The City of Slidell is thrilled to announce the return of the King of Christmas, Vince Vance and the Valiants, to Heritage Park for the Bayou Jam Christmas Spectacular on Friday, Dec. 13. The concert will kick-off Slidell’s Bayou Christmas and the festivities begin at 6 p.m., and admission is free.

“Vince Vance and the Valiants and Slidell’s Bayou Christmas are  both beloved in our community and they are the perfect way to celebrate the Christmas season in Slidell,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “Their energy and holiday spirit bring joy to all ages, and this event is a wonderful way for families to come together and celebrate the magic of the season.”

Hailing from New Orleans, Vince Vance and the Valiants are known for their high-energy performances that blend country, pop, and rock ’n’ roll with costume changes, comic skits, and vaudeville flair. Their iconic holiday single, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” has charted on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart six times and was named the No. 6 Merriest Video of All Time by Country Music Television.

In addition to their holiday hits, Vince Vance and the Valiants are celebrated for songs like “I am New Orleans,” a heartfelt anthem written after Hurricane Katrina. Vance was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2010.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their chairs, blankets, ice chests, picnic baskets, sweaters, and jackets to enjoy the concert under the stars. Concessions will be available on-site for a nominal charge.

Slidell’s Bayou Christmas will transform Heritage Park into a winter wonderland from Dec. 13-14 and 20-23, featuring thousands of twinkling lights, live entertainment, art and craft vendors, delicious food, skating rink, kiddie rides, and free pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Admission is free.

For more information about the Bayou Jam Christmas Spectacular, please contact the City of Slidell Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. Stay informed about all city news and events by visiting MySlidell.com and follow the City of Slidell Facebook page for the latest updates.

In the event of inclement weather, updates or cancellation announcements will be made by 1 p.m. on the day of the event. Please check the city’s website or Facebook page for the latest information.

Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer invites you to a festive evening of music with the Northshore Community Orchestra on Thursday, December 19, at 7:00 p.m. at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium. This cherished holiday tradition is free to the public and promises to fill the season with the sounds of joy and celebration.

The Northshore Community Orchestra, the only symphony orchestra in St. Tammany Parish, is dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of music for both youth and adults. Established in 1987, the orchestra has continuously brought together musicians of all ages and backgrounds to perform a diverse repertoire, including classical, jazz, pop, folk, ethnic, traditional, movie themes, and Broadway hits. The orchestra regularly participates in community events, such as Some Enchanted Evening and Slidell’s annual Christmas concerts.

Musicians hail from Slidell, St. Tammany Parish, and surrounding areas across the Greater New Orleans region and south Mississippi. The orchestra’s members reflect a wide range of backgrounds, from students and educators to medical professionals, engineers, scientists, homemakers, and retirees. The ensemble’s diverse age range includes its youngest member at just 9 years old and its oldest in his 80s. Many families share the joy of music together, with parents, children, siblings, and spouses performing side by side.

The orchestra has been conducted by Slidell native Mrs. Susan Messina since 2006. With over 30 years of experience as a music educator and a master’s degree in music from Southeastern Louisiana University, Mrs. Messina brings her passion and expertise to the ensemble. A seasoned band director and private music instructor, she continues to inspire musicians of all ages through her leadership.

The concert will take place at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium, 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.

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.

The City of Slidell is lighting up the holiday season with exciting family events that promise to bring cheer and joy to the community. From light displays and live performances to family-friendly activities, Slidell is the place to celebrate the spirit of Christmas. All events offer free admission.

“The Christmas season is a time for our community to come together and celebrate,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “Christmas is my favorite time of year, where we get to spend cherished time with family and friends. I invite everyone to join us for these Christmas events and experience the joy of the holiday season in Slidell.”

Christmas Under the Stars

  • When: Dec. 6 – Jan. 2, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Where: Griffith Park (333 Erlanger Street)
    A treasured Slidell tradition, featuring Big Santa, the life-size Christmas Cottages by Lori Anselmo, Santa’s Magical Mailbox, Christmas Playhouses by the Rosies, and the new Community Christmas Tree.
  • Special Event: Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Dec. 6 and Dec. 7, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Christmas on Front

  • When: Dec. 6 – Jan. 2
  • Where: Front Street
    A drive-through animated light display for the whole family.

Parade of Trees

  • When: Dec. 6 – Jan. 2
  • Where: Carey Street Park (corner of Carey and Robert streets in Olde Towne)
    Christmas trees decorated by local schools, churches, and community organizations will be on display for all to enjoy.

Slidell’s Bayou Christmas

  • When: Dec. 13-14 & Dec. 20-23, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Where: Heritage Park (1701 Bayou Lane)
    This event features animated light displays, Slidell’s Nativity by Lori Anselmo, live entertainment, craft vendors, food and drinks, kiddie rides, and an ice skating rink.

Bayou Jam Christmas Spectacular with Vince Vance and the Valiants

  • When: Friday, Dec. 13, 6:00 PM
  • Where: Heritage Park
    Kick off Slidell’s Bayou Christmas with a high-energy concert from Vince Vance and the Valiants.

Community Caroling with the Slidell Women’s Civic Club

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 6:30 PM
  • Where: Heritage Park
    Gather with the community to sing along to beloved Christmas carols.

Slidell Movie Nights presents “Elf”

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 7:30 PM
  • Where: Heritage Park
    Enjoy the holiday classic “Elf” under the stars with family and friends.

Holiday Concert with the Northshore Community Orchestra

  • When: Thursday, Dec. 19, 7:00 PM
  • Where: Slidell Auditorium (2056 Second Street)
    An evening of live holiday music performed by the Northshore Community Orchestra.

The City of Slidell would like to thank our media sponsors for supporting the arts in Slidell, including Edge of the Lake Magazine, Inside Northside, Lake 94.7, Plus Publications, The Slidell Independent, Slidell Savings Magazine, and Sophisticated Woman Magazine.

For more information about these events, 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 Mayor Greg Cromer and the members of the Slidell City Council would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

In observation of the Thanksgiving holiday, city offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29, and will reopen during regular hours on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024.

Essential personnel will remain on duty. 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.

Agenda (PDF)

Information about the Olde Towne Preservation District Commission

The Olde Towne Preservation District Commission’s December meeting will be held on Dec 11th at 5 pm.  The location is 2045 Second Street, 3rd floor.

The City of Slidell advises motorists that West Hall Ave from S Pine St to S Carnation St will be closed for construction from Monday, November 25th to Wednesday, November 27th.

The City apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciates the cooperation of the public during this time.

 

Mayor Greg Cromer invites the community to join the City of Slidell for the annual Olde Towne Slidell Community Christmas Golf Cart Parade on Saturday, November 30, at 5 p.m.

This festive event kicks off the holiday season with a parade led by Slidell Synch Lawn Chair Brigade, known for their entertaining routines featuring holiday-themed lawn chairs. Following them will be a procession of elaborately decorated golf carts and a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, riding in an antique fire truck.

“This year, the Christmas Parade coincides with Small Business Saturday,” said Mayor Cromer. “While you’re enjoying the festivities in Olde Towne, I encourage everyone to support the unique shops and fantastic restaurants that Olde Towne has to offer. It’s a great way to celebrate the season and support our local businesses.”

To ensure a safe and enjoyable event, street closures in Olde Towne Slidell will begin at 2:30 p.m. on the day of the parade. Please see the map for the street closures. Once the bollards are in place, vehicles within the No Parking Zone will not be able to exit until after 8 p.m., when the parade concludes and bollards are removed. Additionally, “Special Event No Parking” signs will be posted throughout Olde Towne. Residents and visitors are urged to avoid parking vehicles in the area after 2:30 p.m.

For more information about the parade or street closures, contact the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375.

The City of Slidell advises motorists that Cousin St., from 7th St. to 11th St, will be closed for
roadway construction on Wednesday, November 20th through Friday, November 22nd.

The City apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciates the cooperation
of the public during this time.

Agenda (PDF)

Information about the Olde Towne Preservation District Commission