm. Diane Trail, 867-3323.

1-7 Clay 2003: A Regional Survey of Clay. St. Tammany Art Association, 317 N. Columbia St., Covington. Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm; Sat 12-4pm. Tracy Thomassie, 892-8650.

1-12 Alan Gerson Contemporary Mixed Media Art Exhibit. Slidell Cultural Center, 444 Erlanger St., Slidell. Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm; Sat, 10am-2pm. Kelli Gustafson, 646-4375.

1-30 Darlene Kenny Art Exhibit. Arts program sponsored by Mayor Eddie Price and the Mandeville City Council. Mandeville City Hall, 3101 E. Causeway Approach, Mandeville. Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm. Free. Nancy Clark, 626-3144.

2-30 Covington Farmers Market. Vegetables, fruit, dairy, poultry, seafood, wines, herbs, honey, baked goods, plants and much more. 609 N. Columbia St., Covington. Wed, 12-4pm; Sat, 9am-1pm. Bo Gallup, 892-1873.

3-26 Saloons, etc... Slidell Business Community 1880-1940 Art Exhibit, Guardian of Slidell History Museum, 2063 Second St., Slidell. Thurs, Sat, 2-4pm. Rosita Pastoret, 646-6118.

4-30 Covington’s Brown Bag Concert. Lunch-time concert every Friday. Haik Park, 307 N. Columbia St., Covington. 12-1:30pm. Free. Bo Gallup, 892-1873.

5-26 Mandeville Trailhead Community Market. Seasonal farmers’ market items, artisan wares, unique gifts, cooking demonstrations. Mandeville Trailhead, 675 Lafitte St., Mandeville. Sat, 9am-1pm. Free. Denise Gutnisky, 624-3147.

5-26 Trace Community Market. Arts and crafts. Pocket Park, E. Gibson St., Covington. Sat, 9am-1pm. Free. Sheryl Landry, 898-0686.

6 Art á la Carte Spring Coordinated Gallery Openings. Olde Towne art galleries fire up the grills and open their doors for a progressive dinner at five gallery locations. Olde Towne, Slidell. 1-4pm. $10. 646-4375.

8 Building a Learning Community. 3rd Annual Family Life Conference sponsored by Southeastern Louisiana University and the Tangipahoa Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council. For students, parents and professionals. Southeastern University Center, Hammond. 8:30am-4pm. Registration: $25. 345-5493.

9-12 Spring for Art. Group exhibition in conjunction with the Coordinated Art Opening. Fort Isabel Gallery, 410 N. Columbia St., Covington. Wed-Sat, 10am-4pm. Opening reception Apr 12, 6-10pm. Free. Wes Koon, 892-1841.

10 Exploring the Option of International Adoption. Workshop hosted by the Parenting Center. What to consider before choosing to adopt, health of the children, home study process, what to expect the first year home. 7-9pm. Free. Registration: 898-4435.

11 ENCORE! Spring concert series featuring Southeastern Jazz Ensemble. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, Hammond. 7:30pm. Free. 549-2341.

11-13 Strawberry Festival. Ponchatoula. Family fun, great food, entertainment and big, beautiful, delicious strawberries. www.lastrawberryfestival.com ,(800) 542-7520.

11-26 Catch Me If You Can. The Playhouse, Times Square Shopping Center, Hammond. Fri-Sat. 542-9243.

11-30 Women by Women. Group exhibition of oils, pastels and watercolors depicting the beauty of the female gender by Roma Quartana, Joyce Hagen, Frances Bordelon and Mary Monk. Abita Art Gallery, 72078 Maple St., Abita Springs. Tues-Fri, 2-6pm; Sat-Sun, 9am-6pm. Opening reception with music and refreshments, Apr 12, 6-9pm. Free. Diane Trail, 867-3323.

12 Art At the Park. Art, food and entertainment celebrating the Louisiana Purchase Bicentennial. Bogue Falaya Park, Covington. 10am-6pm. Age 13-adult, $5;
3-12 and senior citizens, $2; under 3, free. Stephanie Bowie, 892-9156.

12 Northshore Cajun Dance. Live Cajun music and dancing. Town Hall, 22161 Level St., Abita Springs. 7-11pm. Non-members, $8; members, $6. Pat Baudier, 882-3848.

12 Spring for Art Coordinated Art Opening. Stroll the sidewalks, peruse galleries and shops, enjoy live entertainment in historic downtown Covington. 6-10pm. Free. St. Tammany Art Association, Tracy Thomasie, 892-8650.

12 US Amateur Ballroom Dance. Dance lessons, exhibition and social dancing. Senior Center, 610 Cousin St., Slidell. 7-10:30pm. Live music: adult member, $8; adult non-member, $10. Recorded music: adult member, $5; non-member, $8. Sylvia Dahm, 641-6979.

12-30 Five by Five. Group exhibition featuring Monica Bishara, Carol Creel, Patti Pilie, Karen Stakelum and Annie Strack. St. Tammany Art Association, 317 N. Columbia St., Covington. Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm; Sat, 12-4pm. Opening reception Apr 12, 6-10pm. Free. Tracy Thomassie, 892-8650.

12-30 John Darling Haynes Exhibition. Oil on canvas. Brunner Gallery, 215 N. Columbia St., Covington. Tues-Sat, 10am-5pm. Opening reception Apr 12, 6-10pm. Free. Robin Hamaker, 893-0444.

13 Bayou Jam Concert Series. Outdoor concert featuring Battle of the School Bands. Heritage Park, Slidell. 4-6pm. Free. 646-3475.

15 ENCORE! Spring concert series featuring Southeastern Faculty Brass Quintet. Pottle Music Building Auditorium, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond. 7:30pm. Free. 549-2341.

19 Abita Springs All Town Market. Vegetables, plants, baked goods, crafts, art, children’s games and much more. Hwy 36, Abita Springs. 10am-4pm. Free. Diane Trail, 867-3323.

19 Abita Springs Opry. Louisiana roots music performed in an acoustic setting. Abita Springs Town Hall, 22161 Level St., Abita Springs. 7-9pm. Adults, $7; 50+, $5; 12 and under, free. Beth Sager, 892-8768.

19 Celebrating Easter Traditions. Traditional Easter egg hunt and egg rolling on Otis House grounds. Fairview-Riverside State Park/Otis House, Madisonville. 2-3pm. 792-4652.

19 Swing Into Spring. Benefits Children’s Miracle Network. Music by Papillion, Easter bunny, Easter egg hunt, face painting. Courtyard by Marriott, 101 Northpark Blvd., Covington. 10am-2pm. Free. Suzanne Fayard, 871-0244.

24-27 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Renowned musical entertainment with magical blend of sights, sounds and cultural enchantment. Louis Armstrong Park and Fair Grounds Race Course, New Orleans. Ticket and event information, (504) 522-5555, www.jazzandheritage.com.

25 Columbia Street Block Party. Music, family fun, antique cars. Columbia St., Covington. 6:30-9:30pm. Free. Susie Diamond, 892-1873.

25-26 A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Musical. Slidell Little Theatre, 2024 Nellie Dr., Slidell. Adults, $15; 18 and under, $8. Box office, 641-0324.

26 Folsom Open Air Market. Local farmers, nurseries, antiques, crafts and garage sale items. 82337 June St., Folsom. 9am-2pm. Free. Clythia C. Anderson, 796-9448.

26 ZooMobile. The Audubon Nature Institute’s ZooMobile presents live animals. Fairview-Riverside State Park/Otis House, Madisonville. 1-2pm. 792-4652.

26-27 Slidell Spring Antique District Street Fair. Hundreds of dealers; antiques, collectibles and crafts. Historic Olde Towne Slidell. 10am-6pm. Free. Jeanette and Orville Paschke, 643-6727.

27 Bayou Jam Concert Series. Outdoor concert featuring Glen Road Traditional Irish Music. Heritage Park, Slidell. 4-6pm. Free. 646-4375.

29 Blind Boys of Alabama. Vocal gospel and blues. Columbia Theater, historic downtown Hammond. Donna Gay Anderson, 543-4366.

29-30 The Elephant Man. Southeastern Theatre, Hammond. 7:30 pm. General admission, $5; Seniors/non-Southeastern students, $3. 549-2341.

MAY 2003

1-4 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Renowned musical entertainment with magical blend of sights, sounds and cultural enchantment. Louis Armstrong Park and Fair Grounds Race Course, New Orleans. Ticket and event information, (504) 522-5555, www.jazzandheritage.com.

1-14 Women by Women. Group exhibition of oils, pastels and watercolors depicting the beauty of the female gender by Roma Quartana, Joyce Hagen, Frances Bordelon and Mary Monk. Abita Art Gallery, 72078 Maple St., Abita Springs. Tues-Fri, 2-6pm; Sat-Sun, 9am-6pm. Free. Diane Trail, 867-3323.

1-31 Charlene Swift Art Exhibition. Arts program sponsored by Mayor Eddie Price and the Mandeville City Council. Mandeville City Hall, 3101 E. Causeway Approach, Mandeville. Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm. Free. Nancy Clark, 626-3144.

1-31 Five by Five. Group exhibition featuring Monica Bishara, Carol Creel, Patti Pilie, Karen Stakelum and Annie Strack. St. Tammany Art Association, 317 N. Columbia St., Covington. Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm; Sat, 12-4pm. Tracy Thomassie, 892-8650.

1-31 John Darling Haynes Exhibition. Oil on canvas. Brunner Gallery, 215 N. Columbia St., Covington. Tues-Sat, 10am-5pm. Opening reception Apr 12, 6-10pm. Free. Robin Hamaker, 893-0444.

1-31 Wes Koon & Johnny Stout Art Exhibition. Glass sculpture, black and white photography. Fort Isabel Gallery, 401 N. Columbia St., Covington. Wed-Sat, 10am-4pm. Free. Wes Koon, 892-1841.

2-3 Jefferson House 30th Anniversary Celebration. Food, music and fun featuring flower arranging by Keeth Buckley, jewelry by Lizzie Tish and handmade purses by Susie Plessala. 619 South Jefferson, Covington. Fri-Sat, 10am-5pm. Free. 892-6841.

2-17 A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Musical. Slidell Little Theatre, 2024 Nellie Dr., Slidell. Fri-Sun. Adults, $15; 18 and under, $8. Box office, 641-0324.

2-30 Olde Towne’s Brown Bag Concerts. Spring schedule includes Cajun, country, jazz and bluegrass performers. Griffith Park, Olde Towne Slidell. Fri, 11am-1pm. 646-4375.

2-31 Salad Days. Student, juried art exhibition. Slidell Cultural Center, 444 Erlanger St., Slidell. Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm; Sat, 10am-2pm. Free. Entry deadline Apr 16. Kelli Gustafson, 646-4375.

3 Some Enchanted Evening. Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra outdoor concert. Heritage Park, Slidell. 7pm. Free. Rain date May 4, 8pm. Kelli Gustafson, 646-4375.

3 ZooMobile: Predator/Prey. Exotic animals and their habitats. Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville. 1pm. 624-4442.

3-31 Covington Farmers Market. Vegetables, fruit, dairy, poultry, seafood, wines, herbs, honey, baked goods, plants and much more. 609 N. Columbia St., Covington. Wed, 12-4pm; Sat, 9am-1pm. Bo Gallup, 892-1873.

3-31 Mandeville Trailhead Community Market. Seasonal farmers’ market items, artisan wares, unique gifts, cooking demonstrations. Mandeville Trailhead, 675 Lafitte St., Mandeville. Sat, 9am-1pm. Free. Denise Gutnisky, 624-3147.

3-31 Trace Community Market. Arts and crafts. Pocket Park, E. Gibson St., Covington. Sat, 9am-1pm. Free. Sheryl Landry, 898-0686.

5 ENCORE! Spring concert series featuring John Bruce Yah, clarinet; Southeastern Concert Choir; University Chorus; Northshore Chorale. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, Hammond. 7:30pm. Free. 549-2341.

7 ENCORE! Spring concert series featuring Southeastern Classical Guitar Ensemble. Pottle Music Building Auditorium, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond. 7:30pm. Free. 549-2341.

9 Songs of the South. Northlake Performing Arts Society Chorale. Greater Covington Center, 317 N. Jefferson St., Covington. 7:30pm. 792-1392.

9-24 Born Yesterday. Comedy. Playmakers Theater, 17101 Playmakers Road, Covington. Fri-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm. Adults, $10; students, $5. Box office, 893-1671.

10 Coordinated Gallery Openings. Historic downtown Covington. 6-9pm. Free. Tracy Thomassie, 892-8650.

10 Covington Folk Arts Festival. Art, food, music and entertainment by local schools and artisans. Bogue Falaya Park, Covington. 9:30am-7pm. Marlene Hanks, 898-6342 or Annette Greyhawk, 871-9831.

10 Jazz’n the Vines. Picnic dinner, wine and outdoor concert. Pontchartrain Vineyards, 81250 Hwy 1082, Bush. 6:30-9pm. $5. John and Susan Seago, 892-9742.

10 US Amateur Ballroom Dance. Dance lessons, exhibition, social dancing. Senior Center, 610 Cousin St., Slidell. Sat, 7-10:30pm. Live music: adult member, $8; adult non-member, $10. Recorded music: adult member, $5; non-member, $8. Sylvia Dahm, 641-6979.

11 Bayou Jam Concert Series. Outdoor concert featuring the Nobles. Heritage Park, Slidell. 4-6pm. Free. 646-4375.

11 ENCORE! Spring concert series featuring University Chorus and Northshore Chorale. First Baptist Church, 401 W. Morris, Hammond. 2pm. Free. 549-2341.

11 Songs of the South. Northlake Performing Arts Society Chorale. Greater Covington Center, 317 N. Jefferson St., Covington. 3pm. 792-1392.

16 Fantastic Finale! Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra classical concert. Columbia Theater, historic downtown Hammond. Donna Gay Anderson, 543-4366.

16 Sunset at the Landing Concert Series. Outdoor musical performances on the Bogue Falaya River. Historic boat landing, Columbia St., Covington. 6-8pm. Free. Susie Diamond, 892-1873.

17 Abita Springs All Town Market. Vegetables, plants, baked goods, crafts, art, children’s games and much more. Hwy 36, Abita Springs. 10am-4pm. Free. Diane Trail, 867-3323.

17 Beginner Fishing Clinic. Fish identification, knot tying, baiting a hook, casting techniques and safety rules. All supplies included for ages 7+. Clinic is free with day-use admission, $2 per vehicle. Fairview-Riverside State Park, Madisonville. 9am-12. 792-4652.

17 Northshore Cajun Dance. Live Cajun music and dancing. Town Hall, 22161 Level St., Abita Springs. 7-11pm. Non-members, $8; members, $6. Pat Baudier, 882-3848.

17-18 North 40 Craft & Music Festival. Nationally-known country music acts, craft booths, antiques, and a log cabin village. 16471 Hwy. 40, Folsom. Sundra Steinhauer, 796-5853.

18 Raising the Roof for Charity. Win a 3-bedroom, 2 1/2-bath home in The Village in Covington. Benefits St. Tammany Association for Retarded Citizens (STARC) and six other local charities. Drawing, 3pm. Tickets, $100. St. Tammany Home Builders Assoc., 1-866-854-7063, www.raisingtheroof.net.

18 Third Sunday Concert Series. Music by Swing Set. Christ Episcopal Church, 120 S. New Hampshire St., Covington. 5pm. Free. 892-3177.

24 Abita Springs Opry. Louisiana roots music performed in an acoustic setting. Abita Strings Band. Abita Springs Town Hall, 22161 Level St., Abita Springs. 7-9pm. Adults,$7; 50+, $5; 12 and under, free. Beth Sager (985) 892-8768.

24 Folsom Open Air Market. Local farmers, nurseries, antiques, crafts and garage sale items. 82337 June St. (corner of Hwy 40 East), Folsom. Sat. 9am-2pm. Free. Clythia C. Anderson, 796-9448.

24 Jazz’n the Vines. Picnic dinner, wine and outdoor concert. Pontchartrain Vineyards, 81250 Hwy 1082, Bush. 6:30-9pm. $5. John and Susan Seago, 892-9742.

25 Bayou Jam Concert Series. Outdoor concert featuring Witness. Heritage Park, Slidell. 4-6pm. Free. 646-4375.

30 Columbia Street Block Party. Music, family fun, antique cars. Historic Columbia St., Covington. 6:30-9:30pm. Free. Susie Diamond, 892-1873.