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.

Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer, the City of Slidell, and the members of the Slidell Commission on the Arts would like to congratulate Lori Anselmo for being selected as the Arts Evening 2024 Poster Artist. Her art work, “Slidell Sunflowers” will be featured on the Arts Evening poster and publicity materials.

The 29th annual Arts Evening takes place on Saturday, March 2, 2024, from 5 to 9 p.m. in Olde Towne Slidell. One of the largest cultural festivals on the Northshore, this family-friendly event 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.

Anselmo is a self-taught artist who began her art business in 2002. Her work has been featured in numerous art exhibitions in the region, including her “Freedom” exhibit celebrating our military and her twentieth anniversary retrospective exhibit, both in the George Dunbar Gallery in the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall. In 2018, she opened Lori’s Art Depot and Creative Center for the Arts in the historic Slidell Train Depot, where she teaches art classes, hosts art parties and sells her art.

Many of her public art projects can be seen in Slidell and the New Orleans area, including seven streetcars for the popular “Streetcar Named Inspire” project benefitting the Young Leadership Council of New Orleans, six bead dogs benefitting the LASPCA “Bead Dog” project, and four pelicans for Leadership Northshore’s “Pelican’s on Parade” project to raise money for Rainbow Childcare. She has also created several murals for the City of Slidell, including a Mardi Gras mural and a mural celebrating our healthcare workers for their sacrifices during the pandemic.

In 2016, she painted poppies on her fence and shared a picture on her Facebook page. Within weeks, photos of her fence went viral and were shared on social media millions of times! She received requests from all around the world to come paint fences. This lead to her creating fence panel art work, featuring Anelmo’s original works of art printed on panels, that can create murals on any fence around the world.

She is the recipient of the City of Slidell’s 2019 BRAVO! Arts Award which recognized Anselmo for her artisitc contributions to the City of Slidell. She gives her time and talent to many charitable organizations, raising almost $300,000 since 2009 for local non-profits and organizations.

Anselmo will be selling signed copies of the event poster during Arts Evening. For more information about Anselmo and Lori’s Art Depot, visit her website at LoriAnselmoArt.com and visit her pages on social media.

For more information about Arts Evening, 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.

 

Dear Citizens,

As we enter Mardi Gras season, I would like to invite you and your family and friends to come experience Mardi Gras in Slidell. Grab your lawn chairs, ice chests and king cakes and head on out to the parade route to enjoy all the parades rolling through Slidell:

  • Friday, Jan. 26, 6:30 p.m. – Krewe of Titans
  • Saturday, Jan. 27, 12 p.m. – Krewe of Bilge
  • Saturday, Jan. 27, 6 p.m. – Krewe of Poseidon
  • Sunday, Jan. 28, 1 p.m. – Krewe of Antheia
  • Friday, Feb. 2, 7 p.m. – Krewe of Mona Lisa and MoonPie
  • Saturday, Feb. 3, 10 a.m. – Krewe De Paws
  • Sunday, Feb. 4, 1 p.m. – Krewe of Dionysus
  • Friday, Feb. 9, 6:30 p.m. – Krewe of Selene
  • Tuesday, Feb 13, 10 a.m. – Krewe of Kidz

I am proud that many families choose to celebrate Mardi Gras here in Slidell. It’s great to see so many smiling faces along the parade route. I ask that everyone be respectful and help us maintain the fun, family-friendly environment that people enjoy in Slidell.

Come enjoy the best that Slidell has to offer during Mardi Gras season.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Mayor Greg Cromer

Join Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer for a Holiday Concert with the Northshore Community Orchestra on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. in the Slidell Municipal Auditorium.

The Northshore Community Orchestra is the only symphony orchestra in St. Tammany Parish where both youths and adults can make learning and performing music a lifelong endeavor. The orchestra was established in 1987, and has operated continuously ever since. The orchestra performs several full orchestra concerts as well as some smaller group ensembles throughout the year, with genres including classical, jazz, pop, folk, ethnic, traditional, movie themes, and broadway hits. Each year, the orchestra typically performs for Slidell’s Some Enchanted Evening and Christmas concerts.

The members of the orchestra come from Slidell, St. Tammany Parish and from surrounding parishes in the Greater New Orleans area and south Mississippi. The members represent a diverse assortment of backgrounds such as students, medical professionals, engineers, skilled tradesmen, scientists, homemakers, members of the military, educators, and retirees. Though our student members typically begin with us around late middle school or junior high age, currently our youngest member is just 9 years old, and our oldest is in his 80s. Some of the orchestra’s musicians are family members who play together – spouses, parents, children, and siblings.

The orchestra’s conductor since 2006 has been Mrs. Susan Messina, a Slidell native who has a master’s degree in music from Southeastern Louisiana University, and over 30 years experience as a music educator. She has served as a band director at several area schools, and currently teaches private lessons on a wide variety of instruments at Christy Music in Slidell.

The Slidell Municipal Auditorium is 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. Admission is free.

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.

Slidell’s Bayou Christmas celebrates its tenth year at Heritage Park with festive list of holiday events Dec. 16-17 and 22-23.

This annual holiday event, sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club of Slidell and the City of Slidell, features live entertainment, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, an ice skating rink, kiddie rides, food and craft vendors, narrated Nativity scene created by artist Lori Anselmo, plus other special holiday surprises. Admission is free, but donations to the Boys and Girls Club are welcomed.

Slidell’s Bayou Christmas will also be hosting Slidell Movie Nights on Saturday, Dec. 16 and 23, starting at 7 p.m. Admission is free.

  • Dec. 16 – The Nightmare Before Christmas
  • Dec. 23 – The Grinch

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available to take free pictures 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 16-17 and 22-23.

 

Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer is inviting the public to join him for the 12th annual Mayor’s Community Prayer Breakfast, presented by Community Christian Concern, on Friday, January 26, 2024, at 7:30 a.m. in the Slidell Municipal Auditorium. You can purchase tickets online via EventBrite.

Mayor Greg Cromer is inviting the community to join the City of Slidell for the fourth annual Olde Towne Slidell Community Christmas Golf Cart Parade on Sunday, December 3 at 5 p.m.

The parade will be led by the Slidell Sync Lawn Chair Brigade, a premier dancing group that promises to feature flashy holiday-themed lawn chairs in a very merry way, followed by decorated golf carts and Santa and Mrs. Claus riding on an antique fire truck spreading their magical cheer to all.

Everyone from the community is encouraged to participate. To sign up to participate, go to the City of Slidell’s website at MySlidell.com to fill out the parade form and return to the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs. Deadline for submitting forms is Thuesday, Nov. 30.Registration is free and interested spectators are encouraged to mark their calendars. Deadline for submitting forms is Thuesday, Nov. 30.

In preparation for the parade, streets in Olde Towne Slidell will start closing at 2:30 p.m. (See the map to see which streets will be closed.) Once bollards are in place, any vehicle that is inside the perimeter of the safety zone will not be able to exit Olde Towne until after 8 p.m., when the parade ends and bollards are removed. “Special Event No Parking” signs will be placed throughout Olde Towne. Once the bollards are in place, no vehicles will be able to enter or leave the safety zone in Olde Towne, so please don’t park or leave your vehicles in Olde Towne after 3 p.m.

For more information, please call the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 or email acarollo@cityofslidell.org.

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.

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.

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!