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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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Slidell announces call for student artists for Salad Days 2026 juried exhibition

Download the Salad Days 2026 prospectus here

The City of Slidell and the Slidell Commission on the Arts are pleased to announce a call for student artists for the annual Salad Days juried exhibition, celebrating the creativity and talent of St. Tammany Parish’s young artists. Students ages 5 to 19, in kindergarten through 12th grade, who reside in or attend school in St. Tammany Parish are invited to submit artwork for the opportunity to be showcased in a professional gallery setting.

This year’s juror is 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 appeared in numerous City of Slidell exhibitions, including the 2024 show All in the Family, which featured artwork by his sister and late grandfather that had never before been publicly displayed. He was also selected as the White Linen 2025 Poster Artist and his work was featured event publicity. A dedicated advocate for artists, art, and children, Wichterich regularly dedicates his children’s books and artwork to the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany. He also collaborated with the museum and St. Tammany Parish art students on the butterfly art installation that debuted there in 2025. Deeply involved in the community, he has served on the judging panel for the Louisiana Wildfowl Carvers and Collectors Guild, is participating in the Leadership Northshore Class of 2026, and is a member of the Rotary Club of Slidell and the Ozone Camellia Club. Wichterich’s work has been featured in The Times-Picayune, the St. Tammany Farmer, Nola.com, and Social Northshore. He has twice been named “The Northshore’s Best Artist of East St. Tammany Parish” by Sophisticated Woman magazine, and his artwork has appeared on four covers of Slidell Magazine.

Exhibition Eligibility and Awards
The Salad Days exhibition is open to K–12 students who either live in or attend school in St. Tammany Parish. Submissions will be judged in four age groups:

  • Ages 5–8
  • Ages 9–11
  • Ages 12–14
  • Ages 15–19

Each student may submit up to three pieces of original artwork. First-place winners in each age group will receive a prize of $50. All artists whose work is selected for the exhibition will receive a certificate of recognition from the City of Slidell.

Submission Guidelines
Artists should submit high-resolution JPEG images of their work (maximum 300 dpi). Entries may be submitted in one of the following ways:

  • Email: culturalaffairs@cityofslidell.org
  • Mail (digital entries on USB drive):
    Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall
    P.O. Box 828
    Slidell, LA 70459
  • In-person delivery (digital entries on USB drive):
    Department of Cultural & Public Affairs
    250 Bouscaren Street, Suite 304
    Slidell Technology and Cultural Arts Center
    Monday – Thursday, 9 a.ml to 4 p.m.

The submission deadline is Monday, March 16, 2026, by 4:00 p.m. Late entries will not be accepted.

Notification and Artwork Delivery
Artists will be notified of their selection status by Thursday, March 19, 2025. If notification has not been received by Friday, March 20, 2025, artists are asked to call (985) 646-4375 for an update.

Artists whose work is selected for the exhibition must deliver their physical pieces to the Slidell Cultural Center, 2055 Second Street, on one of the following dates:

  • Monday, March 23, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 24, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Additional Information
For more information, including complete rules and specifications, please refer to the Salad Days 2026 prospectus or contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375.

Download the Salad Days 2026 prospectus here

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Arts Evening 2026 Poster Contest

Arts Evening 2026 Poster Contest Rules

Event Details

The City of Slidell and the Slidell Commission on the Arts invite artists to participate in the official poster competition for 33rd annual Arts Evening, scheduled for Saturday, March 21, 2026. This is a family-friendly event filled with art, live entertainment, antique and boutique shopping, and exploring Olde Towne Slidell.

Eligibility

  • Contest is open to all artists
  • Three submissions per artist
  • Original artwork only

Artwork Requirements

  • Theme must capture the spirit of Arts Evening, the arts, the Slidell community, or Olde Towne Slidell
  • Artwork should reflect the culture and character of the City of Slidell
  • Format: Portrait orientation (vertical)
  • Medium: Any visual art medium suitable for digital reproduction
  • Must be appropriate for all audiences

Technical Specifications

  • Digital submissions only
  • High-resolution format (300 DPI)
  • File formats accepted: JPG, PNG, or PDF
  • Final poster dimensions: 11″ x 17″ (portrait orientation)

Submission Process

  • Email artwork to: culturalaffairs@cityofslidell.org
  • Include in email:
    • Artist’s full name
    • Title of artwork
    • Contact information (phone and email)

Important Dates

  • Submission Deadline: Monday, February 23, 2026
  • Winner Announcement: Monday, March 2, 2026

Prize and Rights

  • The selected artist receives $250 stipend
  • Artist will be credited in all promotional materials
  • City of Slidell retains rights to use the winning image for event promotion

Selection Process

  • Judging by the Slidell Commission on the Arts
  • Artwork will be evaluated on:
    • Artistic merit
    • Theme interpretation
    • Visual impact
    • Reproduction quality
    • Overall appeal

Additional Information

  • By submitting artwork, artists agree to all contest rules
  • Questions? Please call the Department of Cultural Affairs at (985) 646-4375
  • The City of Slidell reserves the right to make final decisions related to the contest.
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Slidell’s 2026 Mardi Gras Parade Schedule

Let the good times roll in Slidell this Carnival season! Bring your family and friends to the parade route and come enjoy family-friendly Mardi Gras parades right here in Slidell.

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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.

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Holiday Concert with the Northshore Community Orchestra Dec. 14

Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal invites you to a festive evening of music with the Northshore Community Orchestra on Sunday, December 14, at 7:00 p.m. at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium. This holiday concert is free to the public.

The Northshore Community Orchestra, the only symphony orchestra in St. Tammany Parish, is dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of music for both youth and adults. Established in 1987, the orchestra has continuously brought together musicians of all ages and backgrounds to perform a diverse repertoire, including classical, jazz, pop, folk, ethnic, traditional, movie themes, and Broadway hits. The orchestra regularly participates in community events, such as Some Enchanted Evening and Slidell’s annual Christmas concerts.

Musicians hail from Slidell, St. Tammany Parish, and surrounding areas across the Greater New Orleans region and south Mississippi. The orchestra’s members reflect a wide range of backgrounds, from students and educators to medical professionals, engineers, scientists, homemakers, and retirees. The ensemble’s diverse age range includes its youngest member at just 9 years old and its oldest in his 80s. Many families share the joy of music together, with parents, children, siblings, and spouses performing side by side.

The orchestra has been conducted by Slidell native Mrs. Susan Messina since 2006. With over 30 years of experience as a music educator and a master’s degree in music from Southeastern Louisiana University, Mrs. Messina brings her passion and expertise to the ensemble. A seasoned band director and private music instructor, she continues to inspire musicians of all ages through her leadership.

The concert will take place at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium, located at 2056 Second Street in Olde Towne Slidell. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and seating is 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.

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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.

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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.

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