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Slidell Public Art in Full Bloom: New Camellia Tree Sculpture Spruces Up Roundabout

Slidell’s newest piece of public art is now on display at the roundabout at Robert Blvd. and Brownswitch Road.

“Slidell’s Community Camellia Tree” is an eight foot tall iron and glass sculpture depicting a camellia tree in full bloom. It’s an artistic collaboration between welder Jamie Gomez, owner of JG Land and Marine, and artist Solange Ledwith of Swamp Girl Glass. Gomez constructed and welded the base, trunk and branches and Ledwith created the beautiful glass camellias that adorn the tree.

In addition to the sculpture, new landscaping will be added to spruce up the roundabout.

“I would like to thank the artists and everyone who worked so diligently on this project, said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “We are so fortunate to have a thriving art community in our city. This piece of art is a great addition to all the murals around our city. We are honored to support our art community and are looking forward to more public art in Slidell.”

In 2020, the City of Slidell commissioned several local artists to paint murals around the city as part of the “Celebrate Slidell Public Art Project.” The murals not only celebrated Slidell’s culture and community, but also recognized the bravery of first responders and health care heroes in the midst of a pandemic. The new camellia tree is the first sculpture in the public art series and is hopefully the first of many that will be installed around the city.

“Helping to beautify our city and encouraging public art in our community is important to me,” said Solange Ledwith, artist and owner of Swamp Girl Glass. “It was great collaborating with Jamie and I would like to thank the City of Slidell for allowing us to be a part of this project.”

Glass camellias are still being added to the tree and members of the community have a chance to be a part of this unique public art project. Individuals can sponsor a camellia for $100 and it will be added to the camellia tree. Proceeds from sponsorship will help fund future public art projects. Checks made out to the City of Slidell can be delivered to Swamp Girl Glass located at 1060 Front Street or mailed to the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs, PO Box 828, Slidell, LA, 70459.

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Slidell Movie Nights returns June 25 with Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

Grab your lawn chairs and picnic blankets and head on out to Heritage Park this summer when the City of Slidell presents Slidell Movie Nights on select Saturday evenings this summer on June 25, July 9, July 23 and August 6. The movies will begin at sunset, at roughly 8:30 p.m. Admission is free.

People are invited to bring their ice chests (and bug spray!) to the park to enjoy the free movies. Bring your appetites too, because concessions from Olde Towne Slidell Main Street will be available for a nominal charge.

The 2022 summer movie lineup includes:

  • June 25 – Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
  • July 9 – Encanto
  • July 23 – Mary Poppins
  • August 6 – Ghostbusters: Afterlife
“We do try to pick movies that both adults and children will enjoy and that are appropriate for families to watch together,” said Alex Carollo, Director of the city’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs.” If you want to know if a certain movie is suitable for your children, you can visit websites such as Kids-in-Mind and Common Sense Media for more information about objectionable content in each movie.”

Guests are encouraged to bring their ice chests, picnic baskets, blankets, and chairs to enjoy a picnic in the park. On-site catering from participating vendors will also be available for a nominal charge.

“It’s great to see so many people of all ages come out and enjoy these movies each and every year,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “This is another great family-friendly event for our community and I encourage everyone to come out to Heritage Park and join us for Slidell Movie Nights.”

Slidell Movie Nights began as a Leadership Northshore 2014 class project and the City of Slidell continues this popular outdoor event for families to continue to enjoy each summer.

Slidell Movie Nights is produced by the City of Slidell 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 2021/2022 Cultural Season Sponsors, including Edge of the Lake Magazine; Lake 94.7; Plus Publications; The Slidell Independent; Slidell Magazine; Slidell Savings Magazine; Slidell Memorial Hospital and Ochsner; In Memory of Ronnie Kole; Silver Slipper Casino; Councilman Bill & Laura Borchert; Home Instead; Lori’s Art Depot; Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien Insurance Agency; Purple Armadillo Again, LLC; P. David Carollo, Attorney-at-Law; CiCi’s Pizza; Mayor Greg Cromer; State Representative Mary DuBuisson, District 90; Dr. David Hildebrandt – Slidell Family Dentistry; Old School Eats Food Truck; Pizza Platoon; Pontchartrain Investment Management; Slidell Historic Antique Association; and Tanya Witchen – Engel & Völkers Real Estate.

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 and Instagram.

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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‘Some Enchanted Evening’ Celebrates 20th Anniversary with concert on Sunday, June 5

It’s the perfect recipe for an enchanting evening. Enjoy a picnic with family and friends, sprinkle in some great music by the Northshore Community Orchestra, add a gorgeous sunset over scenic Bayou Bonfouca and voilà! You have “Some Enchanted Evening!”

Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer and the Slidell City Council are pleased to present the twentieth annual “Some Enchanted Evening” concert on Sunday, June 5, in Heritage Park. The concert begins at 6 p.m. Admission is free.

“Some Enchanted Evening” is the perfect family event for both the young and young at heart. A celebration of family, friends and fellowship, this event encourages the community to come together to enjoy timeless music from the Northshore Community Orchestra.

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 Patriot Day ceremony and Christmas and spring 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.

Guests are encouraged to bring their ice chests, picnic baskets, blankets, and chairs to enjoy a picnic in the park. On-site catering from participating vendors will also be available for a nominal charge.

Some Enchanted Evening is brought to you by the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs, its Commission on the Arts and the city’s 2021/2022 Cultural Season Sponsors, including Edge of the Lake Magazine; Lake 94.7; Plus Publications; The Slidell Independent; Slidell Magazine; Slidell Savings Magazine; Slidell Memorial Hospital and Ochsner; In Memory of Ronnie Kole; Silver Slipper Casino; Councilman Bill & Laura Borchert; Home Instead; Lori’s Art Depot; Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien Insurance Agency; Purple Armadillo Again, LLC; P. David Carollo, Attorney-at-Law; CiCi’s Pizza; Mayor Greg Cromer; State Representative Mary DuBuisson, District 90; Dr. David Hildebrandt – Slidell Family Dentistry; Old School Eats Food Truck; Pizza Platoon; Pontchartrain Investment Management; Slidell Historic Antique Association; and Tanya Witchen – Engel & Völkers Real Estate.

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 and Instagram.

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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Some Enchanted Evening postponed until June 5 due to weather

Due to the forecasted heavy rain and thunderstorms on Sunday, May 22, Some Enchanted Evening with the Northshore Community Orchestra will be rescheduled for Sunday, June 5.

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Soul Revival to add some heart and soul to Bayou Jam concert series on April 9

The City of Slidell’s Bayou Jam Spring Concert Series continues on Saturday, April 9, with a performance by Soul Revival from 5 to 7 p.m. in Heritage Park. Admission is free.

“Bayou Jam concerts are a great way to celebrate as a community,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “We invite you to come enjoy a free concert in Heritage Park with your family and friends and start your Saturday night right here in Slidell!”

Soul Revival was formed in 2001 around core members and sisters Fadra White and Zondra White Jones. The two sisters grew up singing in church, always having a passion and natural talent for entertaining. Leading Soul Revival for over 20 years, Fadra and Zondra have a connection with each other when performing that can only be described as family! The band’s diverse song list consists of the soulful sounds of Motown, R&B, Today’s Hits and Funk. Soul Revival is a dynamic band, made up of seven fantastic musicians who bring an amazing southern Louisiana flare to all the high-energy music that will have people dancing in Heritage Park.

The Bayou Jam Fall Concert Series continues on Saturday, April 23, with a performance by Witness from 5 to 7 p.m.

Concert‐goers are invited to bring their chairs, blankets, ice chests and picnic baskets to the park to enjoy the free concerts. While the event is outdoors, attendees should follow all state mandated health and safety protocols and wear a mask if they go indoors to use the restroom facilities. Please note that park regulations prohibit pets in the park as well as the use of skateboards, scooters, barbeque grills and glass items.

The Bayou Jam concert series is brought to you by the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs, its Commission on the Arts and the city’s 2021 – 2022 Cultural Season Sponsors, including Edge of the Lake Magazine; Lake 94.7; Plus Publications; The Slidell Independent; Slidell Savings Magazine; Slidell Magazine; Slidell Memorial Hospital and Ochsner; In Memory of Ronnie Kole; Silver Slipper Casino; Councilman Bill & Laura Borchert; Home Instead; Lori’s Art Depot; Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien Insurance Agency; Purple Armadillo Again, LLC; P. David Carollo, Attorney-at-Law; CiCi’s Pizza; Mayor Greg Cromer; State Representative Mary DuBuisson, District 90; Dr. David Hildebrandt – Slidell Family Dentistry; Old School Eats Food Truck; Pizza Platoon; Pontchartrain Investment Management; Roberta’s Cleaners; Slidell Historic Antique Association; and Tanya Witchen – Engel & Völkers Real Estate.

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.

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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City of Slidell breaks ground on city section of Tammany Trace

The City of Slidell broke ground on Thursday, March 24, on the Tammany Trace to Heritage Park project at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Bayou Lane. Mayor Cromer, members of the Slidell City Council, and elected and city officials were present.

The project includes the installation of a ten-foot-wide recreational trail from Heritage Park to the east end of Strawberry Street. Upon completion of this project, St. Tammany Parish Government will complete the connection to the Trace to the existing path at Gause Blvd. W.

The City of Slidell is funding a portion of this project through a FHWA Recreational Program for Louisiana grant. The total cost of the project is approximately $681,000.

For more information about City of Slidell news and upcoming events, you can sign up for our email news list on our website at MySlidell.com or visit the “City of Slidell, Louisiana” on Facebook.

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Public WiFi now available in several Slidell parks

The City of Slidell is pleased to announce that there is now public WiFi in several public parks in the City of Slidell, Louisiana.

The City of Slidell hosted a Ribbon Cutting for the WiFi in Public Parks last week at Possum Hollow Park. Mayor Cromer, members of the Slidell City Council, and elected and city officials were in attendance.

The project included the installation of equipment that provides wireless internet at the following four parks: Veterans Memorial Park (including the tennis courts and baseball field), Ducksworth, Possum Hollow, and Griffith parks.

The City of Slidell funded this project through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program which provides annual grants to develop viable urban communities. The total cost of the project was approximately $112,000, and the work was completed by In-Telecom.

Public WiFi will eventually be added to all the city parks, including Heritage, John Slidell, and the neighborhood parks.

For more information about City of Slidell news and upcoming events, you can sign up for our email news list on our website at MySlidell.com or visit the “City of Slidell, Louisiana” on Facebook.
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Arts Evening 2022 Digital Brochure

It’s back! Arts Evening returns to Olde Towne Slidell on Saturday, March 19, from 5 to 9 p.m.

One of the largest cultural festivals on the Northshore, Arts Evening features over 100 artists displaying their works at over 40 locations in Olde Towne Slidell. In addition to the artwork, their will be live entertainment; antique, boutique and unique shopping; fine and casual dining and surprises on every corner of Olde Towne.

“It’s been three years since we have been able to have Arts Evening and I know that our citizens are ready to celebrate!” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “Bring your family and friends and join us for fantastic artwork, live entertainment, shopping and dining in Olde Towne Slidell. It’s going to be a great evening!”

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Street closures in Olde Towne on March 19 for Arts Evening

In preparation for Arts Evening on Saturday, March 19, 2022, the City of Slidell is announcing that several streets in Olde Towne Slidell will be closed to traffic during this event.

The street closings will take effect on March 19 from 12:00 to 10:00 p.m. Streets affected include areas of First Street, Erlanger Avenue, Second Street, Bouscaren Street, Cousin Street, Carey Street and Robert Street. Access to the U.S. Post Office in Olde Towne will not be obstructed.

Mayor Greg Cromer invites citizens to come view the works of over 100 artists and arts organizations that will be on display at over 30 locations throughout Olde Towne during Arts Evening, plus live entertainment from 10 different bands, antique and boutique shopping, and casual and fine dining at participating locations.

Citizens should not park within the Arts Evening street closure area on Saturday, March 19 from 12 to 10 p.m. For public safety, bollards will be placed throughout Olde Towne and any vehicles left inside the bollards will not be able to leave Olde Towne until 10 p.m. when the bollards are removed.

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

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