Don't miss it: Cooler days can only mean one thing: Christmas is upon us. This wonderful season brings a variety of great events in Livingston Parish.
First up was Macedonia Church, the oldest church in the parish, and their presentation of "Christmas in the Pines" on Dec. 1st. This event included a live nativity and sweet old-time hymns.
Dec. 1st was also the date of the Chef's Evening & Wine Tasting in the Antique District of Denham Springs. |
Parades abound throughout the month of December. This annual festivity includes hundreds of float riders tossing thousands of trinkets. Several parades are listed on the CVB Calendar (click for more info).
Dec. 1-31, Walker LA presents a "Walker Wonderland". Bring your family and enjoy seeing over one million colorful lights, inflatables and animated displays. Nightly movies are screened outside with free walking tours of the park from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
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Historic Carter Plantation offers a glimpse of true history with it's Plantation-style Open House on Dec. 9-11. Jolly Ole St. Nick will have lots of cheer for boys and girls. Adults will enjoy a raffle and decor of historic vintage.
Seniors get your dancing shoes on and come enjoy the tunes on Dec. 9 at the Christmas Dance in Denham Springs.
Visit the calendar of events at VisitLivingstonParish.com for more details and events.
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Livingston CVB
Meet the Board of the Livingston Parish CVB - front row: Ricky Goff, Terry Hughes and Kenny Morrison. Back row: Donna Jennings, Bridgette Rushing, Denise Martin, Eric Edwards and Julius Prokop.
These people work very hard to insure Livingston parish is seen as a wonderful destination for visitors near and far. They meet monthly and discuss upcoming events, activities and how to better promote the parish. We think they're doing a great job and salute them for their dedication.
We would also like you to meet the CVB staff - top to bottom: Eric Edwards, Nancy Taylor and Patsy Mathern. This team is unstoppable when it comes to helping introduce visitors to the exciting areas of Livingston parish.
With a combined experience of over twenty years in promoting Livingston parish, you can rest assured they have the answer for every questions visitors may have. Next time you see Eric, Nancy or Patsy, be sure and tell them "hello".
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Where has the year gone? We have been so busy with great events in Livingston parish, it has flown by.
Recently, we showcased our parish at the Adventures in Travel event held in Dallas, TX. Travel writers and tour operaters were in attendance. We distributed thousands of marketing pieces and made sure everyone knew that Livingston parish is a great place to visit.
While you're out and about shopping this holiday season, don't forget about the wonderful stores in Livingston parish. Why fight the hassle of traffic nightmares when you can easily get from here to there in Livingston? Kids who love the outdoors will be thrilled to get goodies from the Bass Pro shopping center. And unique items of every description are in the Antique District of Denham Springs.
Visit all the different townships of Livingston parish - who knows, you may even find that perfect present at the one and only Beef Jerky Outlet.
And don't forget the waterways in Livingston are wide open. Our mild winters make it perfect for campers and boaters year round.
Let us help you discover all the joy of Livingston parish. Call or come by the CVB office today - we'll be glad to assist in any way to make your time in Livingston as good as it gets.
Merry Christmas to you all!
Eric
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Delicious Dining: While Louisiana is world renown for legendary cuisine, Livingston parish sports more than it's fair share of great restaurants. Unique dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya and crawfish pie are just a few of the specialties.
Sample some of the original, creative dishes found and you'll be sure to come again. On or near the water, mouth-watering tastes are available at Hilltop, Kevins, Swamp Pops, Vals and Reds - to name just a few.
New restaurants in the area include: Porterhouse of LA and Randazzo's Italian Deli both located in Denham Springs. There's also The "Lil" Peach Cobbler on Main St. in Springfield and Larent's Cajun Cafe in Killian, LA.
There's a complete listing of restaurants on the CVB web site. Click here to see more. And you're welcome to call or come by the CVB office in Albany, LA for more dining location information.
Our travelers tip: if the parking lot is packed, you know it's going to be good. Bring your appetite and be prepared to take home a doggie bag. Livingston Parish restaurants definitely know how to "fill 'er up".
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DECEMBER
1st: Main Street presents its annual Chef's Evening & Wine Tasting Event on December 1st. Guests are treated to food and wine samplers at over twenty shops in the Denham Springs Antique Village along with Christmas music and plenty of sales in the shops from 7 pm to 9 pm. Local chefs, locatd in shops in the Antique District, will prepare special foods. Wine provided by Republic National Distributing Company. Tickets are advanced sales only.$25.00 per person.
1st: Christmas in the Pines at Macedonia Baptist Church (the oldest church in Livingston parish). Come celebrate the birth of Christ with special Christmas music along with congregational singing of traditional Christmas hymns. Experience Christmas in an oldfashioned setting and great fellowship. If you would like to participate in the program, please call Brother Roger or Janice Dunlap at 225-664-4448.
1-31st: Walker Wonderland. Sidney Hutchinson Park is transformed into a Christmas Wonderland, with more than 1 million colorful lights and inflatable and animated displays. The park is open nightly from 6-9 p.m. for free walking tours. Free family-friendly holiday movies are shown each night on the outdoor big screen. Bring your lawn chairs or a blanket, some hot chocolate and popcorn, and sit back for a night of holiday fun.
3rd: Breakfast with Santa. Denham Springs High School’s JADD Club will hold its 5th Annual Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 3 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. with extended care from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. for an additional charge. Children will have a pancake breakfast with Santa and spend the day playing games, making crafts, singing carols, and more. Cost is $15 per child and $10 for each additional child. To have a registration form e-mailed, contact Shannon Donze at shannon.donze@lpsb.org
3rd: City of Walker Christmas Parade. Catch a glimpse of holiday floats, old-time cars, horses and, of course, Santa and his merry elves as they wind their way through the heart of Walker for our annual Christmas Parade at 1 p.m. this coming Saturday.
FARMER'S MARKETS:
Homegrown fruits and vegetables. Delicious homemade foods and crafts.
7 am to 12 noon Saturdays
New Covenant Church parking lot on Florida Blvd., Denham Springs
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DECEMBER
4th: Christmas Tour of Homes. 14th Annual Christmas Tour of Homes
Presented by the Family Resource Clinic of Livingston.
1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Locations to Purchase Tickets:
Denham Springs: The Whistle Stop (Antique District) Silks & Crafts (Florida Blvd.) Walker: Cassie's Closet (LA 447) Kindred Hearts Antiques (Florida Blvd)
4th: Winter Wonderland Food Festival. A Taste of French Settlement
Time: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
St. Joseph Catholic Church
15710 LA Hwy.16 French Settlement, LA
$7.00 Plate food/a variety of food to choose from/Dutch's, Hill Top Restaurants will have something to choose from. If you have a sweet tooth there will be a sweet shop. Over 40 craft booths to visit. Father Jason's Christmas village is a must to tour over 230 major pieces, from New York, Cedar Point Amusement Park and Walt Disney World. Free Activities for the Children/Pictures with Santa ($5)/Inflatables-$5 all day braclet.
5th: Springfield Christmas Parade
9th: Senior Christmas Dance
9th: Historic Carter House Christmas Open House Plantation Style.
Santa will be there for good girls and boys. Come and see how local decorators and florists stage each room with Holiday decor from past and present.
10th: Star Spangled Christmas Parade in Denham Springs
10th: City of Walker Country Christmas Festival
12th: Albany Christmas Parade
17th: French Settlement Christmas Parade.
17th: Creole House Museum. Christmas Open House Immediately following the French Settlement Volunteer Fire Department's Chirstmas Parade
Please come and enjoy refreshments and the museum.
18th: Maurepas Christmas Parade
25th: MERRY CHRISTMAS!
For more information on all
calendar events, click here:
www.visitlivingstonparish.com
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| DID YOU KNOW: Parish Trivia |
Louisiana embraces Christmas: St. Nicholas is reported to have died in 350 AD. He is known by various names. Nicholas of Myra (Turkey), Santa Clause or just plain Santa. He not only gave gifts to kids, he gave gold coins to needy adults as well. His followers gave gifts to people as well and gave Christmas Presents on Dec 6 in Europe, which was the celebration of St Nicholas. In a lot of countries this date is still used to exchange gifts.
Some additional names for Santa Clause and where they are used. China- Shengdan Laoren, England- Father Christmas, France- Pere Noel. Some Latin Countries call him El Niesus and in some he is called Papa Noel. During the Communist years of Russia, he was known there as Father Frost. The American version of Santa Clause comes from the Dutch version called Sinter Klaus.
During the American Civil War, the North’s naval blockade of the South was so effective that goods could not get through. Parents explained to their kids that even Santa couldn’t get past the Yankee Ships. Before the Civil war most Northerners disdained Christmas and celebrated Thanksgiving instead, but the Southern States embraced Christmas. The first 3 States to make Christmas a legal holiday were Alabama 1836, then Louisiana and Arkansas in 1838.
-- Associated Content |
