, , ,

Krewe of Kringle Parade Rescheduled for Sunday, Dec. 7 and Vince Vance Concert Moves Indoors at the Slidell Auditorium

The Krewe of Kringle: Community Golf Cart Parade, originally scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6, has been rescheduled to Sunday, Dec. 7, due to inclement weather. Additionally, the Bayou Jam Christmas Spectacular concert featuring Vince Vance and the Valiants is moving from Heritage Park to the Slidell Municipal Auditorium and will begin at 6:30 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. and Community Caroling with the Slidell Women’s Civic Club will be rescheduled for a later date.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable event, street closures in Olde Towne Slidell will begin at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7. Please see the map for the street closures. Once the bollards are in place, vehicles within the No Parking Zone will not be able to exit until after 7 p.m., when the parade concludes and bollards are removed. Additionally, “Special Event No Parking” signs will be posted throughout Olde Towne. Residents and visitors are urged to avoid parking vehicles in the area after 3 p.m.

Come out to Olde Towne Slidell on Sunday to enjoy the parade, then head over to the Slidell Municipal Auditorium for a free concert!

In the event of inclement weather, updates or cancellation announcements will be made by 1 p.m. on the day of the event. Please check the city’s website or Facebook page for the latest information.

For more information about these events, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. For the latest information about City of Slidell news and events, visit MySlidell.com or follow the “City of Slidell, Louisiana” on Facebook.

/by
,

UPDATE: Krewe of Kringle Parade Resceduled, Now Rolls through Olde Towne on Dec. 7

UPDATE: The Krewe of Kringle: Community Golf Cart Parade, originally scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6, has been rescheduled to Sunday, Dec. 7, due to inclement weather. Additionally, the Bayou Jam Christmas Spectacular concert featuring Vince Vance and the Valiants is moving from Heritage Park to the Slidell Municipal Auditorium and will begin at 6:30 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. and Community Caroling with the Slidell Women’s Civic Club will be rescheduled for a later date.

Mayor Randy Fandal invites the community to join for the annual Krewe of Kringle: Christmas Golf Cart Parade on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 5 p.m.

This festive event kicks off the holiday season with a parade led by Slidell Synch Lawn Chair Brigade, known for their entertaining routines featuring holiday-themed lawn chairs. Following them will be a procession of elaborately decorated golf carts and a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, riding in an antique fire truck.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable event, street closures in Olde Towne Slidell will begin at 3 p.m. on the day of the parade. Please see the map for the street closures. Once the bollards are in place, vehicles within the No Parking Zone will not be able to exit until after 7 p.m., when the parade concludes and bollards are removed. Additionally, “Special Event No Parking” signs will be posted throughout Olde Towne. Residents and visitors are urged to avoid parking vehicles in the area after 3 p.m.

For more information about the parade or street closures, contact the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375.

/by
, , ,

City of Slidell Announces 38th Annual Christmas Under the Stars in Heritage Park

The City of Slidell invites residents and visitors to celebrate the spirit of the season at the 38th annual Christmas Under the Stars, a beloved holiday tradition that showcases the community’s holiday cheer and family-friendly fun. The event will be held December 12-13 and 19-20, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. each night, at Heritage Park. Admission is free.

“Christmas Under the Stars is one of Slidell’s most beloved traditions, and I’m excited to welcome everyone to Heritage Park this year for some holiday cheer,” said Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal. “This event brings families, friends, and neighbors together to celebrate the joy of the season, and I encourage everyone to come out, enjoy the lights and music, and make special holiday memories right here in Slidell.”

This year, Christmas Under the Stars will be held in Heritage Park while Griffith Park undergoes renovations. Guests can expect all of their favorite holiday attractions in the new location, including:

  • Free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus
  • Live entertainment on stage each evening from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
  • Holiday lights and decorations
  • Big Santa
  • Life-size Christmas cottages created by Lori Anselmo
  • Slidell’s Nativity
  • Christmas Playhouses by the Rosies
  • Community Christmas Tree

Live Entertainment Schedule

  • Friday, Dec. 12 – Witness
  • Saturday, Dec. 13 – OZONE Music Foundation featuring Sierra Band, Hannah Belle, Annabelle Bertucci, Heath Allen, and Claire Keller
  • Friday, Dec. 19 – Fat City Swing Band
  • Saturday, Dec. 20 – OZONE Music Foundation featuring John Autin, Don Vappie, Greg Barnhill, Audrie St. Cyr, and Brian and Amanda Jones

In the event of inclement weather, updates or cancellation announcements will be made by 1:00 p.m. on the day of the event. Attendees are encouraged to check the City’s website at MySlidell.com or follow the “City of Slidell, Louisiana” on Facebook for the latest information.

For more information about Christmas Under the Stars or other cultural events, please contact the City of Slidell Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. For the latest news and information about City of Slidell events, visit MySlidell.com or follow “City of Slidell, Louisiana” on Facebook.

/by
, ,

UPDATE: Christmas Parade and Vince Vance Concert kick-off holiday events in Slidell on Dec. 7

UPDATE: The Krewe of Kringle: Community Golf Cart Parade, originally scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6, has been rescheduled to Sunday, Dec. 7, due to inclement weather. Additionally, the Bayou Jam Christmas Spectacular concert featuring Vince Vance and the Valiants is moving from Heritage Park to the Slidell Municipal Auditorium and will begin at 6:30 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. and Community Caroling with the Slidell Women’s Civic Club will be rescheduled for a later date.

The Christmas season in Slidell is kicking off with two big holiday events happening on Sunday, Dec. 7, the Krewe of Kringle: Community Golf Cart Parade and the Bayou Jam Christmas Spectacular. Both events offer free admission.

“The Christmas season is a time for our community to come together and celebrate,” said Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal. “I encourage everyone to attend these events and enjoy the holiday season with family and friends.”

The Krewe of Kringle: Christmas Golf Cart Parade rolls through Olde Towne Slidell starting at 5 p.m. Spectators will see colorfully decorated golf carts adorned with lights and decorations and will be able to catch candy and other holiday throws. See the parade route on the city’s website at MySlidell.com.

After the parade, Vince Vance and the Valiants will take the stage at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium for the Bayou Jam Christmas Spectacular starting at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Vince Vance and the Valiants are known for their high-energy performances that blend country, pop, and rock ’n’ roll with costume changes, comic skits, and vaudeville flair. Their iconic holiday single, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” has charted on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart six times and was named the No. 6 Merriest Video of All Time by Country Music Television. In addition to their holiday hits, Vince Vance and the Valiants are celebrated for songs like “I am New Orleans,” a heartfelt anthem written after Hurricane Katrina. Vance was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2010.

In the event of inclement weather, updates or cancellation announcements will be made by 1 p.m. on the day of the event. Please check the city’s website or Facebook page for the latest information.

For more information about these events, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. For the latest information about City of Slidell news and events, visit MySlidell.com or follow the “City of Slidell, Louisiana” on Facebook

/by
, ,

Mayor Fandal welcomes Curator Greg Scott back to the Slidell Museum

Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal is excited to announce that Greg Scott is returning as Curator of the Slidell Museum, where he will oversee operations and continue the museum’s mission to collect, research, preserve, and share the history of Slidell.

“Greg’s experience and expertise, devotion to public history, and service to our community make him an exceptional steward for the Slidell Museum,” said Mayor Randy Fandal. “We know that people missed Greg while he was gone, and we are thrilled to welcome him back to the Slidell Museum.”

Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal, Slidell Museum Curator Greg Scott, Slidell Councilman Trey Brownfield

Born in New Orleans and a graduate of Georgia Military College, Scott is an honorably discharged U.S. Army veteran. He moved to the Slidell area after Hurricane Katrina to help care for family members and has called Slidell home ever since. His academic credentials include an A.A.S. in Applied Science; B.A. degrees in Philosophy, English, and History; and an M.A. in Public History, with additional studies in Military Science and Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. His scholarship has been recognized by the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Golden Key International Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, and Phi Alpha Theta.

Scott’s research and project experience includes collaborations with the University of New Orleans, Tulane University, The Midlo Center for New Orleans Studies, and the Homer Plessy Foundation. Notable projects include contributions to the New Orleans Street Naming Project and the Hard Rock collapse historic survey. He began working for the City of Slidell in 2018, authoring historic markers for more than 30 locations across the city. This work deepened his passion for Slidell’s rich past.

“I am happy to return to the Slidell Museum,” said Greg Scott. “I look forward to continuing to share Slidell’s rich history with the citizens and visitors of Slidell, through tours at the museum, public appearances at schools and events, and online through our social media channels.”

After a six-month hiatus, Scott returns to the museum while continuing to care for family members. He also serves as a vital member of the Slidell Noon Lions Club and has received the LLEF Knight of Sight Award and the LCIF Melvin Jones Fellowship, among others.

The Slidell Museum is located at 2020 First Street in Olde Towne Slidell. Museum hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free. Groups are welcome and encouraged to schedule a tour in advance.

For more information about the Slidell Museum, please call (985) 646-4380 or email museum@cityofslidell.org. While admission is free, the Slidell Museum gratefully accepts donations and community support to sustain these vital cultural services.

/by
, , ,

UPDATE: Slidell Hosts Veterans Day Concert with Northshore Community Orchestra on Nov. 9 at Slidell Auditorium

UPDATE: Due to forecasted cooler temperatures and strong winds on Sunday evening, and because it’s not ideal for musical instruments to be used in cold weather, the concert has been moved to the Slidell Auditorium. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., and seating is available on a first come, first served basis. The press release below has been updated.

The City of Slidell will host a Veterans Day Concert featuring the Northshore Community Orchestra on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, at 4 p.m. at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium, bringing the community together to honor and celebrate those who have served.

“We welcome everyone to join us as we honor the men and women who have served our nation,” said Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal. “This concert is a meaningful way for our community to come together in gratitude for their courage, dedication, and sacrifice. My sincere thanks to the Northshore Community Orchestra for sharing this tribute with our citizens.”

The Northshore Community Orchestra, established in 1987, is St. Tammany Parish’s only symphony orchestra where both youth and adults can embrace music as a lifelong pursuit. It is composed of a diverse group of musicians from Slidell, St. Tammany Parish, the Greater New Orleans area, and south Mississippi. Its members, from students to retirees, represent a wide variety of backgrounds, including students, medical professionals, engineers, tradespeople, military members, educators, and even multi-generational families who play together.

Under the direction of Mrs. Susan Messina, a Slidell native and music educator with over 30 years of experience, the orchestra performs a wide range of music, from classical and jazz to pop, folk, movie themes, and Broadway hits. The orchestra regularly performs in community events, including Some Enchanted Evening and the City of Slidell’s Holiday Concert.

The Slidell Auditorium is located at 2056 Second Street in Olde Towne Slidell. Doors will open at 3:30 p.m. and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information about this event, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. For the latest information about City of Slidell news and events, visit MySlidell.com or follow the “City of Slidell, Louisiana” on Facebook.

/by
,

Monster Crawfish Scares Up a Good Time at Halloween Bayou Jam on Oct. 26

The City of Slidell’s popular Bayou Jam Concert Series continues on Sunday, Oct. 26, with a special Halloween concert featuring Monster Crawfish. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween costumes.

 

Monster Crawfish is a high-energy, New Orleans–based band that gets audiences dancing and enjoying great music across the Gulf Coast. With all members on vocals, the band delivers a versatile mix of classic rock, oldies, Top 40, country, dance, and more. They have performed at casinos, festivals, and special events throughout the region, including the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, Mandeville Seafood Festival, Abita Springs Crawfish Festival, and Chalmette Crawfish Festival. With a crowd-pleasing repertoire and dynamic stage presence, Monster Crawfish guarantees a set that gets everyone up, dancing, and singing along.

 

Save the dates for these upcoming concerts:

  • Nov. 9 – Veterans Day Concert with the Northshore Community Orchestra 4-6 p.m.
  • Dec. 7 – Holiday Extravaganza! with Vince Vance and the Valiants  5-7 p.m.

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. In case of inclement weather, cancellation decisions will be announced by 1 p.m. on the day of the event via the city’s website and Facebook page.

 

For more information about this event, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. For City of Slidell news and events, please visit MySlidell.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

/by
, ,

Bayou Jam concert rescheduled due to rain

Due to the forecast for rain this afternoon and evening, today’s Bayou Jam concert has been cancelled. We will reschedule for a later date.

/by
, , ,

Audio Beach Rocks Out Bayou Jam

The City of Slidell’s popular Bayou Jam Concert Series continues on Sunday, Oct. 5 with a performance by Audio Beach.

Celebrating their 22nd anniversary, Audio Beach has spent over two decades rocking audiences across New Orleans and the Gulf Coast with a blend of originals and covers. Anchored by Bill Stavis’s driving drums, Billy DesHotels’s soulful piano, and Dylan Caillouet’s grooving bass lines, the band finds its voice in Mario Sperandeo’s vocals and guitar work. Since 1988, they’ve shared the stage with legends like Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Randy Jackson of Zebra, Michael Ray of Kool & the Gang, and many more. From the swagger of classic rock and alternative to the smooth grooves of funk, R&B, blues, and country, their eclectic repertoire nods to the rich musical heritage of the Crescent City and beyond. Whether playing festivals, rocking in local clubs, or bringing a taste of New Orleans classics to stages across the region, Audio Beach delivers an immersive, high-energy experience that keeps fans coming back for more.

“The City of Slidell has been hosting Bayou Jam concerts for over 20 years, and they are a great way for our citizens and visitors to come together and celebrate as a community,” said Slidell Mayor Bill Borchert. “I invite you to join me in Heritage Park on Sundays this fall and enjoy these free concerts.”

Save the dates for these upcoming concerts:
• Oct. 26 – Monster Crawfish
• Nov. 9 – Veterans Day Concert with the Northshore Community Orchestra
• Dec. 7 – Vince Vance and the Valiants

All concerts will be held on Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. In case of inclement weather, cancellation decisions will be announced by 1 p.m. on the day of the event through the city’s website and Facebook page.

For more information about this event, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. For City of Slidell news and events, please visit MySlidell.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

/by
, ,

OZONE Music Showcases Emerging Talent at Bayou Jam Concert

The City of Slidell’s popular Bayou Jam Concert Series continues on Sunday, Sept. 28 with a performance by singers and songwriters from the OZONE Music Foundation, including Joe Sims, Doug Stepanek, Claire Kellar, and Louisiana Music Hall of Fame band JJ Muggler.

OZONE Music Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based on Louisiana’s Northshore, co-founded by Emmy-winning, Grammy-nominated songwriter Greg Barnhill to champion original music and the artists who create it. Through instrument gifting, free lessons, industry-led workshops and one-on-one mentorship, OZONE removes barriers to musical expression and nurtures talent at every level, building not just careers, but a thriving regional music ecosystem that celebrates creativity, drives economic growth and unites communities through the power of song. They host singer-songwriter nights and writer’s circles and through community partnerships, provide musical artists with invaluable performance opportunities, hands-on guidance and industry connections. For more information about OZONE Music Foundation, please visit the website at OzoneMusic.org.

“The City of Slidell has been hosting Bayou Jam concerts for over 20 years, and they are a great way for our citizens and visitors to come together and celebrate as a community,” said Slidell Mayor Bill Borchert. “I invite you to join me in Heritage Park on Sundays this fall and enjoy these free concerts.”

Save the dates for these upcoming Bayou Jam concerts:
• Oct. 5 – Audio Beach
• Oct. 26 – Monster Crawfish
• Nov. 9 – Veterans Day Concert with the Northshore Community Orchestra
• Dec. 7 – Vince Vance and the Valiants

All concerts will be held on Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. In case of inclement weather, cancellation decisions will be announced by 1 p.m. on the day of the event through the city’s website and Facebook page.

For more information about this event, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. For City of Slidell news and events, please visit MySlidell.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

/by