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UPDATED: City of Slidell Celebrates the Holidays with a Festive Lineup of Events

11/28/23 UPDATE: Due to the forecasted inclement weather for this weekend, the city has rescheduled several of the events. 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 and the Olde Towne Slidell Community Golf Cart Christmas Parade will now roll on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. The press release below has been updated.

The City of Slidell is thrilled to announce upcoming holiday events that will enchant residents and visitors alike, marking the beginning of the festive season on December 3. From the Bayou Jam Christmas Spectacular featuring Vince Vance and the Valiants to Christmas Under the Stars and the Olde Towne Slidell Community Christmas Golf Cart Parade, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Bayou Jam Christmas Spectacular with Vince Vance and the Valiants
Kicking off the celebrations on Friday, December 8, at Heritage Park, the Bayou Jam Christmas Spectacular will feature the return of Vince Vance and the Valiants at 6 p.m. The King of Christmas will be performing all your favorite holiday songs, including his perennial hit, “All I Want for Christmas is You.” Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite holiday costumes and join in the festive spirit. Admission is free.

Christmas Under the Stars
For a magical experience, Griffith Park transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas Under the Stars. The park will be adorned with holiday lights and decorations, including life-size Christmas villages created by artist Lori Anselmo. The addition of  the new “Nightmare Before Christmas” and Disney-inspired cottages adds an extra touch of enchantment. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a special appearance in the park on Saturday, December 9, from 6 to 8 p.m., providing an opportunity for kids to visit and take photos in the gazebo. Admission is free.

Olde Towne Slidell Community Christmas Golf Cart Parade
On Sunday, December 3, the fourth annual Olde Towne Slidell Community Christmas Golf Cart Parade will roll through the historic Olde Towne, commencing at 5 p.m. Led by the Slidell Sync Lawn Chair Brigade, the parade will feature creatively decorated golf carts, with Santa and Mrs. Claus riding on an antique fire truck, spreading magical cheer throughout the community. The parade route can be found on the city’s website at MySlidell.com and the “City of Slidell” Facebook page.

All of these exciting events are made possible by the City of Slidell’s Commission on the Arts and the generous support of the 2023 Cultural Season Sponsors. The city’s departments of Cultural & Public Affairs, Parks & Recreation, Public Operations, Keep Slidell Beautiful, and the Slidell Police Department are working together to ensure the success of these celebrations.

For more information, please contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 or visit the city website and Facebook page.

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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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WGNO Broadcasts Live From Griffith Park on Thursday, Nov. 30

Come be a part of the audience on Thursday, Nov. 30, when WGNO ABC 26 broadcasts live from Christmas Under the Stars in Griffith Park for the 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. news!

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Olde Towne Christmas Market returns this weekend – several street closures in Olde Towne Slidell


The Olde Towne Christmas Market returns this weekend, and with it comes the temporary closure of several streets in Olde Towne Slidell. Starting on Friday, Nov. 4 at 10 p.m. sections of First Street (from Erlanger Ave. to Front St.) and Erlanger Ave. (from Front St. to First St.) will be closed for the event.

The Olde Towne Christmas Market will be open on Nov. 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature music, food vendors, kids gamesarts, crafts, collectibles, antiques, jewelry and other unique gifts. This event is produced by the Slidell Historic Antique Association. For more information, please visit their website at SlidellAntiques.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, 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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Vince Vance Bayou Jam concert rescheduled for Dec. 1

Vince Vance and the Valiants return to Heritage Park on Friday, Dec. 1 for the City of Slidell’s Bayou Jam Christmas Spectacular! starting at 6 p.m. Admission is free!

“Vince is known as the King of Christmas with his popular holiday hit ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’ so we decided to bring him back for the Bayou Jam Christmas Spectacular! on Friday, Dec. 1,” said Alex Carollo, Director of Cultural & Public Affairs. “That unfortunately means that the concert scheduled for Oct. 27 has been rescheduled. But don’t worry! There are many great events happening on Halloween weekend, including the Olde Towne Zombie Crawl and the  Slidell Antique and Craft Street Fair.”

Vince Vance and the Valiants are a country, pop, and rock ‘n’ roll group from New Orleans. This year, they are celebrating their 50th anniversary of performing. The group is known primarily for the single “All I Want for Christmas Is You”, which charted on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts on six separate occasions. In 2005, Country Music Television proclaimed “All I Want for Christmas is You” the No. 6 Merriest Video of All Time.

Performances by Vince Vance and the Valiants are never short on entertainment, with costume changes, comic skits, and a vaudeville flair that make Vance’s shows unique and highly memorable. Vance is also widely recognized for his single “I am New Orleans,” a song composed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2010.

Concert goers are invited to bring their chairs, blankets, ice chests, picnic baskets and sweaters and jackets to the park to enjoy the free concerts. Concessions will be available. 

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 sign up for our e-news updates, 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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The Bucktown All-Stars celebrate Bayou Jam’s 20th anniversary with free concert on Friday, Oct. 6

The City of Slidell is proud to welcome back the Bucktown All-Stars when they return to Heritage Park on Friday, Oct. 6, to help us celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Bayou Jam Concert Series. The concert starts at 5:30 p.m. and admission is free.
“The Bucktown All-Stars played at the very first Bayou Jam concert and we are truly honored that they are returning to help us celebrate Bayou Jam’s 20th anniversary,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “We want to remind everyone that Bayou Jam concerts are now on Friday evenings, so come start your weekends with us in Heritage Park with some great music, food, and fun!”

The Bucktown All-Stars have been performing since 1992. They are a brass-driven New Orleans band specializing in 1960s Classic R&B and Soul, ’70s Funk and New Orleans jams.  They are a multi-year winner of Gambit Reader’s Poll, “Best Band That Doesn’t Fit Any Of These Categories” and the ten time winner of the prestigious Offbeat Magazine Best of the Beat Awards. The horn-powered All-Stars’ New Orleans shows are legendary in the Crescent City and surrounding areas. Their raspy vocals, rollicking piano, and corrupt horn section fuel an unorthodox mix of second line funk and Motown soul. For more information about the band, visit their website at bucktownallstars.com.

Bayou Jam concerts are are held on select Friday evenings in September and October. Guests are invited to bring their chairs, blankets, ice chests and picnic baskets to the park to enjoy the free concerts. Scout BSA Troop 562 and Dat Fiyah Food Truck will be onsite selling great food and drinks for a nominal charge.

The Bayou Jam Concert Series concludes on Friday, Oct. 27 with the Bayou Jam Halloween Bash with Vince Vance and the Valiants.

The Bayou Jam Concert Series is produced by the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs with the assistance the departments of Parks & Recreation and Public Operations. These Olde Towne Slidell Main Street and Louisiana Cultural District events are sponsored by the City of Slidell’s 2023/2024 Cultural Season Sponsors, including Edge of the Lake Magazine and the Lake 94.7; Plus+ Publications; The Slidell Independent; Slidell Magazine; Slidell Savings Magazine; Councilman Bill and Laura Borchert; Lori’s Art Depot; Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien Insurance Agency; CiCi’s Pizza; Mayor Greg Cromer; Pizza Platoon and Slidell Historic Antique Association.

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 sign up for our e-news updates, 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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Slidell 9/11 Patriot Day Ceremony

Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer, the members of the Slidell City Council, and the City of Slidell invite you to join us at 6:30 pm on Monday, Sept. 11, for the 9/11 Patriot Day Ceremony in Heritage Park’s Memorial Plaza.

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Bayou Jam Concert Series Returns on Friday, Sept. 22 featuring 5eaux4

Get ready for another exciting season of great concerts in Heritage Park as the City of Slidell proudly presents the 20th Annual Bayou Jam Concert Series this fall. The concert series returns on Friday, Sept. 22, with a performance by 5eaux4 starting at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free.

“Slidell is celebrating the twentieth year of Bayou Jam concerts, and we are thrilled to announce that the concert series will move to Friday nights. This change allows even more people to come enjoy free concerts in the heart of our city,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “Bayou Jam concerts have become a beloved tradition for our citizens that unites our city through the power of music and community. I invite you to join us at Heritage Park for fantastic Friday nights filled with music, food, and fun!”

Mark your calendars for these upcoming Friday night concerts at Heritage Park:

  • 5eaux4 – Friday, September 22
  • Redline – Friday, September 29
  • Bucktown All-Stars – Friday, October 6
  • Vince Vance and the Valiants – Friday October 27

Concerts will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Guests are invited to bring their chairs, blankets, ice chests and picnic baskets to the park to enjoy the free concerts. Concessions will be sold for a nominal charge during the event.

5eaux4 is a high-energy, multi-genre four piece band seasoned in playing your favorite songs from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s all the way to today’s hits. For ore information about the band, visit their website at 5eaux4music.com.

“This year introduces an exciting change, as concerts will now take place on Friday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.,” said Alex Carollo, Director of the City’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs. “This change provides a perfect opportunity for our citizens and visitors to unwind and start their weekend with great music!”

The Bayou Jam Concert Series is produced by the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs with the assistance the departments of Parks & Recreation and Public Operations. These Olde Towne Slidell Main Street and Louisiana Cultural District events are sponsored by the City of Slidell’s 2023/2024 Cultural Season Sponsors, including Edge of the Lake Magazine and the Lake 94.7; Plus+ Publications; The Slidell Independent; Slidell Magazine; Slidell Savings Magazine; Councilman Bill and Laura Borchert; Lori’s Art Depot; Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien Insurance Agency; CiCi’s Pizza; Mayor Greg Cromer; Pizza Platoon and Slidell Historic Antique Association.

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 sign up for our e-news updates, 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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Romualdo Costa celebrates a century of art at new Slidell Cultural Center exhibit

Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer is inviting the public to view the City of Slidell’s newest art exhibit, “Romualdo Costa: A Century of Faith, Love and Art.”

Romualdo Costa is a 105 year old world-renowned artist who has recently made Slidell his home. And the public will have a chance to meet the artist on Friday, Sept. 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. during the opening reception at the George Dunbar Gallery in the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall.

“Mr. Costa is an incredible artist and the City of Slidell is grateful that he is sharing his God-given talent with our community,” said Mayor Cromer. “My thanks to the Slidell Commission on the Arts for bringing another great exhibit to the George Dunbar Gallery.”

The exhibit will remain on display through October 26. Gallery hours are Mondays – Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm by appointment only. Please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at(985) 646-4375 to schedule a viewing.

“We owe a big thank you to Kevin Chiri and the Slidell Independent for helping us discover Mr. Costa and his amazing artwork,” said Alex Carollo, Director of the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs. “Mr. Chiri ran a front page feature story on Mr. Costa earlier this year when he was celebrating his 105th birthday, and the department and the Slidell Commission on the Arts were so inspired by Mr. Costa’s artwork that we knew we needed to invite him to display his works in the Slidell Cultural Center so the public could view his works. We were honored that he agreed to share his incredible talents with all of us!”

Read more about Mr. Costa in the original Slidell Independent story here.

The George Dunbar Gallery at the Slidell Cultural Center is located on the first floor of Slidell City Hall at 2055 Second Street in Olde Towne Slidell. Admission is free.

 

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