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Celebrate the 11th Annual Slidell’s Bayou Christmas at Heritage Park

The City of Slidell is excited to invite residents and visitors to the 11th Annual Slidell’s Bayou Christmas, a magical holiday event held at Heritage Park on December 13–14 and 20–23. This free event will take place from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and offers a festive lineup of activities, entertainment, and holiday fun for the entire family.

“Slidell’s Bayou Christmas is a community tradition that brings families together to celebrate the holiday season,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “We owe a special thanks to Tommy Benasco and all of the Bayou Christmas volunteers for their dedication and years of service in making this event such a success. Their hard work and holiday spirit continue to make this a magical experience for everyone.”

The event kicks off on Friday, Dec. 13, with the Bayou Jam Christmas Spectacular, featuring the King of Christmas, Vince Vance and the Valiants starting at 6:00 p.m. On Saturday, December 14, the holiday fun continues with Community Caroling hosted by the Slidell Women’s Civic Club at 6:30 p.m., followed by a special Slidell Movie Nights screening of the Christmas movie classic Elf at 7:30 p.m.

A highlight of Slidell’s Bayou Christmas is the nightly appearance of Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will be available from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. to take free photos with children. Families can also enjoy animated light displays, a skating rink, kiddie rides, and Slidell’s Nativity created by local artist Lori Anselmo. Art and craft vendors, as well as food and drink stands, will offer festive treats and unique holiday shopping opportunities.

On Dec. 20, guests can enjoy performances by Royal Legacy Dance, Lakeside Christian, Carolyn Park, St. Margaret Mary Dance, St. Margaret Mary Cheer, and Just Dance, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The entertainment continues on Dec. 21 with Bayou Gems, Wonder Made Dance, Bayou Woods, and Lake Castle, also starting at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 22 features performances by Slidell Jr. High, Bonnie Ecole Starlettes, Bonnie Ecole Twinkle Toes, Royal Diamond Diva, and Rick Weems. The final night, December 23, includes performances by Slidell Boys & Girls Club at 6:30 p.m. and The Dance Project at 7:00 p.m.

Heritage Park is located at 1701 Bayou Lane in Slidell. Guests are encouraged to park in the shell lot located at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Bayou Lane for convenient access to the event.

For more information about Slidell’s Bayou Christmas, visit the “Slidell’s Bayou Christmas” Facebook page or contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375.

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Mayor Greg Cromer and Peggy Cromer Present the 2024 Ugly Sweater Gala – Glow Party Edition

Mayor Greg Cromer and Peggy Cromer invite you to join them for a dazzling night of holiday fun at the 2024 Ugly Sweater Gala – Glow Party Edition! This exciting event will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024, from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium. Break out your most festive (and glowing!) ugly sweater and get ready for an evening of live music, delicious food, and charity, all while shining under the neon lights of this year’s glow-themed party!

Guests will be treated to performances by The Victory Belles, known for their lively renditions of vintage hits, and Rhythm Chasers, who will keep everyone dancing throughout the night. Enjoy complimentary beer, wine, and food, with a cash bar available for additional drink options.

Tickets are $50 and available on Eventbrite, with proceeds benefitting Peggy’s Playground, a project dedicated adding safe and inclusive play equipment and shading at the playground in Heritage Park for children in our community.

This year, there are also sponsorship opportunities for local businesses and individuals looking to support this important cause while gaining visibility at this high-profile event.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable evening of fun and philanthropy! Put on your brightest ugly sweater and celebrate the season with friends, music, and a good cause.

For more information on tickets, sponsorships, or how to get involved, please contact Peggy Cromer at 985-640-8308 or via email at cromegg1@yahoo.com.

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Registration now open for the Olde Towne Slidell Community Christmas Golf Cart Parade

Calling all golf carts! Mayor Cromer is inviting you to be a part of the Olde Towne Slidell Community Christmas Golf Cart Parade. All you have to do is decorate a golf cart and you and your family and friends can be a part of the fun. This year’s parade is Saturday, November 30th starting at 5 p.m. in Olde Towne. Registration is free but limited to the first 100 golf carts.  See the form below for more information. You can also download and print the form located here

2024 Christmas Parade Application
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St. Patrick’s Day Parade is March 10 – Olde Towne Street Closures Announced

In preparation for the Olde Towne Merchant Association’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 10, several streets in the Olde Towne area will start closing at 6:00 a.m.

For public safety, any vehicle that is left parked along the parade route after 6 a.m. on Sunday, March 10, will be towed at the owner’s expense.

This includes sections of:

  • Bouscaren St.
  • First St.
  • Erlanger Ave.
  • Fremaux Ave.
  • Teddy Ave.
  • Front St.
  • Carey St.
  • Cousin St.
  • Robert St.
  • Brakefield St.
  • Guzman St.
  • Bryan St.
  • Cleveland Ave.
  • Bilten Ave.
  • Mayfield Ave.
  • Old Spanish Trail
  • Lee St.
  • College St.
  • William Tell St.
  • Ciruti St.

Please refer to the parade route map to see the affected streets.

The Slidell Police Department will begin closing down streets along the parade route to vehicular traffic at a later time. Please do not congregate in the streets until all the streets are closed.

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UPDATE: Bayou Jam Concert with Fat City Swing Orchestra Postponed Due to Weather

UPDATE, 3/22/24, 8:30 a.m.: Due to the weather, the Bayou Jam Concert with Fat City Swing has been cancelled. We will reschedule for another date.

Get ready for another exciting season of great Bayou Jam concerts in Heritage Park!  The spring concert series returns on Friday, March. 22, with a performance by Fat City Swing Orchestra starting at 6 p.m. Admission is free.

“Bayou Jam concerts have become a beloved tradition for our citizens that unites our city through the power of music and community,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “I invite you to join us at Heritage Park for fantastic Friday nights filled with music and fun!”

Mark your calendars for these upcoming concerts at Heritage Park:

  • Fat City Swing Orchestra – Friday, March 22
  • Clifton Brown and the Rusty Bucket Band – Friday, April 5
  • Slidell’s Highschool Band and Choir Showcase – Friday, April 19
  • Some Enchanted Evening with the Northshore Community Orchestra – Saturday, April 27 (5 to 7 p.m.)

Bayou Jam concerts will be held on Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m. Guests are invited to bring their chairs, blankets, ice chests and picnic baskets to the park to enjoy the free concerts.

Fat City Swing Orchestra is comprised of some of the best jazz musicians in the New Orleans area. Jon and Wesley Mannino founded the band to keep their family’s musical legacy alive. This 16 piece big band plays all your favorite jazz and swing tunes. For ore information about the band, visit their website at FatCitySwingBand.com and view some of their past musical performances on YouTube.

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 the “City of Slidell” Facebook page.

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

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Arts Evening 2024 showcases arts, entertainment, and Olde Towne Slidell

Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer invites you to join the City Slidell for the 29th annual Arts Evening on Saturday, March 2, from 5 to 9 p.m. in Olde Towne Slidell.

One of the largest cultural festivals on the Northshore, Arts Evening features over 50 artists displaying their works at over 30 locations in Olde Towne Slidell. In addition to the artwork, there will be live entertainment; antique, boutique and unique shopping; fine and casual dining and surprises on every corner of Olde Towne. Admission is free.

“Arts Evening is one of Olde Towne’s biggest nights, and I invite you to bring your family and friends to Olde Towne and join us for a great night of art and entertainment in Slidell,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “I would like to thank all of the Olde Towne restaurants and businesses who participate during this event.”

The festivities kick-off at 5 p.m. with the unveiling of the new Antique Umbrella Alley mural. The mural, created by Matt Litchliter, is located on the side of Lowry-Dungham, Case & Vivien Insurance Agency on the corner of Erlanger and First streets. The mural was funded by The Northshore – St. Tammany Parish Tourist and Convention Commission. Antique Umbrella Alley will also feature talented student artists as well as Slidell Magazine cover artists Anna Braud and other sidewalk chalk artists to promote the new Chalk the Walk fundraising event.

Artists will be displaying their works at these locations in Olde Towne:
  • Annette’s House of Decor: Arts Evening 2024 Poster Artist Lori Anselmo with art students Amelia Chen, Laura Chen, Lily Colwart
  • Antiques & Art on First: Shana Marshall
  • Bella Style Salon: Jessica Weems, Jessica Williams
  • Bistro 55: Danielle Camp, Gina Castle, Wess Foreman, Alexandria Richard
  • Borchert Law at Notting Hill: Elsa Baker, Jonathan Chadwick, Solange Ledwith
  • Camellia Well Being
  • Carolynn’s Wonderland: Grace Dunning
  • Christina’s Therapeutic Touch: Aubin Brian, Jessica Moody, Linda Moran
  • Crippin Residence: Olde Towne Slidell Main Street, and artist K. L. Smith
  • Daiquiris Gone Wild at Triangle Square: Denise Gilhousen, Gina Gillio, Wallflower Resin Co.
  • Damsel n Distress: Ernest Roberts, Dustin Young
  • Fresco Ole Towne Slidell: Joe Lopez
  • Green Oaks Apothecary: Jill Anderson, Anderson’s Woodworking, Brittany & Maleigh Ballard, Kelley Chauvin, Layla Clark, Jenny Creel, Crystal Moon Designs, Amanda Poole Douglas, Nancy Gaines, Anya Gisclair, David Guestella, Cheri Hart, Jennifer Laurent, Jessica Little, Bri Miller, Jessica Moody, Jenna Pendarvis, Mikayla Perkins, Tristen Rolling, Amber Ryan, Aeva M. Santini, Lauren Penton Taylor
  • Heidelberg’s Bar
  • Hidden Tattoo Collective
  • Hingle Boys Collectibles
  • Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien: Matt Litchliter
  • Magnolia House Antique Mall
  • Olde Towne Pizza: Olivia Clatterbuck
  • Pontchartrain Investment Management: John Berry, Linda Bickel, Pete Karenina Designs, Mary Rich
  • Slidell Museum: Andreè Maduell, Joy Rancatore, Kevin Walgamotte
  • Tres Co. Boutique: Elizabeth Johnson
  • The Venue: Kelly Andrew, Emily Edwards, Leiana Funck

There will be plenty of live entertainment throughout Olde Towne:

  • Audio Beach: 6 – 9 p.m. at Restaurant Coté and The Maple Room
  • Steve Authement: 5 – 9 p.m. at the Crippin Residence
  • DJ Andrew Pear: 5 – 9 p.m. at Bella Style Salon
  • Fat City Swing: 7 – 9 p.m. at Roots Plants and Coffee
  • Northshore Community Orchestra Jazz Ensemble: 5 to 8 p.m. ay Green Oaks Apothecary
  • Overboard: 5 – 7 p.m. at Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien Insurance Agency
  • Ozone Music Songwriters Showcase: 5 – 9 p.m. at Borchert Law at Notting Hill
  • Sara, Jim and Jeff: 5 to 7 p.m. at Pontchartrain Investment Management
  • Sweetie: 5 – 9 p.m. at Brass Monkey

Food and drinks will be available for purchase at many of Olde Towne’s finest establishments, including:

  • American Legion
  • The Arcade on Carey 
  • Bistro 55
  • Brass Monkey
  • Camellia City Pizza
  • Daiquiris Gone Wild at Triangle Square
  • Deanasco Restaurant
  • Electric Avenue
  • Fresco Olde Towne Slidell
  • Heidelbergs
  • The Maple Room
  • Old Town Soda Shop
  • Olde Towne Pizza
  • Olde Towne Tavern
  • Restaurant Cotè
  • Roots Plants and Coffee
  • Tacos and Beer
  • Whiskey and Ashe

For more information about Arts Evening, call the department of Cultural Affairs at (985) 646-4375 or visit MySlidell.com. A digital brochure with more information will be posted several days before the event.

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UPDATED: Vince Vance and the Valiants Bring Holiday Cheer to the City of Slidell’s Bayou Jam Christmas Spectacular

11/28/23 UPDATE:  Due to the forecasted inclement weather for this weekend, the Bayou Jam Christmas Spectacular with Vince Vance and the Valiants has been rescheduled for Friday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. in Heritage Park. The press release below has been updated.

The City of Slidell is delighted to kick-off in the holiday season with the return of the King of Christmas, Vince Vance and the Valiants, to Heritage Park on Friday, Dec. 8, for the Bayou Jam Christmas Spectacular. The festivities will kick off at 6 p.m., and admission is free.

“The Bayou Jam Christmas Spectacular is a beloved tradition in our community, and Vince Vance and the Valiants are the perfect choice to kick off the holiday season in Slidell,”said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer.

Celebrating their 50th anniversary, Vince Vance and the Valiants are a versatile country, pop, and rock ‘n’ roll group hailing from New Orleans. The iconic single “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has charted on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts six times. In 2005, Country Music Television proclaimed it the No. 6 Merriest Video of All Time.

Known for their electrifying performances, Vince Vance and the Valiants deliver entertainment with costume changes, comic skits, and a vaudeville flair that makes Vance’s shows unique and highly memorable. Vance is also widely recognized for his single “I am New Orleans,” composed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and he was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2010.

Concert-goers are encouraged to bring their chairs, blankets, ice chests, picnic baskets, sweaters, and jackets to Heritage Park to enjoy the free concerts. Concessions will be available for added convenience.

For more information about this event, please contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. Stay updated on City of Slidell news and events by visiting MySlidell.com and signing up for e-news updates. Follow the “City of Slidell” Facebook page for the latest updates.

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

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Registration now open for the Olde Towne Slidell Community Christmas Golf Cart Parade

Calling all golf carts! Mayor Cromer is inviting you to be a part of the Olde Towne Slidell Community Christmas Golf Cart Parade. All you have to do is decorate a golf cart and you and your family and friends can be a part of the fun. This year’s parade is Saturday, Dec. 2 starting at 5 p.m. in Olde Towne. Registration is free but limited to the first 100 golf carts.  See the form below for more information.

2023 Olde Towne Slidell Community Christmas Golf Cart Parade form

 

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Celebrate LSU Tigers Baseball and Slidell’s own Brayden Jobert on July 8

The City of Slidell is excited to announce that Saturday, July 8, 2023, will officially be Brayden Jobert Day in the City of Slidell. To commemorate this day, the city will host “Celebrating #6! Brayden Jobert and LSU Baseball Day” to honor Brayden and the Louisiana State University (LSU) 2023 Baseball National Championship team starting at 5 p.m. at the Northshore High School Gymnasium. Admission is free.

Brayden Jobert (photo courtesy of Faught Marketing)

“The City of Slidell takes great pride in recognizing local talents and their contributions to our community,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “Brayden Jobert has been an exceptional role model for our youth, and we are honored to dedicate this day to celebrate him and his fellow teammate’s achievements.”

Brayden, a native of Slidell, has exemplified excellence and sportsmanship throughout his baseball career. Growing up in Slidell, he played baseball at Slidell Bantam Baseball Association (SBBA) and Northshore High School. After graduating from Northshore, he attended and played baseball at Delgado Community College and Nicholls State before joining LSU’s team as #6 starting right fielder. His dedication, perseverance, and talent have made him an inspiration to aspiring athletes of all ages.

As part of the celebration, Brayden will meet with fans and sign autographs. A limited amount of special edition Slidell baseball cards will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Autographs are limited to one personal item (in addition to the baseball card) per person.

Northshore High School is located at 100 Panther Drive in Slidell. Doors will open at 4 p.m. and admission is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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

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Olde Towne Slidell 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks Show – Street Closures

In preparation for the Olde Towne Slidell 4th of July Summer Concert & Fireworks Show, the City of Slidell is announcing that several roads in Olde Towne will be closed in conjunction with the event.

Starting at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4, part of Cousin Street (from First Street to Front Street), First Street (closed bollard area from Brass Monkey to Olde Towne Pizza), and Carey Street (closed bollard area from Restaurant Coté to the intersection of Carey Street and Cousin Street).

The Olde Towne Slidell 4th of July Summer Concert & Fireworks Show is presented by the Olde Towne Merchants Association. The festivities begin at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4 in Olde Towne Slidell. There will be great food and drinks, live entertainment and fireworks at 8 p.m.

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