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City of Slidell Announces “Celebrate America 250” Golf Cart Parade in Olde Towne on July 4

Download the registration form here

Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal invites the public to participate in the “Celebrate America 250” Community Golf Cart Parade in Olde Towne Slidell on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 2 p.m.

The patriotic parade will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and encourage participants to showcase their creativity by decorating golf carts in patriotic themes or anything that celebrates American culture, including sports, arts, entertainment, music, history, and pop culture. Participation in the parade is free and offers families, friends, businesses, and community groups a fun way to celebrate Independence Day and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

“This will be a fun way for our community to come together and celebrate America’s birthday,” said Mayor Randy Fandal. “We encourage participants to decorate their golf carts, show their patriotic spirit, and help make this a memorable Fourth of July celebration in Olde Towne Slidell.”

Even those who do not participate in the parade are encouraged to come out and enjoy the festivities. The Olde Towne Merchants Association will also host an Independence Day celebration on Cousin Street beginning at 4 p.m., featuring live entertainment, food and drinks, and fireworks. Additional event information and the finalized parade route will be announced soon.

Completed parade registration forms must be submitted to the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs no later than Monday, June 29, 2026, either by email at culturalaffairs@cityofslidell.org or by mail to P.O. Box 828, Slidell, LA 70459. Participation is limited to the first 100 golf carts to submit registration forms, and late entries will not be accepted.

For public safety reasons, side-by-side vehicles and all-terrain vehicles will not be permitted in the parade. Participants may hand out items such as beads, plastic cups, individually wrapped candy, stuffed animals, plastic toys, and similar throws, but items with hard edges or sharp points are prohibited. Lewd or profane costumes, decorations, music, language, or throws will not be allowed.

The registration form can be found on the City of Slidell’s website at MySlidell.com. For more information, please contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 or culturalaffairs@cityofslidell.org.

 

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Scheduled Water Shut Down Notice for Sections of Palm Springs, Sun Valley and Arrowhead Drive

Water will be shut down in the follow areas on Thursday, May 21 at 8 A.M. in order to upgrade our water system:

105-176 Palm Springs Dr 

 105-178 Sun Valley Dr.

 3906-3939 Arrowhead Dr

We apologize for any inconvenience created by this shut down and thank you for your cooperation.

You may contact our office if you have any questions. (985 646-4291).

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Mixed Media Exhibit Opens at George Dunbar Gallery Featuring Artists from Across the Gulf South

Artists, their families and friends, and members of the community gathered at the George Dunbar Gallery on Friday, May 8, for the opening reception of Mixed Media, an annual juried exhibition showcasing artwork created with two or more mediums.

Nina Dunbar

This year’s juror, Nina Dunbar, had the difficult task of curating the show from 120 entries submitted by artists across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Texas. Due to gallery space limitations, roughly 70 percent of the entries could not be accepted for display, making the final selection highly competitive.

“Congratulations to all the artists! The talent on display in this gallery is outstanding!” said Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal. “I would like to thank Nina Dunbar for serving as our juror, and I’d also like to encourage all of our residents and visitors to come view the exhibit.”

Dunbar, a Slidell native with more than 30 years of experience as a nonprofit executive, fundraiser, and arts advocate, served as the juror for this year’s exhibit. The daughter of George Dunbar, she holds a Master of Arts in Arts Management from the University of New Orleans and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Art Education from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art. She currently serves as Deputy General Director of Opera Santa Barbara and is the principal of Change | Practice | Play, a consultancy focused on strategic planning, development, and grant writing for nonprofit organizations. Throughout her distinguished career, Dunbar has held leadership roles with organizations in California, Arizona, and Louisiana and has contributed to numerous public art initiatives across the United States and internationally.

This year’s exhibit features artwork by Connie Born, Dean Born, Carolyn Busenlener, Mary Christopher, Moira Crone, Tanya DiMaggio, Kaylin Duong, Stacey Farrell, Charles Gudaitis, Gene Guidry, Carol Hutcherson, Linda Lawrence, Christin Margaret (Zelenka), Laya Marie, Hannah Marks, Shayla Matthews, Lil Range, Lionel Reese Jr., Elvira Rizaeva, Joey Roberts, Mia Simmons, Kevin Walgamotte, John Wax, J.R. Welch, and Colleen Wright.

Congratulations to our winners:

• 1st Place: Charles Gudaitis – “Castings (3D Painting No. 29)”
• 2nd Place: Dean Born – “All Things in Balance”
• 3rd Place: Kaylin Duong – “Grandparents Garden”

Honorable Mentions:

• Tanya DiMaggio – “Leica” and “Yellow Tulips I”
• Kaylin Duong – “Grandma’s Kitchen”
• Carol Hutcherson – “Pollution”
• Joey Roberts – “Maji Safi”

Mixed Media is currently on display at the George Dunbar Gallery in the Slidell Cultural Center, located at 2055 Second Street inside City Hall, through June 25. Admission is free.

Gallery hours are Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment.

Please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 to schedule your visit. Same-day appointments are usually available.

Juror Nina Dunbar, Charles Gudaitis, Mayor Randy Fandal

Juror Nina Dunbar, Dean Born, Mayor Randy Fandal

Juror Nina Dunbar, Kaylin Duong, Mayor Randy Fandal

Juror Nina Dunbar, Mayor Randy Fandal, Carol Hutcherson

 

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NEW DATE! Enjoy an ‘Enchanting’ Evening of Music on Sunday, June 14

UPDATE: 5/7/26, 3:00 PM: Due to a scheduling conflict, Some Enchanted Evening with the Northshore Community Orchestra has been rescheduled for Sunday, June 14, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium. The press release below has been updated.

Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal, the Slidell City Council, and the Slidell Commission on the Arts are pleased to present the 24th annual Some Enchanted Evening concert on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium. The concert begins at 3 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.

The Slidell Municipal Auditorium is located at 2056 Second Street in Olde Towne Slidell. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Concessions will be available for purchase.

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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City of Slidell Announces Opening Reception for Mixed Media 2026 on May 8

Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal and the Slidell Commission on the Arts invite the public to attend the opening reception for Mixed Media 2026 on Friday, May 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the George Dunbar Gallery, located in the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall.

This dynamic exhibition showcases innovative artwork created using two or more artistic mediums, highlighting the creativity and versatility of artists from across Louisiana and the Gulf South. The exhibit features works by local and regional artists from Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, and Texas.

Nina Dunbar

Serving as juror for this year’s exhibition is Nina Dunbar, a Slidell native with more than 30 years of experience as a nonprofit executive, fundraiser, and arts advocate. Dunbar holds a Master of Arts in Arts Management from the University of New Orleans and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Art Education from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art. She currently serves as Deputy General Director of Opera Santa Barbara and is the principal of Change | Practice | Play, a consultancy focused on strategic planning, development, and grant writing for nonprofit organizations. Throughout her distinguished career, Dunbar has held leadership roles with organizations in California, Arizona, and Louisiana, and has contributed to numerous public art initiatives across the United States and internationally.

Mixed Media 2026 will remain on display from May 11 through June 26, 2026. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment only. Same-day appointments are available by calling the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375.

Admission to both the opening reception and exhibition is free and open to the public.

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CANCELLED: Bayou Jam concert with Amanda Shaw to be rescheduled due to weather

Due to this morning’s heavy thunderstorms, and more expected this afternoon, we’re canceling today’s Bayou Jam concert featuring Amanda Shaw.
We know a lot of you were looking forward to it, and we were too. The good news is we’re working to reschedule for a later date.
The safety of our staff, volunteers, crew, and performers always comes first. Thanks for understanding, and we’ll share the new date as soon as it’s scheduled.
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Slidell Kicks Off Mobility Master Plan, Seeks Public Input on Future Transportation Needs

The City of Slidell has launched a Mobility Master Plan to guide future transportation improvements across all modes of travel, with multiple opportunities for the public to help set priorities.

This effort is funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods (RCN) Grant Program, which supports projects that expand access to daily needs, reconnect communities, and advance equitable outcomes, with a focus on disadvantaged communities.

The Mobility Master Plan will evaluate existing transportation systems, identify gaps, and develop multimodal solutions aimed at reducing congestion and emissions, guiding future growth, and enhancing overall quality of life. The plan will cover the City of Slidell and surrounding areas and is scheduled to take place from November 2025 through fall 2027.

The final plan will document existing conditions, identify recommended projects and solutions, and outline funding and implementation strategies.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to participate in upcoming events:

  • Bayou Jam Pop-Up — April 26, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Heritage Park
  • Community Open House — April 30, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., City Hall
  • North Slidell Library Pop-Up — May 7, 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., North Slidell Library
  • Slidell Farmers Market Pop-Up — May 9, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., City Hall Courtyard

More information about the Mobility Master Plan is available at bit.ly/Slidell_MMP, where residents can also complete an online survey. The survey includes budgeting and mapping exercises designed to ensure community priorities are reflected in the plan. Visitors can also sign up to receive email updates.

“The Mobility Master Plan will evaluate our existing transportation systems, identify gaps, and develop practical solutions for all modes of travel,” said Daniel McElmurray, Director of Planning for the City of Slidell. “Whether you drive, walk, bike, or use a golf cart, we want to hear from you.”

The Community Open House on April 30 will provide a one-stop opportunity for residents to learn about and provide input on several city initiatives. In addition to the Mobility Master Plan, information will be available on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan, the Vacant Commercial Property Assessment, and flood protection efforts.

Individuals requiring ADA accommodations, interpretation services, or other assistance should contact SlidellMMP@gmail.com at least seven days prior to an event.

Media Contact:
Slidell Mobility Master Plan Team
SlidellMMP@gmail.com

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Monster Crawfish to Perform at Slidell’s Bayou Jam Concert Series on May 3

The City of Slidell’s Bayou Jam Spring Concert Series continues on Sunday, May 3, with a performance by Monster Crawfish at 5 p.m. in Heritage Park. Now celebrating its 23rd year, the Bayou Jam concert series offers residents and visitors premier musical entertainment in a family-friendly, outdoor setting. Admission to all concerts in the series is free to the public.

“Monster Crawfish was originally scheduled last fall, but due to inclement weather, the concert had to be rescheduled,” said Mayor Randy Fandal. “We want to support them for their Bayou Jam concert, and I encourage everyone to gather their family and friends, head down to Heritage Park, and enjoy a great evening of free music and community fun.”

Bringing high-octane energy and a massive sonic footprint to every stage they hit, Monster Crawfish has solidified its reputation as one of the region’s premier variety bands. Boasting an expansive repertoire that seamlessly bridges classic rock, oldies, country, hip-hop, and today’s Top 40 hits, the group delivers a versatile, cross-generational appeal that keeps dance floors packed from the first note to the final encore. The band features the professional talents of Gary Fortier, Autumn Swanton, James Clark, and Chris Primm. These seasoned musicians all contribute powerhouse vocals to every performance. Their extensive resume includes headlining gigs at Treasure Chest, Silver Slipper, and Hollywood casinos, as well as cultural events like the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival and the Abita Springs Crawfish Festival. Monster Crawfish provides a high-energy experience guaranteed to get the guests dancing and singing.

The Bayou Jam Spring/Summer 2026 schedule:

  • Sunday, May 31: Audio Beach
  • Sunday, June 7: Bobby Ohler and the Harbor Band
  • Sunday, June 14: Some Enchanted Evening with the Northshore Community Orchestra

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, ice chests, and picnic baskets to the park. Concessions will also be available for purchase. In the event of inclement weather, the city will announce cancellation decisions by 1 p.m. on the day of the event. Updates will be posted on the city’s website, MySlidell.com, and on the “City of Slidell” Facebook page. For more information regarding the Bayou Jam concert series, please contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 or visit MySlidell.com.

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Amanda Shaw Kicks-Off 2026 Bayou Jam Spring Concert Series

UPDATE (4/26/26, 11:30 a.m.): Due to this morning’s heavy thunderstorms, and more expected this afternoon, we’re canceling today’s Bayou Jam concert featuring Amanda Shaw. We know a lot of you were looking forward to it, and we were too. The good news is we’re working to reschedule for a later date. The safety of our staff, volunteers, crew, and performers always comes first. Thanks for understanding, and we’ll share the new date as soon as it’s scheduled.

The City of Slidell is tuning up for another season of music along the bayou as Mayor Randy Fandal announces the return of the Bayou Jam spring concert series. The festivities begin on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 5 p.m. in Heritage Park with a performance by Louisiana’s own fiddle sensation, Amanda Shaw.

Now celebrating its 23rd year, the Bayou Jam concert series offers residents and visitors premier musical entertainment in a family-friendly, outdoor setting. Admission to all concerts in the series is free to the public.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Amanda Shaw back to Bayou Jam,” said Mayor Randy Fandal. “She is an amazing artist who truly embodies the spirit of Louisiana music. I encourage everyone to gather their family and friends, head down to Heritage Park, and enjoy a great evening of free music and community fun.”

Opening the series, Amanda Shaw brings over two decades of experience to the stage. She is a powerhouse of Louisiana music, blending deep-rooted Cajun influences with a high-energy mix of rock and pop. A violin prodigy since childhood, Shaw was raised in the vibrant New Orleans music scene. This unique upbringing allowed her to fuse classic fiddle techniques with the jazz, blues, and funk sounds of the city. By the age of 15, she had already secured a record deal with Rounder Records and appeared in Disney films, establishing herself as a versatile artist determined to redefine fiddle music.

Throughout her prolific career, Shaw has become a mainstay of American pop culture, performing on national stages such as the Today show and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Her music reflects a joyful intersection of her heritage, drawing from her father’s Louisiana roots and her mother’s Guatemalan culture. As she prepares for her latest project—collaborating with Dolly Parton’s longtime bandleader, Kent Wells—Shaw continues to push the boundaries of the Americana genre. Her work remains a dedicated celebration of community and tradition, ensuring that Louisiana’s unique musical legacy stays modern and forward-moving.

The Bayou Jam Spring/Summer 2026 schedule:

  • Sunday, April 26: Amanda Shaw
  • Sunday, May 3: Monster Crawfish
  • Sunday, May 31: Audio Beach
  • Sunday, June 7: Bobby Ohler and the Harbor Band
  • Sunday, June 14: Some Enchanted Evening with the Northshore Community Orchestra

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, ice chests, and picnic baskets to the park. Concessions will also be available for purchase.

In the event of inclement weather, the city will announce cancellation decisions by 1 p.m. on the day of the event. Updates will be posted on the city’s website, MySlidell.com, and on the “City of Slidell” Facebook page.

For more information regarding the Bayou Jam concert series, please contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 or visit MySlidell.com.

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PUBLIC NOTICE: Public Hearing and Review on the City’s 2026-2027 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan

The City of Slidell invites public review and comment on the City’s 2026-2027 Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan.

As part of the public review process, the 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan will be available for
review and comment on Thursday, April 30, 2026, 9am to 7pm during an Open House hosted by
the City of Slidell, which is being held in the Mayor’s Community Room, First Floor City Hall, 2055
Second Street, Slidell, LA 70458. A public hearing presentation will be held from 10:00am to
11:00am to discuss the overall performance of the CDBG program, past projects and the
proposed submission of the 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan.

The 2026-2027 CDBG Annual Action Plan identifies the specific projects the City will fund with
Community Development Block Grant Funds. The CDBG funds allocated to the City of Slidell for
FY 2026-2027 are $207,801. The City proposes utilizing 80 % of the allocation received for project
activities within the COBG Target Area CT409 and 20% for Administration and Planning.
Proposed projects include but are not limited to public facility and infrastructure improvements;
creating partnerships; urgent need public facility and public service activities, fair housing
education and administration. No displacement of persons will occur.
All residents, particularly low to moderate income persons, are encouraged to attend the open
house and public hearing.

A draft of the action plan is available for review at the City of Slidell Planning Department from
8:30am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) and on the City’s website at
www.mysllidell.com May 1, 2026, through June 4, 2026. To request a particular accommodation,
for inquiries about accessibility, comments, or to ask questions, email cdbg@cityofslidell.org,;
call 985-646-4320, or deliver written requests to CDBG, c/o Planning Department, 250 Bouscaren
Street, Suite 203, Slidell, LA 70458 24 hours prior to the meeting.

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