by Jeanni Ritchie
One of my favorite pastimes is scouring Facebook for upcoming events. I find activities I think I’ll enjoy, things to do with my grandkids, events to share in my Christian women’s group, and ideas for future articles.
September had so many offerings that I decided to create a list of my top 25 events in Central Louisiana or in a nearby community. These vary from family festivals to fundraisers, that perfect balance of fun and philanthropy I often strive for. I think we all should. No man is an island…it takes a village…and all that. I truly believe those quotes! (John Donne and African Proverb, respectively, in case you were wondering!)
Check these out:
September 7: Fall Fest at Cotile Lake Recreation Park, 9 AM-5 PM
September 7: Natchitoches LA Bigfoot Festival, 9 AM- 6 PM, Natchitoches Event Center. First annual. Intriguing.
September 7: Christ and Crafts: Grandparents Day. Stories, crafts, granny/grandpa race. Hessmer Baptist Church, 2927 Main St, Hessmer. 9 AM
September 7-8: Cenla Shrine Circus, Rapides Parish Coliseum
September 12: Movie Release: God’s Not Dead 5
September 12-14: Adult Book Fair hosted by Let Love Be My Motive Studio and The Twisted Bookmark, 1108 7th Ave, Glenmora. Remember how exciting book fairs were when they came to your school?!
September 12-15: Cirque Italia Water Circus, Alexandria Mall. A new city-themed water circus!
September 13: FOTAZ Family Night, Alexandria Zoo, members only (Not a member? Join before the 13th! Hands-down best membership I have in Central Louisiana!)
September 13: Creative Canvases at Westside Library, free painting class, must preregister. 5-7 PM
September 13: Jelly Roll: Beautifully Broken Tour, Cajundome, Lafayette
September 13-14: Kinsley Marie Memorial Tournament & Family Night in the Park featuring the Chee-Wheez. Friday night picnic in the park, Saturday Incrediball tourney to benefit St. Jude’s in memory of Kinsley. Champion Sportsplex, Lecompte
September 14: Plant Swap, 1 PM, Buhlow Lake, bring your multiplying plants, unneeded seeds and pots, and swap. Hosted by Cenla Fort Johnson Plant Swap
September 14: Montessori Education Center Lip Sync Battle, Holiday Inn downtown. Doors open at 6:30 PM. (I really really really wanna zigazig ah!) Get tickets at mecalex.org.
September 14: 5th Annual Red Wagon 5K and 1 Mile Wagon Pull benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Louisiana Athletic Club, Pineville. 8 AM-10:30 AM. Cenla Runners & More.
September 14: LA National Guard R3SP Fearless 5K for Suicide Prevention Month, 135 Riverfront St, Pineville. 8 AM- 1 PM.
September 17: Artrageous, interactive and immersive visual and performing art journey presented by the Arts Council of Central Louisiana, 6:30 PM, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center
September 17: Sunset to Moonlight paddle on Kincaid Lake, launching at 6 PM from the boat launch at Tunk’s Cypress Inn for a nighttime paddle around the cove and island exploration by the moon. Sounds exciting. I won’t join you but will wave from my outdoor table as I enjoy a meal!
September 17: 6th annual Gift of Life Cenla Pregnancy Center Fundraiser Banquet, Randolph Riverfront Center
September 20: Living Six Feet Above: Survivor Story and Suicide Prevention Session. Presentation by Kyah Iles. Suicide Prevention Month. Westside Library, 6-7:30 PM.
September 21: Save Cenla’s Into the Light 5K Walk/Run, 8 AM- 1 PM. Memorial butterfly release, food, vendors. Starts on the Avoyelles Parish Courthouse steps, Marksville.
September 21: Mission Possible 2024, 2nd annual veteran holiday fundraiser, Krazy Katie’s, Hessmer
September 21: Kent House Le Tour de Bayou bike ride. Colorful bikes with rides of rides of 10, 25, 40, 69, and 101 miles. 2-mile Family Fun Run/Walk as well. Register online at www.letourdebayou.com.
September 26-29: Lagniappe Theatre’s Annie, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center. Tickets available at lagniappetheatre.com.
September 27: Book Signing with author Alisha Stutson, Book Nook, Ball, 6 PM
September 27: TreeHouse Museum, free family night. 5-8 PM
What’s on YOUR calendar for September? Let me know! I’m always on the lookout for exciting new adventures! jeanniritchie54@
