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February

Free Computer Classes

The Vernon Parish Library is hosting a series of free technology and soft skill training classes. The technology training will cover leading business software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, Access and MS Project. Adobe applications covers Acrobat, InDesign, Photoshop, and Dreamweaver. Also available will be training in QuickBooks, as well as soft skills, such as job search, career practices, communication and basic computer skills. Each training class will be from 9am to 5pm and is limited to 15 students. Register in advance at the website below or call (888) 487-2700. For more information, call the Vernon Parish Library at (337) 239-2027 or (800) 737-2231.
View Website

Gallery One Ellleven Exhibit

February 1-25 --- Gallery One Ellleven will host an exhibit featuring works from contributing gallery members beginning February 1st and running through the 25th. For more information, please visit their website at http://www.galleryoneellleven.org / or contact the gallery at galleryoneellleven@gmail.com.

Vernon Parish Main Street Gumbo Cook-Off

February 18 -- The Friends of Leesville Main Street will hold its second annual Gumbo Cook-Off on February 18, 2012 beginning at 7 am. The event will be held at the Main Street Farmer's Market, located at the corner of Maggie and Third Street, in Leesville. There will be live music and cash prizes for several categories of gumbo. For more information, please call (337) 239-2444 ext. 600 or visit their website at http://www.leesvillemainstreet.org/.

Leesville Mardi Gras Parade

February 18 -- The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce will host their annual Mardi Gras Parade on February 18th at 2:00 pm. The parade will travel through historic Downtown Leesville on Third St. For more information, please call (337) 238-0349.
Entry rules and forms

Musical Odyssey VIII

February 20 -- The Vernon Parish Library will host Musical Odyssey VIII, a series of five free concerts for their 2011-2012 performance schedule. Each performance is limited to an audience of 100 and will be held at the Vernon Parish Library. All the shows will start at 7pm and will allow time to visit with the artists.

The Flat River Band is composed of three brothers - Chad Sitze is lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter; Dennijo Sitze on mandolin, harmonica, and electric guitar; and Andy on electric and upright bass, lead and harmony vocals. The brothers began playing music at an early age with their parent's band, the Sitze Family. The family band played venues such as Dollywood, Silver Dollar City, and numerous festivals, fairs, and churches. Picture "Alabama", the "BeeGees", and the "Marshall Tucker Band" all rolled into one and you'll be right on the button.

For more information, please call (337) 239-2027 or (800) 737-2231.

Lovely Whitmore Book Signing

February 25 -- Lovely Whitmore will autograph copies of her juvenile book entitled "Journals of a Wannabe Basketball Player" in the Children's Room at the Vernon Parish Library on February 25th from 2:30 to 4:30 pm. Ms. Whitmore is a native of Georgia. She moved to Leesville in 2003 and is the mother of three children. This is her first book, inspired by her twin daughters. For more information, please call the Vernon Parish Library at (337) 239-2027.

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March

Explore your Creative Side

March 1 -- Explore your creative side at Gallery One Ellleven at 6:00 pm on March 1, 2012. The open class led by Paula Sche Baldwin and Isabelle Massart Bursh will focus on "Geometric Shapes" this month. All classes are open to the public and cost $35 per person; second family members cost just $25; and those under 16 are only $15. All supplies and light refreshments are included although students should bring their own drinks. For more information, please contact Paula at (337) 424-1496 / paula_sche@yahoo.com or Isabelle at (337) 238-9463 / isabellemb@yahoo.com.

Hunt for a Cure

March 3 --There will be a non-sanctioned open squirrel hunt at Anacoco First Baptist Church in Anacoco on March 3, 2012. The event will be for curs and feists only with sign-ups starting at 6 am and the draw out at 7 am. Entry fees are $15 for the hunt, $10 for the bench show, and $10 for the treeing contest. A free lunch will be served at noon, though all proceeds from the event will go to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, so any donation will be appreciated. This is not a meat hunt, so no guns are allowed. For more information, please call Reginald Haymon at 337-718-1121 or 318-565-3111. Visit their FaceBook page.

Jamie Mayes Reading

March 3 -- Author Jamie Mayes will present a reading from her book "Tear Stained Dresses and Dusty Shoes" at the Vernon Parish Library on March 3, 2012 from 1-4 pm. Ms. Mayes lives in Monroe, and is a native of of Deride, Louisiana. The program will be in the meeting room at the library and autographed copies will be available for purchase. For more information, please call the Vernon Parish Library at (337) 239-2027.

Gallery One Ellleven Exhibit

March 7-31 --- Gallery One Ellleven will celebrate Youth Art Month by hosting a Youth Art Exhibit from March 7-31. The exhibit will feature works from students of Northwestern State University and the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts. A reception will be held during Spring Artwalk on March 17th. For more information, please visit their website at http://www.galleryoneellleven.org / or contact the gallery at galleryoneellleven@gmail.com.

Justin Merritt Band

March 12 -- The Justin Merritt Band will perform at the Vernon Parish Library on March 12th at 7:00 pm. For more information, please call the Vernon Parish Library at (337) 239-2027. There is no charge for admission, but the audience will be limited to 100. For more information, please call the Vernon Parish Library at (337) 239-2027.

Musical Odyssey VIII

March 19 -- The Vernon Parish Library will host Musical Odyssey VIII, a series of five free concerts for their 2011-2012 performance schedule. Each performance is limited to an audience of 100 and will be held at the Vernon Parish Library. All the shows will start at 7pm and will allow time to visit with the artists.

Kun Yao will be the last performer in the 2011-12 series. He is 17 years old and started piano at the age of five at the Uppsala Music School in Sweden. He is currently a student at William Aberhart High School and the Mount Royal University Conservatory. Kun has been awarded many prizes and scholarships from local, national, and international piano competitions.

Kun has performed with the Calgary Youth Orchestra, the Calgary Civic Symphony Orchestra, the Regina Symphony Orchestra, the Rapides Symphony Orchestra, and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO). Kun has played in many concerts including Carnegie Hall in January 2010.

For more information, please call (337) 239-2027 or (800) 737-2231.

Spring Artwalk

March 17 -- Artwalk, sponsored by the Vernon Parish Arts Council and Vernon Parish Tourism Commission will be held on March 17th. Enjoy live music as you stroll Third Street to view the works of artists who travel from all over the state for this bi-annual event. Gallery One Ellleven will celebrate Youth Art Month with their Youth Exhibit featuring the works of students from Northwestern State University and the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts. For more information, please visit their website at  http://www.galleryoneellleven.org / or contact the gallery at galleryoneellleven@gmail.com.

Ben Waites and Louis Slaughter at Walnut Hill UPC

March 17 -- The Walnut Hill United Pentecostal Church at 192 Walnut Hill Rd. near Slagle will host Ben Waites, a southern gospel singer from Ball, LA on March 17, 2012 at 7:00 pm. For more information, please call Dale Mortensen at (337) 238-1325.
Ben Waites Biography

1st Annual Art 4 the Park

March 24 -- Gallery One Ellleven will host their first annual Art 4 the Park, a flea market fundraiser to raise funds for putting art in Magnolia Park on Abe Allen Memorial Dr. and Jubilee Park on Nona St. The event will be held at West Leesville Elementary School on Abe Allen Memorial Drive from 7:00 am until 1:00 pm. For more information, please visit their website at  http://www.galleryoneellleven.org / or contact the gallery directly at galleryoneellleven@gmail.com.

Hodges Gardens Spring Fling

March 31 -- The Friends of Hodges Gardens will hold their annual Spring Fling on Saturday, March 31, 2012. Enjoy live music at the Lakefront Stage and visit with artists while strolling through the park. Other events include an antique car show, 5K and "the Loop" runs, food and beverage vendors, and children's activities. For more information, please call (318) 586-7002.

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April

Explore your Creative Side

April 5 -- Explore your creative side at Gallery One Ellleven at 6:00 pm on April 5, 2012. The open class led by Paula Sche Baldwin and Isabelle Massart Bursh will focus on "Oil Pastels Outdoor" this month. All classes are open to the public and cost $35 per person; second family members cost just $25; and those under 16 are only $15. All supplies and light refreshments are included although students should bring their own drinks. For more information, please contact Paula at (337) 424-1496 / paula_sche@yahoo.com or Isabelle at (337) 238-9463 / isabellemb@yahoo.com .

Chill & Grill 2012

April 5-7 -- The 2nd annual Chill & Grill competition will be held at the Vernon Parish Fairgrounds on April 5th, 6th & 7th. On Thursday, the 5th, Mac's Carnival will open with lots of carnival foods, as well as crawfish, available for purchase. On Friday, the carnival will be open and BBQ will be available for purchase at the fairground food booths. Beginning on Friday afternoon, as the competitors get their BBQ finished, you can purchase a ballot for $5 which will give you a chance to sample dishes produced by competing grillers, so you can vote for your favorite in the People's Choice. Continue tasting on Saturday and get your votes in. There's no charge for admission. For more information, please call Darryl Hinson at (337) 397-2026.

Hodges Gardens Easter Sunrise Service

April 8 -- Hodges Gardens State Park will host their annual Easter Sunrise Service at the park on April 24, 2011. Members of church choirs from Natchitoches, Sabine, Vernon, and Beauregard Parishes will perform on the Lakefront Stage as the sun rises behind them in the east. Admission to this event is free. The gates will open at 4:30 am and close at 5:45 sharp so that everyone can be settled before the pageant begins. Please bring your own lawn chair. For more information, please call (318) 586-3523.

"Been There, Painted That" Exhibit

April 11-May 12 -- Gallery One Ellleven will host a three-man show with works by Bill Bryant, Tony McDonald, and James Turner featuring drawings and paintings from their travels abroad. There will be an artist reception and panel discussion with the artists on April 21st at 7:00 pm. For more information, please visit their website at  http://www.galleryoneellleven.org / or contact the gallery at galleryoneellleven@gmail.com.

3rd Annual Thad Bailes 4-H Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament

April 14 -- The Vernon Parish 4-H program will sponsor their 3rd Annual Thad Bailes 4-H Scholarship Golf Tournament at Warrior Hills Golf Course at Fort Polk, LA on April 14, 2012. For more information, please call Kem Johnson at (337) 239-3231 or Ray Ortiz at (337) 238-1311.

Roses in the Pines

April 20-21 -- The Rosepine Historical Society will hold their annual Roses in the Pines Arts & Crafts Festival on April 20-21, 2012. There will be live local bands on Friday from 2 pm to 6 pm and on Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Vendors will offer food and arts & crafts, and kiddie games will be available. For more information, please call Bill Loftin at (337) 462-6763 or (337) 396-2448.

Spring Fest & Parade

April 21 -- Anacoco will celebrate the new season on April 21, 2012, with their Spring Fest and Parade. There will be food and arts & crafts vendors. For more information, please call Anacoco City Hall at (337) 239-0215.

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May

Explore your Creative Side

May 3 -- Explore your creative side at Gallery One Ellleven at 6:00 pm on May 3, 2012. The open class led by Paula Sche Baldwin and Isabelle Massart Bursh will focus on "Spring Theme" this month. All classes are open to the public and cost $35 per person; second family members cost just $25; and those under 16 are only $15. All supplies and light refreshments are included although students should bring their own drinks. For more information, please contact Paula at (337) 424-1496 / paula_sche@yahoo.com or Isabelle at (337) 238-9463 / isabellemb@yahoo.com .

Lindley Creek Bluegrass at Anacoco United Pentecostal Church

May 4 -- The Anacoco United Pentecostal Church at 4973 Main St. will host the John Blankenbaker Group of Rosepine and Lindley Creek Bluegrass and on May 4, 2012 at 6:30 pm. The Missouri Ozark gospel group consists of the five members of the Greer family -- Dad, John Rob; Mom, Kathie; Tate, age 19; Jase, age 16; and Katie, age 13. Hear samples of their original gospel music here... or visit their Official Website. For more information, please call Harles Smart at (337) 239-2004.

Mayfest 2012

May 4-5 --The 36th Annual Mayfest Arts & Crafts Festival will be held in the Downtown Leesville Historic District on May 4th & 5th. The occasion is sponsored by the Vernon Parish Tourism Commission and offers free musical entertainment, arts & crafts and food booths, and fun for kids of all ages. Saturday morning will be the AUSA sponsored 5k Armadillo Stampede or the 1 mile Fun Walk and the Lions Club Pancake Breakfast. For more information, please call (337) 238-0783.

Applications are now being accepted for vendors for Mayfest. If you are interested in being a vendor, please print and complete the appropriate application and mail it with your check or money order to Vernon Parish Tourism Commission, P.O. Box 349, Leesville, LA 71449. If you are interested in being a demonstrating artist or entertainer, please call our office at (337) 238-0783.

Gallery One Elleven Exhibit

May 23-June 30 --- Gallery One Ellleven's June exhibit will feature the works of two of their members - Amanda Roe will present "Recent Paintings" and Susan Corbyn will present "Metal Sculpture". There will be a reception with the artists on May 26th at 7:00 pm. For more information, please visit their website at http://www.galleryoneellleven.org / or contact the gallery at galleryoneellleven@gmail.com.

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July

Gallery One Ellleven Exhibit

July 11-28 --- Gallery One Ellleven will host their Collaborations exhibit, where participants have joined with a random artist to create unique works of art. The project is designed to explore what happens when two people are randomly joined to conceive and produce artwork. A reception will be held to meet the artists on July 14th at 7:00 pm. For more information, please visit their website at http://www.galleryoneellleven.org / or contact the gallery at galleryoneellleven@gmail.com.

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August

Frank & Waine Self at Castor Baptist Church

August 3 -- The Castor Cemetery Memorial Service at 2057 Slagle Rd. will host Frank Self of Greenville, MS and his cousin Waine Self of Monroe, LA on Aug 3, 2012 at 6:30 pm. For more information, please call Harles Smart at (337) 239-2004.

Castor Baptist Church Homecoming

August 4 -- The Castor Cemetery at 2057 Slagle Rd. will hold its annual homecoming celebration on August 4, 2012. This year the church members will recognize the Prisoners of War who have been buried in Castor Cemetery. For more information, please call Harles Smart at (337) 239-2004.

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September

Gallery One Ellleven Competition Exhibition

September 8-October 13 -- Gallery One Ellleven will host an exhibit for artwork chosen in their annual art competition from September 8-October 13, 2012 with an opening reception and awards ceremony on September 8th at 7:00 pm. For more information, please visit their website at  http://www.galleryoneellleven.org / or contact the gallery at galleryoneellleven@gmail.com.

Slagle Trade Days

September 14-15 -- Slagle Trade Days will be held September 14th and 15th, 2012 at the Slagle Center on Hwy. 8 in Slagle, LA. There will be gospel music, arts & crafts vendors, and games for the kids. A concession stand will be open for the event and, in addition to the normal "concession stand" foods, will serve gumbo on Friday night, and red beans and rice on Saturday. For more information, please call Juanita Bolton at (337) 239-6849 or (337) 208-6133.

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October

Vernon Parish Cookbook Festival

October 20 --- The second annual Vernon Parish Cookbook Festival will be held October 20th, 2012 at the Main Street Farmers Market on 3rd Street in Leesville. Stop by from 10 am until 2 pm and try some samples from the recipes from the cookbooks! Then if you like them you can purchase one or all the cookbooks there is to offer! For more information, please call Jordan Craft at (337)238-0783.

Gallery One Ellleven Exhibit

October 24-December 15 --- Gallery One Ellleven will host their Birds, Bees, and Butterflies exhibit featuring the works of two of their members - Isabelle Massart-Bursh and Paula Sche-Baldwin. There will be a reception with the artists on December 15th at 7:00 pm. For more information, please visit their website at  http://www.galleryoneellleven.org / or contact the gallery at galleryoneellleven@gmail.com.

Derby Daze

October 26-27 -- The Lulu Street Racers will host their annual soap box derby event on October 26-27, 2012. The event has received an official designation as the Louisiana State Soap Box Derby Championship from Lieutenant Governor Jay Dardenne of the State of Louisiana, so expect to see racers from all over the state this year. The races and the car show will be on October 27th with other events planned for the 26th. For more information, please call Harry McCloud at (337) 238-0732.

                  2012 Soap Box Flyer        2012 Plans        2012 Entry Form

Fall Artwalk

October 27 -- Artwalk, sponsored by the Vernon Parish Arts Council and Vernon Parish Tourism Commission will be held on October 27. Enjoy live music as you stroll Third Street to view the works of artists who travel from all over the state for this bi-annual event. For more information, please visit their website at http://www.galleryoneellleven.org / or contact the gallery at galleryoneellleven@gmail.com

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December

Gallery One Ellleven Exhibit

December 1-2013 --- Gallery One Ellleven will host their Recycled Show hibit featuring the works of two of their members - Isabelle Massart-Bursh and Paula Sche-Baldwin. There will be a reception with the artists on December 15th at 7:00 pm. For more information, please visit their website at  http://www.galleryoneellleven.org / or contact the gallery at galleryoneellleven@gmail.com.

Christmas at the Park

December 7 --- The Jubilee Park Committee will hold its annual "Christmas at the Park" celebration on Dec. 7, 2012. Festivities will begin at 5:30 pm at Jubilee Park, located on Nona Street, across the street from Vernon Middle School. For more information, please call (337) 392-0641 or (337) 238-1319.

Vernon Parish Christmas Parade 2012

December 8 --- The Vernon Parish Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Christmas Parade on Third St. in Leesville, LA on December 8, 2012 at 5:30 pm. For more information, please call the Chamber at (337) 238-0349.