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Slidell’s 2025 Parade Schedule

Dear Citizens,

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

Friday, Feb. 14 • 6:30 p.m.
Krewe of Titans

Saturday, Feb. 15 • 12:00 p.m.
Krewe of Bilge (Eden Isles)

Saturday, Feb. 15 • 6:00 p.m.
Krewe of Poseidon

Sunday, Feb. 16 • 1:00 p.m.
Krewe of Antheia

Saturday, Feb. 22 • 10:00 a.m.
Krewe de Paws (Olde Towne)

Saturday, Feb. 22 • 7:00 p.m.
Mona Lisa and MoonPie (Olde Towne)

Sunday, Feb. 23 • 1:00 p.m.
Krewe of Dionysus

Friday, Feb. 28 • 6:30 p.m.
Krewe of Selene

Tuesday, March 4 • 10:00 a.m.
Krewe of Kidz (Olde Towne)

Sunday, March 9 • 1:00 p.m.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Olde Towne)

I am proud that many families choose to celebrate Mardi Gras here in Slidell. It’s wonderful 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 Bill Borchert

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Slidell Snowmageddon 2025 – Stay Safe and Stay at Home!

Slidell Mayor Bill Borchert is asking citizens to stay off the roads.
The number of car accidents being reported is increasing. Most grocery stores and restaurants are closed, with the exception of a few gas station convenience stores. If you don’t need to be on the road, please stay home! This is not only for your safety but also for the safety of our first responders.
Roads are covered in ice and several inches of snow, and it looks like the snow will continue falling until this evening. With temperatures staying below freezing, the roads will remain icy and extremely hazardous.
If you don’t have a 4-wheel-drive vehicle, driving in these conditions will be incredibly dangerous. Now is not the time to drive around and sight see. Stay off the roads.
Let’s work together to keep everyone safe!
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Letter from Mayor Borchert – Slidell Under Winter Storm Warning

Dear Citizens,
Slidell is currently under a Winter Storm Warning, and we are anticipating significant impacts from this weather event. The forecast predicts 4 to 8 inches of snow on Tuesday, with temperatures dropping below freezing every night this week.
Hazardous road conditions are expected through Wednesday and possibly into Thursday. I urge all citizens to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. This is not only for your safety but also for the safety of our first responders.
While we are not currently anticipating widespread power outages or communication disruptions, I encourage everyone to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best.
Follow the 4 P’s to stay safe during this winter storm:
  • Protect People: Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly.
  • Protect Plants: Bring outdoor plants inside or cover them to protect them from freezing temperatures.
  • Protect Pets: Bring your pets indoors to keep them warm and safe.
  • Protect Pipes: Wrap any exposed pipes and let faucets drip overnight to prevent freezing and potential damage.
Our city crews and first responders are prepared to respond to this storm, but we need your cooperation to ensure everyone’s safety. Stay at home and off the roadways and keep informed by monitoring weather updates from trusted news sources.
Stay warm and stay safe, Slidell!
Sincerely,
Mayor Bill Borchert
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Bill Borchert sworn in as the 23rd Mayor of the City of Slidell

On Monday, January 20, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., Bill Borchert officially took the oath of office to serve as Mayor of the City of Slidell. The ceremony took place at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium and was open to the public.

This transition followed the resignation of former mayor Greg Cromer, who accepted a new position with the State of Louisiana as a Legislative Affairs Officer at the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) earlier in January. Cromer had nearly a year and a half left to complete his term as mayor. In accordance with the city’s home rule charter, Borchert, who received the most votes for council-at-large in the last election, assumed the role of mayor until a special election in October 2025 to fill the remainder of Mayor Cromer’s term.

“I want to thank Mayor Cromer for his years of service and dedication to our community and wish him the best of luck in his new role,” said Mayor Borchert. “I am excited about continuing the great things that Mayor Cromer has accomplished for the City of Slidell over the last six and a half years. It has been an honor to serve the people of Slidell as a councilman for the last 16 years, and I look forward to continuing to serve the great citizens of Slidell as mayor.”

Mayor Bill Borchert, a proud Slidell resident for over 50 years and a graduate of St. Paul’s High School and Louisiana Tech University with a degree in engineering, has dedicated his career to improving the Slidell community. As a councilman, he spearheaded major initiatives, including expediting the construction of the I-12 Sound Barrier Wall along Country Club Estates, reforming retiree benefits to save taxpayers $16 million, and securing federal grants to enhance infrastructure at Heritage Park and build the Slidell Municipal Marina. His leadership in disaster relief, through efforts such as providing over 120,000 hot meals to Gulf Coast communities with the St. Margaret Mary Men’s Club Disaster Relief Team and housing volunteers after Hurricane Katrina, has earned him national recognition, including a $25,000 grant from Catholic Charities USA. Bill and his wife Laura have also raised over $20,000 for nonprofits through charity events.

A passionate supporter of the arts and cultural development, Borchert has help to revitalize Olde Towne Slidell’s economic and cultural landscape with projects like Antique Umbrella Alley and the Camellia Glass Bloom Tree. As mayor, he aims to prioritize completing the Tammany Trace into Heritage Park, revitalizing youth sports, and improving drainage infrastructure to mitigate flooding. Bill and Laura, along with their three daughters and two grandchildren, remain actively engaged in the Slidell community, supporting local businesses, arts, and civic efforts. Mayor Borchert welcomes input from residents as they work together toward the city’s continued growth and success.

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Mayor Greg Cromer’s Final Video to the Citizens of Slidell

Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer announced earlier this month that he will resign as the Mayor of the City of Slidell to accept a new role with the State of Louisiana as a Legislative Affairs Officer at the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). His final day in office will be Monday, January 20, 2025.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce that I am stepping down as your Mayor. It has truly been one of the most difficult decisions of my life,” said Cromer. “Serving the citizens of Slidell has been the best and most rewarding job of my career. I am proud to say that the City of Slidell is in better shape now than it was when I took office six years ago, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such dedicated city employees who have played a vital role in our success. Together, Team Slidell has achieved great things for our community, and I am confident that Slidell’s future remains bright.”
During his time as mayor, Cromer’s administration spearheaded numerous infrastructure improvement projects throughout the city and made significant investments in recreational facilities, including the complete renovation of the Henry J. Calamari Tennis Courts on Second Street, and new pickleball courts and a state-of-the-art skatepark at John Slidell Park. These accomplishments reflect Mayor Cromer’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Slidell residents.
Looking ahead to his new role, Mayor Cromer expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to continue to serve the Slidell community.
“I want to thank the citizens of Slidell for their trust and support throughout my time as mayor. I look forward to continuing to serve you by advocating for the needs of our region and the needs of those throughout the state in my new position with the DOTD.”
In accordance with the city’s home rule charter, Slidell City Councilman-at-Large Bill Borchert will assume the role of interim mayor. Borchert, who received the most votes for his position in the last election, will take office on January 21, 2025.
Join us on Monday, January 20, at 12 p.m. at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium as Bill Borchert takes the Oath of Office and becomes the next Mayor of the City of Slidell.
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Slidell Offices Closed January 21-22 Due to Anticipated Weather

Due to anticipated severe winter weather, all City of Slidell offices will be closed on Tuesday, January 21, and Wednesday, January 22, 2025.

Essential personnel will remain on duty to address any emergencies. Residents experiencing issues with water or sewer services are advised to contact the City Services 24-hour emergency hotline at (985) 643-6140.

Residents are advised to plan ahead and stay informed about weather conditions through reliable news sources.

Mayor Borchert strongly encourages everyone to stay indoors and off the roads during this unprecedented snow event to protect their safety and the safety of first responders.

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City Offices Closed on Monday, January 20, in Observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, city offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20. And due to anticipated inclement weather, offices will also be closed on Tuesday, January 21. Offices will reopen during regular hours on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025.

Essential personnel will remain on duty, should an emergency arise. If Slidell residents experience problems with their water or sewer service, they should call the City Services 24-hour emergency hotline at (985) 643-6140.

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City of Slidell Announces Call for Student Artists for Salad Days Exhibition

Download the Salad Days 2025 prospectus here

The City of Slidell and its Commission on the Arts are excited to announce a call for student artists for the annual Salad Days, a juried exhibition showcasing St. Tammany’s talented student artists. Students ages 5 to 19, in grades kindergarten through 12th grade and living in St. Tammany Parish are invited to submit their artwork for this unique opportunity to have their work displayed in a professional gallery setting.

This year’s juror, Charlotte Collins, is a lifelong artist and educator whose passion for creative expression, education, and community enrichment has defined her career. With a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts from Memphis College of Art, Collins has combined her talents as an artist, professor, and advocate for the arts. Her professional achievements include internationally published articles, presentations on art history and education, and teaching abroad. A dedicated member of the Slidell community, Collins has served as Director of Non-Credit Programs at Southeastern Louisiana University, bringing educational opportunities to learners of all ages. As Director of the Olde Towne Arts Center and founder of the Krewe of Mona Lisa and MoonPie, she has fostered a deep appreciation for the arts and local culture.

The Salad Days exhibition is open to K-12 students who reside in or attend school in St. Tammany Parish. Submissions will be judged in four age groups: 5 to 8, 9 to 11, 12 to 14, and 15 to 19. Each student may submit up to three pieces of original artwork. First-place winners in each category will receive a $50 prize, and all selected participants will be awarded a certificate of recognition from the City of Slidell.

Artists should submit high-resolution JPEG images of their work (maximum 300 dpi). Submissions can be emailed to culturalaffairs@cityofslidell.org or mailed on a USB flash drive to: Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall, P.O. Box 828, Slidell, LA 70459. Alternatively, digital entries may be delivered in person to the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at 250 Bouscaren, Suite 304, in the Slidell Technology and Cultural Arts Center. The submission deadline is Monday, March 10, 2025, by 4 p.m. Late entries will not be accepted.

Artists will be notified of their status by Thursday, March 13, 2025. If no notification is received by Friday, March 14, 2025, please contact (985) 646-4375. Artists whose work is selected must deliver their pieces to the Slidell Cultural Center at 2055 Second Street on Monday, March 17, from 1 to 6 p.m. or Tuesday, March 18, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For questions or additional details, please refer to the Salad Days 2025 prospectus or contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375.

Download the Salad Days 2025 prospectus here

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Bill Borchert to Take Oath of Office as Mayor of the City of Slidell on January 20

On Monday, January 20, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., Slidell Councilman-at-Large Bill Borchert will officially take the oath of office to serve as Mayor of the City of Slidell. The ceremony will take place at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium and is open to the public.

This transition follows the resignation of Mayor Greg Cromer, who accepted a new position with Gov. Landry and the State of Louisiana earlier this month as a Legislative Affairs Officer at the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). Cromer had nearly a year and a half left to complete his term as mayor.

Bill Borchert

In accordance with the city’s home rule charter, Borchert, who received the most votes for council-at-large in the last election, will assume the role of mayor until a special election is held in October 2025 to fill the remainder of Mayor Cromer’s term. Borchert’s official start date is January 20, 2025.

“I want to thank Mayor Cromer for his years of service and dedication to our community and wish him the best of luck in his new role,” said Borchert. “I am excited about continuing the great things that Mayor Cromer has accomplished for the City of Slidell over the last six and a half years. It has been an honor to serve the people of Slidell as a councilman for the last 16 years, and I look forward to continuing to serve the great citizens of Slidell as mayor.”

Borchert is a dedicated public servant and active member of the Slidell community for over five decades. He was elected to the Slidell City Council in 2008. Originally from West Virginia, he moved to Slidell in 1971 and quickly made Slidell his home. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Borchert has applied his analytical skills and problem-solving expertise to address the needs of the Slidell community. He is married to Laura Borchert, an accomplished attorney practicing in Slidell.

For the past six years and a half years, Borchert has regularly served as acting mayor when Mayor Cromer was out of office for more than five business days, as specified by the city charter. His experience in this capacity has prepared him to take on the responsibilities of serving as mayor.

All residents are invited to attend the Oath of Office ceremony on January 20, 2025, to show their support for Mayor Bill Borchert as he begins this new chapter of leadership for the City of Slidell.

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Greg Cromer Resigns as Mayor of Slidell; Accepts New Position with the State of Louisiana

‘It has truly been one of the most difficult decisions of my life’

Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer has announced that he will resign as the Mayor of the City of Slidell to accept a new role with the State of Louisiana as a Legislative Affairs Officer at the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). His final day in office will be Monday, January 20, 2025.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce that I am stepping down as your Mayor. It has truly been one of the most difficult decisions of my life,” said Cromer. “Serving the citizens of Slidell has been the best and most rewarding job of my career. I am proud to say that the City of Slidell is in better shape now than it was when I took office six years ago, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such dedicated city employees who have played a vital role in our success. Together, Team Slidell has achieved great things for our community, and I am confident that Slidell’s future remains bright.”

During his time as mayor, Cromer’s administration spearheaded numerous infrastructure improvement projects throughout the city and made significant investments in recreational facilities, including the complete renovation of the Henry J. Calamari Tennis Courts on Second Street, and new pickleball courts and a state-of-the-art skatepark at John Slidell Park. These accomplishments reflect Mayor Cromer’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Slidell residents.

Looking ahead to his new role, Mayor Cromer expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to continue to serve the Slidell community.

“I want to thank the citizens of Slidell for their trust and support throughout my time as mayor. I look forward to continuing to serve you by advocating for the needs of our region and the needs of those throughout the state in my new position with the DOTD.”

In accordance with the city’s home rule charter, Slidell City Councilman-at-Large Bill Borchert will assume the role of interim mayor. Borchert, who received the most votes for his position in the last election, will take office on January 20, 2025.

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