The City of Slidell is advising residents and visitors of temporary street closures in Olde Towne Slidell on Saturday, July 4, 2026, for the Olde Towne Slidell 4th of July Celebration and the City of Slidell’s Celebrate America 250 Golf Cart Parade.

To accommodate event activities, a portion of Cousin Street, from Carey Street to First Street, will close beginning at 6 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, and will remain closed until approximately 6 a.m. on Sunday, July 5.

Beginning at 10 a.m., additional streets throughout Olde Towne Slidell will begin closing in preparation for the Celebrate America 250 Golf Cart Parade. Streets affected include First Street, Second Street, Carey Street, Erlanger Avenue, Bouscaren Avenue, Cousin Street, and Robert Street.

Once bollards are in place, vehicles within the designated No Parking Zone will not be able to exit until after 4 p.m., when the parade concludes and the bollards are removed. Additionally, “Special Event No Parking” signs will be posted throughout Olde Towne Slidell. Residents and visitors are urged to avoid parking vehicles within the restricted area after 10 a.m., as access to parked vehicles will be limited until the streets reopen.

Motorists should expect traffic delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes when traveling through the area. Streets along the parade route are expected to reopen by approximately 4 p.m., following the conclusion of the parade and once it is safe to resume normal traffic.

The City of Slidell’s Celebrate America 250 Golf Cart Parade begins at 2 p.m. in Olde Towne Slidell. The parade will be led by Grand Marshal Baldo Albrecht, a 96-year-old World War II and Korean War veteran and longtime community leader. Decorated golf carts will celebrate patriotic themes and everything that makes America unique, including sports, arts, entertainment, music, history, and pop culture. Families are encouraged to line the streets and enjoy this one-of-a-kind patriotic celebration.

Following the parade, the Olde Towne 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks Extravaganza begins at 4:30 p.m. Admission is free and attendees can enjoy live music by Suns of Uh Beech and Paperchase, a hot dog eating contest, a watermelon eating contest, and a variety of food and beverage vendors. The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display beginning at 9 p.m.

The Slidell Antique Association will also host the Red, White, and Scoops: Ice Cream Social on the Geaux from 12 to 4 p.m. under Antique Umbrella Alley. Wristbands are $5 and participants can enjoy cold, sweet treats at participating businesses.

“There’s no better place to celebrate Independence Day than Olde Towne Slidell,” said Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal. “From our patriotic golf cart parade and family-friendly activities to great local food, live music, and an incredible fireworks show, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. I invite everyone to bring their family and friends and join us as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and the community spirit that makes our city so special.”

Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal and the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs invite the public to experience The Art of Quilting: The Works of Elva Ellermann, a special exhibition celebrating the artistry, craftsmanship, and community legacy of one of Slidell’s most accomplished quilters.

The exhibit will be on display July 13 through July 31, 2026, in the George Dunbar Gallery, located inside the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall, 2055 Second Street in Olde Towne Slidell.

The community is also invited to attend the Opening Reception on Friday, July 10, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Slidell Cultural Center. The free reception offers visitors an opportunity to meet the artist, view her remarkable collection of handcrafted quilts, and learn more about the tradition and artistry behind her work.

“Elva Ellermann’s quilts represent far more than beautiful works of art,” said Mayor Randy Fandal. “They tell stories of creativity, tradition, and generosity. We are proud to showcase her extraordinary talent and honor the lasting impact she has made on our community.”

For more than 40 years, Ellermann has been a leader in Slidell’s quilting community. As the longtime director of the J.O.Y. Bible Study and Quilters at Lamb of God Lutheran Church, she helped transform quilting into a ministry of service. Alongside fellow volunteers, she created hundreds of handcrafted quilts while leading annual charity auctions that raised more than $300,000 for local nonprofit organizations, including Community Christian Concern, STARC, NAMI St. Tammany, Safe Harbor, Habitat for Humanity, the Pregnancy Help Center, and others throughout the Slidell area.

Known for her exceptional craftsmanship and eye for color, pattern, and design, Ellermann’s quilts combine traditional quilting techniques with artistic expression. Each piece reflects decades of dedication to preserving the art of quilting while inspiring others through both creativity and service.

Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by appointment. To schedule a visit, please contact the City of Slidell Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. Same-day appointments are usually available.

Admission to both the exhibit and the opening reception is free and open to the public.

For more information, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 or visit the city’s website at MySlidell.com.

Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal is proud to announce that 96-year-old Navy veteran and community leader Baldo Albrecht has been selected as the Grand Marshal of the City of Slidell’s Celebrate America 250 Community Golf Cart Parade, which will take place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 2 p.m. in Olde Towne Slidell.

Mayor Randy Fandal and Mr. Baldo Albrect

The patriotic parade is part of the City’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and will feature decorated golf carts showcasing patriotic themes and everything that makes America unique, including sports, arts, entertainment, music, history, and pop culture.

“Mr. Albrecht represents the very best of the Greatest Generation,” said Mayor Randy Fandal. “His military service, dedication to family, and lifelong commitment to his community make him an outstanding choice to serve as Grand Marshal for this special celebration of America’s 250th birthday. We are honored to recognize his contributions and have him lead our parade.”

Born in 1929, Baldo Albrecht is a member of the generation that helped shape modern America following World War II. He served four years in the United States Navy before continuing his military service in the Louisiana National Guard. As part of the post-World War II occupation forces, he was stationed in Hawaii and later on the Japanese mainland. During his service, he visited Hiroshima and witnessed firsthand the devastation left by the atomic bombing, an experience he describes as unforgettable.

After his military service, Albrecht built a successful career as an electrical contractor and later retired at age 70 as Maintenance Superintendent for St. Bernard Parish Government. He has also remained active in community service and has been a member of the Elks Lodge for ten years. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed his home in St. Bernard, and he and his family relocated to Slidell, the community they proudly call home today.

Albrecht and his wife, Barbara, were married on May 21, 1978, creating a large blended family that today includes eight children, 16 grandchildren, and 37 great-grandchildren. Barbara devoted 17 years as a homemaker and enjoyed a 30-year career as a professional florist. Beyond his military and professional accomplishments, Albrecht dedicated countless hours to mentoring young people through the Sprites Carnival Club, which he founded in St. Bernard Parish to teach children about the traditions and joys of Mardi Gras. As president for ten years, he helped generations of children learn to build floats, create decorations, and celebrate local traditions.

Participation in the Celebrate America 250 Golf Cart Parade is free and offers families, friends, businesses, and community groups a fun way to celebrate Independence Day and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

“This will be a fun way for our community to come together and celebrate America’s birthday,” said Mayor Fandal. “We encourage everyone to come to Olde Towne for the parade and festivities and have a memorable Fourth of July in Slidell.”

Following the parade, the Olde Towne Merchants Association will host an Independence Day celebration on Cousin Street beginning at 4:30 p.m., featuring live entertainment, food and beverages, and fireworks at 9 p.m..

Applications are still being accepted for the parade. Completed registration forms must be submitted to the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs no later than Monday, June 29, 2026. Registration forms are available at MySlidell.com.

For more information about the parade, including the parade route, contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 or culturalaffairs@cityofslidell.org.