APRIL 2005

1 Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra concert, “St. Petersburg and Moscow.” Presented by Slidell Symphony Society. Slidell High School Auditorium, Slidell. Informal talk by conductor Timothy Muffitt. 8pm. Adults, $15; seniors, $12; youth 17 and under, $5; family, $35. 634-1010.

1-2 Smokin’ Blues and BBQ. Benefits TARC. Downtown Hammond. Professional and amateur BBQ competition; Kids Cook-off; cooking classes. Live blues music competition. Fri, 8am-10pm; Sat, 7am-10pm. Free. www.hammondbluesandbbq.com.

1-3 Circus. Clowns, jugglers, acrobats and more. JCPenney Court, Northshore Square Mall, Slidell. Fri: 2, 4, 7pm; Sat: 12, 2, 4, 7pm; Sun: 2, 4, 7pm. Free.

1-3 1st Annual Audubon Country BirdFest. Guided field trips, workshops, speakers. Parker Memorial Park and the St. Francisville Inn, 5720 Commerce St., St Francisville. Opening social Fri. (800) 488-6502.

1-3 Ozone Film Fest. Workshops and film screenings highlighting local and regional filmmakers. Downtown Covington. Call 892-8460 or visit www.ozonefilmfest.com for times and locations.

1-9 Photographic Exhibit. A.E. Fournet: Litost/Bardo/Wabi-Sabi. Black and white images from artist’s experiences in Prague during a ten-year period. Slidell Cultural Center. 444 Erlanger St., Slidell. Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm; Sat, 10am-2pm. Free. Kelli Gustafson, 646-4375.

1-30 Exhibit. Luz Maria Lopez. Ven Norman Gallery, 317 N. Columbia St., Covington. Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm. Presentation by the artist: Sat, April 9, 6:30-7pm. 892-9555.

1-30 Mandeville City Hall Art Exhibit. Artist: Dianne Parks. Arts program featuring a particular artist or group on a monthly basis. Mandeville City Hall, 3101 E. Causeway Approach. Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm. Free. Interested artists or groups, call Nancy Clark, 626-3144.

2 Junior Auxiliary of Slidell 35th Annual Charity Gala. Fundraiser benefiting local service projects. City Auditorium, 2056 Second St., Slidell. Food from local restaurants, open bar, dancing, auction. Cocktail attire. 8pm-12am. Couples, $120; single, $65; corporate sponsorships available. Kimberly Cook, 726-9298.

2 Zydeco Fais Do Do. St. Francis Animal Sanctuary fundraiser. Music, dancing, food, drink, silent auction. Piffany Oaks, 1623 Montgomery St., Mandeville. 6-9pm. $25 donation. 882-3165.

2-3 Wild Iris Tour. Fontainebleau State Park. Sat, 10am-4pm; Sun, 1-5pm. Tours leave every two hours. 624-4442.

2-30 Bogalusa Farmers Market. Produce, homemade products, juried art and craft items. 500 block of Columbia St., Bogalusa. Sat, 8am-12pm. Free. Karen Applewhite, 735-0462.

2-30 Covington Farmers Market. Vegetables, fruit, dairy, poultry, seafood, beef, wines, herbs, honey, baked goods, prepared foods, plants, homemade soups, dog biscuits, music and more. 609 N. Columbia St., Covington. Wed, 12-4pm; Sat, 9am-1pm. Free. Toll-free: (866) 892-1873.

2-30 Exhibit. Beverly Erdreich. LeMieux Galleries, 332 Julia St., New Orleans. Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm. Opening reception: Sat, April 2. (504) 522-5988.

2-30 Mandeville Trailhead Community Market. Vegetables, fruit, seasonal seafood, meat, wines, teas, poultry, honey, fresh baked goods, prepared foods, plants, flowers and herbs, artisans and more. Sat, 9am-1pm. Denise Gutnisky or Donna Beakley, 624-3147.

3 Annual Chef’s Evening. The Southeastern Development Foundation’s “dinner party for a good cause.” Southeastern’s University Center, Hammond. Food and drink from local restaurants. Far Eastern theme. 5:30-7:30pm. Tickets, $40; ticket packages available. 549-2239.

3 Bayou Jam Spring Concert Series. Band: Liquid Sand. Bayou Lane, Heritage Park, Slidell. 6-8pm. Free. 646-4375.

3 Pooch Parade. St. Tammany Humane Society fundraiser. Bogue Falaya Park, Covington. Vet clinic, adoptable pets, auctions, contests and more. Fee per dog, $15; two or more dogs, $20; individual spectator, $5; family, $10. 892-7387.

6 Tea Tasting. White teas. English Tea Room, 734 Rutland St., Covington. 6:30pm. 898-3988.

6-17 Junior League of Greater Covington Northshore Designer Showhouse. Home tour benefiting the league’s projects. The Sanctuary, Mandeville. Wed-Thurs, 10am-2pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-5pm; Sun, 12-6pm. $15. 892-5258.

8-10 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. Parade, live music, pageants, talent show, carnival rides, food, 10k race, and more. North 6th St., Ponchatoula. Fri, 4-10pm; Sat, 10am-11pm; Sun, 10am-6pm. Free. 542-7520.

9 Art at the Park. Hands-on activities, crafts, children’s art exhibition, demonstrations and more. Bogue Falaya Park, Covington. 10am-6pm. Adults, $5; seniors 65+, $3; 12 and under, $3; under 2, free. 892-9156.

9 Coordinated Gallery Openings. Downtown Covington. 6-9pm. Free. 892-1873.

9 Folk Crafts Festival. Craft demonstrations, music, food, tours of the Otis House Museum. Fairview-Riverside State Park, Madisonville. 10am-6pm. 792-4652.

9 Great Strides Walk. 10k cystic fibrosis benefit. 105 Robert Blvd., John Slidell Park, Slidell. 8:30am. Louisiana Chapter, (504) 455-5194.

9 History Hayride. Historical tour on a hay wagon. Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville. Registration required. 624-4442.

9 Jazz Under the Stars. Cancer Crusaders fundraiser. Maison Mannli, Lewisburg, Mandeville. Live and silent auctions, food from local restaurants, entertainment by Amanda Shaw and The New Orleans Jazz Band. Ellen Miller, 674-7897.

9-10 Relay for Life (West St. Tammany). Benefits the American Cancer Society. Covington Fairgrounds. Team members walk around a track during the night. Games, activities, food. Luminary ceremony honoring those battling cancer and those lost to cancer. 5pm-5am. Free. 1-800-ACS-2345.

9-30 Exhibit. “Babes and Blades.” Martin Needom, sculpture; Suzanne King, multimedia. Ft. Isabel Gallery, 502 N. Columbia St., Covington. Wed-Sat, 10am-4pm. Opening reception: April 9, 6-10pm. 892-1841.

13-17 GALA Spring Fiesta I. Horse show and equestrian competitions featuring $5,000 Hunter Classic and $25,000 Grand Prix. Polo Road, Hwy. 40, Folsom. Free. Call 796-0077 for information on scheduled events.

13-30, May 1 St. Tammany Senior Olympic Games. Athletic events at various venues. Opening ceremony at Fairview Riverside State Park April 13, 8am-2pm. Closing ceremony at Slidell Municipal Auditorium May 1, 2-5pm. Free. Call (800) 256-2823 for schedule.

14 Dance, Cheer and Hip Hop Team Tryouts. 311 N. 5th St., Ponchatoula. 6:30pm. Toni Loyacano, 320-9831.

14 YMCA Golf Classic. Benefiting Bogalusa YMCA. Franklinton Country Club, 46402 Poplarhead Road, Franklinton. 8am. Registration fee. Jimmy Parker, 732-3741.

14-17 The Great Louisiana BirdFest. Guided birding trips, workshops, tours and more. Northlake Nature Center, 23135 Hwy 190 East, Mandeville. Call Larry Burch, 626-1238, for times and admission prices to individual events.

15-17 New Orleans Spring Fiesta. Promoting the preservation of our region’s history and architecture. French Quarter, Garden District, Uptown New Orleans. Jean Stevenson, (504) 261-7366.

16 Abita Springs Opry. Louisiana roots music in acoustic setting. Live radio broadcast. Abita Springs Town Hall, 22161 Level St., Abita Springs. 7-9pm; doors open at 5:30pm. Adults, $7: seniors 65+, $5; 12 and under, free. 892-0711.

16 Crawfish Cook-Off. Hospice Foundation of the South fundraiser. Teams compete for best crawfish prize. Music: Top Cats, Four Unplugged. Howze Beach Road, Fritchie Park, Slidell. 11am-7pm. Advance tickets, $15 at northshore Whitney Bank branches; at the gate, $20. Kathy Busco, 643-5470.

16 Diversity in Gardens tour. Covington Gardens Partnership. Eight private and three public gardens in Covington. 9am-2pm. Tickets, $15. 867-3652.

16 Mad Hatter Tea Party. Benefiting the Children’s Advocacy Center. Clowns, stilt-walkers, children’s characters. Beau Chêne Country Club, Mandeville. Tickets, $15. 892-3885.

16 Nature Trail Hike; Explore the Shore. Ranger-led hike on the nature trail, 10am-12pm. Ranger-led hike on the beach, 2-3pm. Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville. 624-4442.

16 Starry Safari. Benefits the Animal Care Facility at Global Wildlife Center. Global Wildlife Center, Folsom. Live music by Kingsroe, live and silent auctions, battle of the chefs, gallery showing of artist James Michalopoulos. 7-10:30pm. Tickets, $75. 624-WILD x11.

16 The Great American Clean Up. Lakefront gazebo, Mandeville. Refreshments to follow. 8:30am-12pm. Free. Debra Lala, 624-3165.

16-17 Camellia Quilters Quilt Show. In conjunction with the Slidell Antique Street Fair. Handmade gifts and exhibits. First United Methodist Church Family Life Center, Bouscaren St., Slidell. Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, 1-4pm. $2. Jan Barbero, 863-2060.

16-17 Slidell Spring Antique District Street Fair. Antiques, collectibles and crafts. Historic Olde Towne Slidell. 10am-6pm. Free. Jeanette and Orville Paschke, 643-6727.

17 Bayou Jam Spring Concert Series. Artist: TiJonne Reyes. Bayou Lane, Heritage Park, Slidell. 6-8pm. Free. 646-4375.

17 Earth Day Northshore. Educational and environmental booths, earth-friendly arts and crafts, more. Heritage Park, Slidell. 4-8pm. Free. Bondilyn Jolly, 781-4471.

17 Third Sunday Concert Series. Musician: Cedric Bridges. Christ Episcopal Church, 120 S. New Hampshire St., Covington. Wine and cheese reception. Free. 5pm. 892-3177.

19 The Phenomenal Woman. Workshop sponsored by West St. Tammany Business and Professional Women. Communication, self-esteem, personal finance, more. Abita Quail Farm, 23185 Hwy 435, Abita. 8am-5pm. Individual, $50; group of five or more, $45 each. Carole Horton, 871-9888.

20 Concert. Slidell Youth/Community Orchestra concert to introduce orchestra to fourth graders. Slidell Municipal Auditorium. 10am. Free. 643-1010.

20-24 GALA Spring Fiesta II. Horse show and equestrian competitions featuring $5,000 Hunter Classic and $25,000 Grand Prix. Polo Road, Hwy. 40, Folsom. Free. Call 796-0077 for information on scheduled events.

22-30, May 1 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Music, food, art, history and culture. New Orleans Fairgrounds. 11am-7pm. Advance tickets, $25; at the gate, $35; 12 and under, $5. www.nojazzfest.com.

22-30 Once On This Island. Play. Slidell Little Theatre, 2024 Nellie Dr., Slidell. Fri-Sat, 8pm., Sun, 2pm. Adults, $12; youth, $5. 641-0324.

23 Aqua Van. Audubon Nature Institute’s presentation on rainforest animals. Fairview-Riverside State Park, Madisonville. 1pm, 2pm. 792-4652.

23 BBQ Cookoff and Outdoor Show. Benefiting SASAC, a short-term detox facility for men. BBQ, archery booths, turkey shoots and paintball. Cassidy Park, Bogalusa. 4-7pm. Tickets, $5; BBQ team registration, $25. Will Demuth, 735-7279.

23 Jump for the Cure $25,000 Hunter Classic. Benefits the St. Tammany Hospital Foundation. Equestrian show, silent auction, dinner. Polo Road, Hwy. 40, Folsom. 5pm. Dinner, dancing, $35; dancing only, $10. 796-0077.

23 Nature Hayride; History Hayride. Local plants and wildlife tour, 10-11am. Park history tour, 2-3pm. Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville. Registration required. 624-4442.

23 Northshore Cajun Dance. Town Hall, 22161 Level St., Abita Springs. Live Cajun music, dancing and food. Lessons, 7-7:30pm; live band, 8-10:30pm. Members, $6; non-members, $8. Paulette Laurent and Bill Weissborn, 882-3016.

23-24 New Orleans Spring Fiesta. Promoting the preservation of our region’s history and architecture. French Quarter, Garden District, Uptown New Orleans. Jean Stevenson, (504) 261-7366.

26 Walk Down Wisteria Lane Luncheon and Fashion Show. Benefiting Habitat for Humanity. Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum, 133 Mabel Drive, Madisonville. 12pm. Tickets, $35, only 250 available. 893-3172.

27-30, May 1 GALA Spring Fiesta III. Horse show and equestrian competitions featuring $5,000 Hunter Classic and $25,000 Grand Prix. Polo Road, Hwy. 40, Folsom. Free. Call 796-0077 for information on scheduled events.

28 Concert. Slidell Symphony Society’s Student LPO Concerts for St. Tammany students in grades 2-12. Slidell Municipal Auditorium. 9:30am and 11am. Free. 643-1010.

29-30, May 1 Consignment Sale. Your Kids Closet, LLC. Clothes, toys, books and more. Quail Creek Clubhouse, 2000 Olvey, Mandeville. Fri, 9:30am-12:30pm; 6-9pm; Sat, 8am-2pm; Sun, 1-3pm. 674-6621.

29 Beau Chêne Garden Club Tour. Five gardens on tour. Lunch, plant sale and auction. 9-12. Tickets: $15 in advance at Boudreaux’s and St. Romain Interiors; $20, day of tour; $35, tour and lunch. Call Donna Kiesel, 845.9066.

29-30, May 1 Festival in the Park. Cassidy Park, Willis Avenue, Bogalusa. Arts, crafts, music, children’s activities, food and more. Fri, 4-8pm; Sat, 10am-7pm; Sun, 12-6pm. Bogalusa Chamber of Commerce, 735-5731.

29-30, May 1 May Day Celebration. Otis House tours; floral displays by Town & Country Garden Club; arrangements based on literature of the 1880s-1930s. Fairview-Riverside State Historic Site, Madisonville. 9am-5pm.

29-30 Salad Days Children’s Juried Art Competition. Exhibition by young St. Tammany artists. Slidell Cultural Center, 444 Erlanger St., Slidell. Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm; Sat, 10am-2pm. Free. Kelli Gustafson, 646-4375.

30 Fur, Feathers, Scales & Skin. Audubon Nature Institute Zoomobile program with live animals. Fairview-Riverside State Park, Madisonville. 1pm, 2pm. 792-4652.

30 Taste of Tammany. Benefits Our Lady of the Lake Parish. Castine Center, Mandeville. Food, silent and verbal auctions, $10,000 raffle. Entertainment by the Chee Weez. 5pm-12am. Tickets, $65; admission w/raffle entry, $100. 626-5671.

MAY 2005

1 Bayou Jam Spring Concert Series. Live music in the park. Bayou Lane, Heritage Park, Slidell. 6-8pm. Free. 646-4375.

1 Consignment Sale. Your Kids Closet, LLC. Clothes, toys, books and more. Quail Creek Clubhouse, 2000 Olvey, Mandeville. 1-3pm. 674-6621.

1 Festival in the Park. Cassidy Park, Willis Avenue, Bogalusa. Arts, crafts, music, children’s activities, food and more. 12-6pm. Bogalusa Chamber of Commerce, 735-5731.

1 GALA Spring Fiesta III. Horse show and equestrian competitions featuring $5,000 Hunter Classic and $25,000 Grand Prix. Polo Road, Hwy. 40, Folsom. Free. Call 796-0077 for information on scheduled events.

1 May Day Celebration. Otis House tours, floral displays by Town & Country Garden Club; arrangements based on literature of the 1880s-1930s. Fairview-Riverside State Historic Site, Madisonville. 9am-5pm.

1 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Music, food, art, history and culture. New Orleans Fairgrounds. 11am-7pm. Advance tickets, $25; at the gate, $35; 12 and under, $5. www.nojazzfest.com.

1 St. Tammany Senior Olympic Games. Closing ceremony. Slidell Municipal Auditorium. 2-5pm. Free. Call (800) 256-2823 for schedule.

1-15 Once On This Island. Play. Slidell Little Theatre, 2024 Nellie Dr., Slidell. Fri-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm. Adults, $12; youth, $5. 641-0324.

1-28 Salad Days Children’s Juried Art Competition. Exhibition by young St. Tammany artists. Slidell Cultural Center, 444 Erlanger St., Slidell. Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm. Sat, 10am-2pm. Free. Kelli Gustafson, 646-4375.

1-31 Mandeville City Hall Art Exhibit. Artist: Rich Allen. Arts program featuring a particular artist or group on a monthly basis. Mandeville City Hall, 3101 E. Causeway Approach. Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm. Free. Interested artists or groups, call Nancy Clark, 626-3144.

4-28 Covington Farmers Market. Vegetables, fruit, dairy, poultry, seafood, beef, wines, herbs, honey, baked goods, prepared foods, plants, homemade soups, dog biscuits, music and more. 609 N. Columbia St., Covington. Wed, 12-4pm; Sat, 9am-1pm. Free. Toll-free: (866) 892-1873.

5-6 Annieglass Event. Handcrafted glass dinnerware, serving pieces, drinkware and accessories by Ann Morhauser. Arabella Fine Gifts, 3902 Hwy 22, Mandeville. Cocktail reception, Thurs, 6pm. Table setting demonstration, Fri. 727-9787.

6-27 Marvels of the Marsh. Ranger-led tour to Marsh Overlook. Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville. Fri, 5pm. 624-4442.

7 Some Enchanted Evening picnic and concert. Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra concert; picnic contest. Heritage Park, Slidell. 7pm. Free. 646-4375.

7 Wonders of Wetlands; Explore the Shore. Erosion and preservation of the lakeshore, 1pm. Ranger-led shore hike, 1pm. Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville. 624-4442.

7-28 Exhibit. Leslie Staub. LeMieux Galleries, 332 Julia St., New Orleans. Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm. Opening reception: Sat, May 7. (504) 522-5988.

7-28 Mandeville Trailhead Community Market. Vegetables, fruit, seasonal seafood, meat, wines, teas, poultry, honey, fresh baked goods, prepared foods, plants, flowers and herbs, artisans and more. Sat, 9am-1pm. Denise Gutnisky or Donna Beakley, 624-3147.

7-31 Exhibit. Johnny Stout, photographer; Linda Thurlow, multimedia. Ft. Isabel Gallery, 502 N. Columbia St., Covington. Wed-Sat, 10am-4pm. 892-1841.

9 St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic. Money Hill Golf and Country Club, 100 Country Club Dr., Abita Springs. $600 per 4-man team. Call 892-3216 x26 to register.

11 Southern Nights at Governor’s Mansion. Local chamber members and Southeastern alumni discuss northshore issues with legislators and other public officials. 6-8pm. Free, but tickets are required. Contact your local chamber.

13-14 Antique Truck, Engine and Tractor Show. Washington Parish Fairgrounds; Franklinton. Mile Branch Settlement will be open. 8am-’till. Free. 732-3950.

14 Coordinated Gallery Openings. Downtown Covington. 6-9pm. Free. 892-1873.

14 Endangered Wildlife. Naturalist talks about threatened Louisiana animals. Louisiana Nature Center, Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville. 1pm. 624-4442.

14 Jazz’n The Vines. Outdoor concert. Pontchartrain Vineyards, 81250 Hwy. 1082, Bush. 6-9pm. $8.50. John and Susan Seago, 892-9742.

14 Nature Station: Skins, skeletons, and scat…what animal is that? Hands-on program on swamp critters. Fairview-Riverside State Park, Madisonville. 10-11:30am. 792-4652.

14 Northshore Cajun Dance. Town Hall, 22161 Level St., Abita Springs. Live Cajun music, dancing and food. Lessons, 7-7:30pm; live band, 8-10:30pm. Members, $6; non-members, $8. Paulette Laurent and Bill Weissborn, 882-3016.

14-15 Relay for Life (East St. Tammany). Benefits the American Cancer Society. Camp Villere, Slidell. Team members walk around a track during the night. Games, activities, food. Luminary ceremony honoring those battling cancer and those lost to cancer. 5pm-5am. Free. 1-800-ACS-2345.

15 Bayou Jam Spring Concert Series. Live music in the park. Bayou Lane, Heritage Park, Slidell. 6-8pm. Free. 646-4375.

15 Third Sunday Concert Series. Musician: Don Vappie and the Creole Jazz Serenaders. Christ Episcopal Church, 120 S. New Hampshire St., Covington. Wine and cheese reception. Free. 5pm. 892-3177.

17 Tea Tasting. Red teas. English Tea Room, 734 Rutland St., Covington. 6:30pm. 898-3988.

19 Tammany Tigers Coach’s Dinner. Featuring LSU Football Coach Les Miles, LSU Chancellor Sean O’Keefe and LSU Athletic Director Skip Bertman. Benefits the Tammany Tigers Academic Scholarship. Silent auction. Covington Country Club. 6pm. Sponsorship levels available. www.tammanytigers.com.

20 Tammany Tigers Golf Classic. Benefits the Tammany Tigers Academic Scholarship. Golfing prizes awarded. Tchefuncta Country Club. 9:30am. Sponsorship levels available. www.tammanytigers.com.

20 25th PIG Invitational Charity Golf Tournament. Benefits local charities that care for needy children and adults. Beau Chêne Country Club, Mandeville. 854-4220.

21 Abita Springs Opry. Louisiana roots music in acoustic setting. Live radio broadcast. Abita Springs Town Hall, 22161 Level St., Abita Springs. 7-9pm; doors open at 5:30pm. Adults, $7: seniors 65+, $5; 12 and under, free. 892-0711.

21 Louisiana Wildlife. Audubon Nature Institute Zoomobile program with live animals. Fairview-Riverside State Park, Madisonville. 1pm, 2pm. 792-4652.

21 Nature Trail Hike; Explore the Shore. Ranger-led hike on the nature trail, 10am-12pm. Ranger-led hike on the beach, 2-3pm. Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville. 624-4442.

28 Jazz’n The Vines. Outdoor concert. Pontchartrain Vineyards, 81250 Hwy. 1082, Bush. 6-9pm. $8.50. John and Susan Seago, 892-9742.

28 Kid’s Fishing Clinic. Ages 10 and over. All supplies included. Fairview-Riverside State Historic Site, Madisonville. 9am-12pm. Pre-registration required. 792-4652.

28 Fontainebleau’s History. The park in the Indian, Louisiana Purchase, plantation and early state park eras. Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville. 2pm. 624-4442.

29 Bayou Jam Spring Concert Series. Live music in the park. Bayou Lane, Heritage Park, Slidell. 6-8pm. Free. 646-4375.