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Slidell’s Mixed Media Call for Artists

DOWNLOAD THE PROSPECTUS HERE.

Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal and the City of Slidell’s Commission on the Arts are inviting artists from across the Gulf Coast region to submit entries for the upcoming Mixed Media Juried Exhibition, an annual competition known for its creativity and diversity of artistic expression.

This unique exhibition highlights artwork that incorporates two or more mediums, offering artists an opportunity to showcase innovative and interdisciplinary pieces.

Serving as juror for this year’s exhibition is Nina Dunbar, a Slidell native with more than 30 years of experience as a nonprofit executive, fundraiser, and arts advocate. Dunbar holds a Master of Arts in Arts Management from the University of New Orleans and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Art Education from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art. She currently serves as Deputy General Director of Opera Santa Barbara and is the principal of Change | Practice | Play, a consultancy focused on strategic planning, development, and grant writing for nonprofit organizations. Throughout her distinguished career, Dunbar has held leadership roles with organizations in California, Arizona, and Louisiana, and has contributed to numerous public art initiatives across the United States and internationally.

The competition is open to artists 18 years and older residing in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Each artist may submit up to three works, with a flat entry fee of $25. A total of $600 in awards will be presented for first, second, and third place, as selected by the juror.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, April 27, 2026, and artists will be notified of acceptance by Thursday, April 30, 2026. Complete entry details are available in the official prospectus, which can be obtained from the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs (250 Bouscaren Street, Suite 304) or downloaded from the Cultural & Public Affairs section of the city’s website at www.myslidell.com.

Selected works will be exhibited in the George Dunbar Gallery, located within the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall (2055 Second Street) in Olde Towne Slidell. The exhibition will open on Friday, May 8, 2026, with a public reception and awards presentation from 6 to 8 p.m., and will remain on display through June 26, 2026.

Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment only. Same-day appointments are available by calling the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375.

For more information, please contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 or visit www.myslidell.com. Follow the City of Slidell on Facebook for updates on this and other upcoming events.

DOWNLOAD THE PROSPECTUS HERE.

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City of Slidell Announces Winners of the 35th Annual Salad Days Juried Exhibition of Student Art

On Friday, March 27, 2026, student artists from across St. Tammany Parish were joined by family and friends in the George Dunbar Gallery at the Slidell Cultural Center for the opening reception and awards ceremony of the 35th annual Salad Days Juried Exhibition of Student Art.

Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal with Joshua Wichterich, Salad Days 2026 Juror

“Dania and I were blown away by the creativity and talent on display showcasing exceptional young artists from all over St. Tammany Parish!” said Slidell Mayor Fandal. “Thank you to Joshua Wichterich for serving as the juror and making some very difficult decisions. And a special thanks to all the student artists and their parents and art teachers who support them.”

This year’s call for artist for Salad Days drew a significant number of entries, with 80 artists submitting a total of 174 works. Due to limited gallery space, only roughly 30 percent of the entries submitted were selected for the final exhibition.

The 2026 juror was Joshua B. Wichterich, an award-winning artist, illustrator, author, and founder of Blue Wing Press. Wichterich has illustrated more than 60 children’s books, and his work has been featured in numerous City of Slidell exhibitions, including the 2024 show All in the Family. He was also recently selected as the White Linen 2025 Poster Artist.

A dedicated advocate for the arts and youth, Wichterich frequently contributes to the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany. He previously collaborated with the museum and local students on a butterfly art installation that debuted in 2025. Deeply involved in the community, he has served as a judge for the Louisiana Wildfowl Carvers and Collectors Guild and is a member of the Rotary Club of Slidell, the Ozone Camellia Club, and the Leadership Northshore Class of 2026.

“These are the future artists and leaders of Slidell. St. Tammany Parish is filled with amazingly talented youths,” said Wichterich. “Growing up in Slidell, I was once standing in the shoes of these young artists. I hold immense respect for their courage, tenacity, and talent. It was an honor to be a juror for Salad Days and stand as an artist along with them.”

The exhibition features works from a diverse group of talented students, including: Aaliyah Atamanyuk, Lalana Atkinson, Nolee Autin, Reese Benedic, Preston Berel, Mylah Boston, LaVetra Brown, Frances Case, Ella Grace Chadwick, Laura Chin, Emma D’ Antoni, Jack Doss, Anne Ekenta, Isabel Farry, Alyssa Gaudet, Laurelyn Glass, Jillian Grimley, Lilly Claire Hatt, Charlotte Hill, Shannon Hoitenga, Andie Ingraham, Jolie Rae Jacob, Brynleigh Ann Jones, Chloe Landry, Dylan Landry, Olivia Loomis, Ashley Mannino, Kinzly McNeese, Violet Navarro, Ruby Paganuzzi, Adrian Palermo, Christian Pastoret, Grace Roberts, Max Roth, Kimber Rush, Ella Ryan, Jacob Sharp, Madison Silcox, Alexis Smith, Gabrielle “Matt” Spadoni, Hadley Stroud, Clara Tullis, Harriet Wells, Olivia Yi, and Madeline Zeringue.

Entries were divided into four age categories, with awards presented for first, second, and third place, along with honorable mentions:

Category A (Ages 5–8)
• 1st Place: Jolie Rae Jacob, “Walks with Marty”
• 2nd Place: Frances Case, “Moonlight”
• 3rd Place: Preston Berel, “Jet”
• Honorable Mention: Jolie Rae Jacob, “Sea Turtle’s Garden”
• Honorable Mention: Jack Doss, “The Forest Deer”

From L to R: Frances Case, Joshua Wichterich, Jack Doss, Jolie Rae Jacob, Mayor Fandal, Preston Berel

 

Category B (Ages 9–11)
• 1st Place: Ruby Paganuzzi, “A Day At Sea”
• 2nd Place: Laura Chin, “Orange Dreamsicle”
• 3rd Place: Christian Pastoret, “Suspicious Pelican”
• Honorable Mention: Lilly Claire Hatt, “Midnight Bloom”
• Honorable Mention: Ruby Paganuzzi, “Rainbow City”

From L to R: Ruby Paganuzzi, Joshua Wichterich, Lily Claire Hatt, Mayor Fandal, Christian Pastoret

Category C (Ages 12–14)
• 1st Place: Shannon Hoitenga, “Lotus Dream”
• 2nd Place: Ashley Mannino, “Dream a Dream”
• 3rd Place: Ella Grace Chadwick, “My…Mom”
• Honorable Mention: LaVetra Brown, “Fish”
• Honorable Mention: Ashley Mannino, “Home, Sweet Home”
• Honorable Mention: Olivia Loomis, “Sunning Wood Duck”

From L to R: Ella Grace Chadwick, Joshua Wichterich, Shannon Hoitenga, Mayor Fandal, Olivia Loomis, Asley Mannino

Category D (Ages 15–19)
• 1st Place: Jillian Grimley, “Waiter”
• 2nd Place: Violet Navarro, “A Lovely Long Bridge”
• 3rd Place: Andie Ingraham, “Childhood Memories”
• Honorable Mention: Chloe Landry, “Envy”
• Honorable Mention: Jillian Grimley, “Legs”
• Honorable Mention: Alexis Smith, “Cathedral”
• Honorable Mention: Aaliyah Atamanyuk, “Mirror, Mirror On the Wall”
• Honorable Mention: Jacob Sharp, “Hecatomb of Terror”

From L to R: Max Roth, Grace Roberts, Aaliyah Atamanyuk, Lalana Atkinson, Mylah Boston, Joshua Wichterich, Emma D’Antoni, Mayor Fandal, Charlotte Hill, Isabel Farry, Andie Ingraham, Chloe Landry

The George Dunbar Gallery is located inside the Slidell Cultural Center at 2055 Second Street, inside City Hall. Gallery hours are by appointment only, Monday through Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or by special request. Admission is free, and same-day appointments are often available. To schedule a tour, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375.

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Seward Johnson Sculpture Now On Display in Olde Towne as Part of Parish-Wide “Art Imitates Life” Exhibition

The City of Slidell is proud to announce the arrival of its newest “residents” at Carey Street Park. As part of the Art Imitates Life public art exhibition, the city is now hosting “Time for Fun,” a life-sized painted bronze sculpture by world-renowned American artist Seward Johnson.

“Time for Fun” by Seward Johnson

The sculpture, which depicts a turn-of-the-century couple sharing a dance, will be on display in Olde Towne Slidell from April 2026 through April 2027. On loan from the Seward Johnson Atelier, the piece is celebrated for its remarkable realism, capturing a familiar, everyday moment that invites passersby to step into the scene and become part of the art.

“We are honored to host such a world-class piece of art right here in Olde Towne Slidell,” said Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal. “Please join me in welcoming our new ‘residents’ and extending a big thank you to the Covington Public Art Fund and Lisa Condrey for their vision in bringing this parish-wide public art project to life. I’d also like to thank the generous sponsors who made this project possible. This is a great example of how our Northshore communities can work together for the betterment of all our citizens and visitors.”

The Art Imitates Life exhibition is a collaborative effort between the Covington Public Art Fund and the communities of Abita Springs, Mandeville, Madisonville, and Slidell. The year-long event features 15 of Johnson’s iconic sculptures placed strategically throughout St. Tammany Parish to enhance the cultural landscape and encourage residents and visitors to discover the artwork while exploring the Northshore’s charming downtown districts and gathering spaces.

The Covington Public Art Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the community’s cultural landscape by raising funds to support the installation and display of public art throughout the parish.

The exhibition is made possible through the generous support of local sponsors, including Arena Collective, Aimee and Michael Bell, CJ Ladner Insurance Agency, David Fennelly, Red River Bank, Norma and Todd Richard, Carlos Sanchez, Southern Hotel, and Visit the Northshore.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the sculpture at Carey Street Park, located at 2302 Carey Street. When sharing photos of the sculpture on social media, please use the hashtags #ArtImitatesLife, #OldeTowneSlidell, #CovingtonPublicArtFund, and #VisitTheNorthshore.

For more information about the artist, please visit www.sewardjohnsonatelier.org.

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Street Closures March 28-29 for Olde Towne Events

The City of Slidell is advising residents and visitors of several planned street closures in the Olde Towne area this weekend, March 28 and 29, 2026, to accommodate the Spring Olde Towne Street Fair and the Olde Towne Crawfish Music Festival.

To ensure the safety of vendors and attendees, sections of First Street, Second Street, Erlanger Avenue, and Bouscaren Street will be closed for the Street Fair starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, and will remain closed until 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 29. Additionally, sections of Carey Street and Cousin Street will remain closed to accommodate an ongoing movie shoot and the Crawfish Festival on Sunday, March 29. See the map for more details.

The Spring Olde Towne Street Fair, produced by the Slidell Antique Association, will run both Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. One of Slidell’s largest events, the Street Fair features a wide variety of arts, crafts, and antique vendors, as well as food booths, live music, and photos with the Easter Bunny.

On Sunday, March 29, the Olde Towne Merchants Association will host the Olde Towne Crawfish Music Festival from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This event features live music from Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie, Paper Chase, Sead, and Bag of Donuts. Attendees can also enjoy hot boiled crawfish, eating contests, crawfish races, and a special appearance by the St. Tammany Parish Fire District #1 Autism Awareness vehicle.

Parking will be available for visitors throughout the Olde Towne area. Motorists are encouraged to plan their routes accordingly and exercise caution while traveling through the district.

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Arts Evening 2026 Digital Map

Check out everything that’s happening for Arts Evening 2026! Join us in Olde Towne Slidell this Saturday, March 21, from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is free!

(Save the picture on your phone and use it as a digital map and brochure for the event.)

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March 21 Olde Towne Street Closures for Arts Evening

In preparation for Arts Evening on Saturday, March 21, 2026, the City of Slidell is announcing temporary street closures throughout the Olde Towne district. To ensure public safety during the festivities, several streets will be closed to all vehicular traffic from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Affected areas include portions of the following streets:

  • First Street

  • Erlanger Avenue

  • Bouscaren Street

  • Cousin Street

  • Carey Street

  • Robert Street

Please refer to the map for more information.

Mayor Randy Fandal invites the community to explore the works of over 50 artists showcased at more than 30 locations. The event will also feature live performances from eight bands, antique and boutique shopping, and various dining options at local restaurants.

Important Parking Information:
Residents and visitors are advised not to park within the closure area during the designated hours. For public safety, bollards will be positioned throughout Olde Towne. Any vehicles remaining inside the barricaded perimeter after 2:00 p.m. will be unable to exit until the bollards are removed at 10:00 p.m.

For more information about Arts Evening, please visit MySlidell.com or contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375.

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32nd Annual Arts Evening to Bring Art, Music, and Culture to Olde Towne Slidell on March 21

The streets of Olde Towne Slidell will come alive with a celebration of the arts during the 32nd Annual Arts Evening on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. More than 50 artists and eight bands and musicians will transform the historic district into an outdoor arts venue, offering art, live music, food and drinks, and unique shopping experiences for visitors.

“Olde Towne Slidell is the cultural heart of our community, and Arts Evening is a perfect showcase of the creativity and talent that make our city special,” said Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal. “I invite everyone to come out, enjoy the music, meet the artists, and celebrate the arts in Olde Towne Slidell.”

Visitors will enjoy a vibrant mix of visual arts, live entertainment, fine and casual dining, a variety of drinks, and antique and boutique shopping throughout Olde Towne. They may also notice something a little unexpected – Christmas decorations.

“If you notice Christmas decorations in Olde Towne during Arts Evening, you’re not imagining things,” said Alex Carollo, Director of Cultural & Public Affairs. “Netflix is currently filming a Christmas movie in Olde Towne, and parts of the district will be decorated for the holidays, so visitors will get to experience a little holiday magic during this year’s event.”

Participating businesses include:

  • American Legion Post 374 – Artist Michele Maiaroto
  • Antiques & Art on First – Music by Two Peace Mild
  • Arcade on Carey
  • Audibert’s Bistreaux – Live entertainment by Fat City Swing. Artists Betty Baker-Kelly, Jake James, Omega Johnson
  • Brass Monkey – Music by Alpha Tribe
  • Bridge Street Ink
  • Camellia City Pizza – Music by Overboard
  • Camellia Wellbeing – Coach Chias Trucker Hat Bar with Anastasia, The Bread Company
  • Carolynn’s Wonderland – Artists Cher Levis, Paula Merrit Windham
  • Christina’s Therapeutic Touch – Artist CoCo Calderon
  • Crave 985 – Music by Audio Beach. Artist Joe Dean
  • Engel & Völkers – Artists Christy Gautreaux, Hannah Marks, Joshua Wichterich
  • Expo Signs – Arts Evening Poster Artist Charmaine Allesandro. Artists Cindy Bachemin, Connie Born, LaRisa Clevinger, Keith Delaune, Pat Lera, Matt Litchliter, David Miller.
  • The Golden Goat
  • Heidelberg’s
  • KY’s
  • Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien – Artists Elsa Baker, Lizzie Shelby D’Aquin, Charlotte Lowry-Collins, Lyba Murphy, Michael Reed
  • Luna Tequila
  • Old Town Soda Shop
  • Olde Towne Pizza
  • Olde Towne Slidell Main Street at Crippin Cottage – Music by SteveA. Artists Lori Anselmo, E. Robert Gallery Decor, The Happy Photo Booth, K.L. Smith Fine Art, Mosquito Mollie Insect Resin Art, Olivia’s Creations, Gina Reviere and STARC Art, Sweeties Creamy Pralines, Shana’s Kitchen, Olivia Yi
  • Olde Towne Tavern
  • Pontchartrain Investment Management – Music by Sara, Jim and Jeff. Artists Ray Farrell, Mary Rich, Mia Simmons
  • Roots Plants + Coffee – Slidell Art League, Swamp Sprouts Art
  • Rustic Wick
  • St. August Maison – Artists Linda Bickel, Phil Galatas, Ernest Robert, Krystal Shermack, Robin Veerkamp, John Wilson, Dustin Young
  • Slidell Museum – Leadership Northshore’s Team Trashformation
  • Tacos & Beer
  • Tres Co.
  • Triangle Square – Music by Highway Miles. Artist Wild Lily Designs
  • Whiskey and Ashe

Live entertainment will fill the streets during Arts Evening, with eight musical acts performing throughout the district. Alpha Tribe will perform near Brass Monkey, Audio Beach will play near Crave 985, Fat City Swing will perform near Audibert’s Bistreaux, and Highway Miles will take the stage at Triangle Square. Overboard will entertain under Antique Umbrella Alley near Camellia City Pizza, Sara Jim and Jeff will perform at Pontchartrain Investment Management, SteveA will play a solo set near the Olde Towne Slidell Main Street booth on First Street, and Two Peace Mild will perform in the courtyard at Antiques & Art on First. The lineup features a diverse range of musical styles, from jazz and rock to pop favorites, ensuring there is something for every musical taste.

Visitors can also enjoy Olde Towne’s thriving dining and bar scene throughout the evening. Participating establishments include Audibert’s Bistreaux, Brass Monkey, Camellia City Pizza, The Golden Goat, Heidelberg’s Bar, KY’s, Luna Tequila, Olde Town Soda Shop, Olde Towne Pizza, Olde Towne Tavern, St. August Maison, Roots Plants + Coffee, Tacos & Beer, Triangle Square, and Whiskey and Ashe. These venues will offer their regular menus along with special Arts Evening offerings, providing everything from casual to fine dining, craft cocktails, and specialty coffees.

This year’s Arts Evening Poster Artist, Charmaine Allesandro, will be selling signed event posters at Expo Signs. A New Orleans native, Allesandro is a retired registered nurse who dedicated 30 years of service to Children’s Hospital. Her artistic journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when she turned to acrylic painting as a source of solace and creative fulfillment. Her path as an artist has been shaped by personal trials and resilience, including undergoing treatment for breast cancer while her husband, Phil, was placed on the lung transplant list for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Although he received the gift of life in 2022, he sadly passed away two years later due to organ rejection. Now cancer-free, Allesandro has returned to her art with renewed passion and purpose. Known for her impressionistic style, she creates portraits and landscapes featuring bold colors, often hiding a small bluebird in her paintings as a tribute to her mother, “Birdy,” symbolizing love and loss. Her future work will continue to reflect themes of healing, perseverance, and compassion.

For more information about Arts Evening, contact the City of Slidell Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. Updates and details about City of Slidell events can be found at MySlidell.com or by following the City of Slidell, Louisiana on Facebook.

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Mayor Fandal and Slidell Commission on the Arts Announce Charmaine Allesandro as Arts Evening 2026 Poster Artist

Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal and the Slidell Commission on the Arts are proud to announce that Charmaine Allesandro has been selected as the official Poster Artist for Arts Evening 2026. Her artwork, titled “Good Morning Bayou Liberty I,” will be featured on the official event poster and all publicity materials for the city’s cultural celebration.

“Charmaine’s artwork is truly beautiful. It perfectly represents the serenity, beauty, and nature of our community,” said Mayor Fandal. “I invite all of our residents and visitors to join us in Olde Towne on March 21 to celebrate this incredible talent and enjoy everything Arts Evening has to offer.”

The search for this year’s poster artist began in January, when artists were invited to submit their original artwork for consideration. The call for entries drew significant interest, resulting in over 30 submissions from 12 different artists. Following an initial review, the final selections were presented to the Slidell Commission on the Arts, where Allesandro was ultimately selected as the 2026 Poster Artist.

A New Orleans native, Allesandro is a retired Registered Nurse who dedicated 30 years of service to Children’s Hospital in various nursing management positions, as well as serving as the Executive Director of the Greater New Orleans Immunization Network.

Her artistic journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Seeking solace and creative fulfillment during a time of global anxiety, she turned to acrylics. Her path as an artist has been deeply shaped by personal trials and resilience. While undergoing treatment for breast cancer, her husband, Phil, was placed on the lung transplant list for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Although he received the gift of life in 2022, he sadly passed away two years later due to organ rejection.

Now cancer-free, Allesandro has returned to her art with renewed passion and purpose. Known for her impressionistic style, she creates portraits and landscapes that incorporate an array of bold colors. Viewers are encouraged to look for a hidden bluebird in her paintings – a touching tribute to her mother, “Birdy,” representing both love and loss. While she remains captivated by the beauty of nature, she looks forward to creating new pieces that reflect themes of healing, perseverance, and compassion.

 

“When I learned that my painting was selected as the Slidell Arts Evening poster for 2026, I was overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude,” said Allesandro. “I have always loved Slidell and its beautiful bayous and wildlife. Being selected as this year’s artist is one of the greatest honors of my life. This recognition is not only validation of my art but an inspiration for me to continue my journey in capturing the beauty of nature that is all around us.”

The 32nd annual Arts Evening will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Olde Towne Slidell. Recognized as one of the largest cultural festivals on the Northshore, this family-friendly event features over 80 artists displaying their works at more than 40 locations throughout Olde Towne. In addition to the visual arts, guests can enjoy live entertainment, fine and casual dining, and shopping at antique, boutique, and unique shops. Admission is free.

Charmaine Allesandro will be present during the event to sell signed copies of the commemorative poster. For more information about the artist and her work, please visit www.CharmNolaArt.com.

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

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Country Club Estates Neighborhood Park Temporarily Closed for Playground Upgrades

The City of Slidell is announcing that the neighborhood park in Country Club Estates is now temporarily closed to the public as crews begin work to remove aging infrastructure and install new playground equipment.

“This investment in Country Club Estates Park is part of the city’s ongoing commitment to upgrading our parks and recreation facilities for our citizens,” said Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal. “Over the next several years, we will be upgrading all of our neighborhood parks. We want families to have access to safe places to play. These improvements are not just about new equipment, they are about quality of life and making sure today’s kids have even better parks than the ones we grew up with.”

Recent recreational infrastructure upgrades include new tennis courts at the Henry J. Calamari Tennis Complex on Sgt. Alfred Drive, the Slidell Pickleball Courts and Slidell Skatepark at John Slidell Park, and the Rue Rochelle neighborhood park.

The closure is expected to last for several months during construction and installation. In the meantime, citizens are encouraged to visit other nearby parks and recreational facilities in Slidell.

For more City of Slidell news and information about upcoming events, visit MySlidell.com and follow “City of Slidell, Louisiana” on Facebook.

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Temporary Street Closures Announced for Mona Lisa and MoonPie Parade in Olde Towne Slidell

There will be several temporary street closures in Olde Towne Slidell for the annual Mona Lisa and MoonPie parade on Saturday, February 7, 2026. The closures will affect multiple streets beginning at 2:00 p.m., with normal traffic resuming following the conclusion of the parade. The Mona Lisa and MoonPie parade will proceed through the streets of Olde Towne Slidell beginning at 7:00 p.m.

These temporary closures are being implemented to accommodate parade staging, increased pedestrian activity, and public safety operations in the Olde Towne area. Residents and visitors are encouraged to arrive early to find parking, enjoy Olde Towne shops and restaurants, and secure a viewing spot along the parade route.

“We’re implementing these closures to ensure the safety of both parade participants and spectators,” said Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal. “We encourage residents to plan alternate routes and arrive early to enjoy the parade and everything Olde Towne has to offer.”

The Mona Lisa and MoonPie parade is one of Slidell’s oldest established parades and is recognized as the city’s first walking parade. Known for its whimsical and artistic flair, the parade features costumed revelers who walk the route, push decorated carts, and hand out the event’s signature treat, MoonPies. The 2026 parade theme is “Mona’s Myths, Legends, and Tall Tales,” which is expected to inspire creative walking krewes and elaborate cart designs, creating a unique, family-friendly Mardi Gras experience in the heart of Olde Towne.

For more information about the Mona Lisa and MoonPie parade, visit their website at MoonPieParade.com.

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