Happening in Avoyelles📣

Check out these events happening!

Paragon’s SIP Fest Returns August 8 🍷

Sip, dine and give back
Paragon Casino Resort will host its third annual SIP Wine & Spirit Fest fundraiser Saturday, Aug. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Mári Showroom in Marksville.
The event will feature gourmet food, samples of premium wines and spirits and live music by Troy Marks & No Idea.
Proceeds will benefit United Way of Central Louisiana, Faith House, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Atchafalaya River Rescue.

“SIP Wine & Spirit Fest has become one of our favorite traditions because it brings together our community for a great cause,” said Marshall Ray Sampson Sr., general manager of Paragon Casino Resort. “Giving back has always been at the heart of Paragon’s mission, and we’re proud to host an event that allows us to support organizations that make a lasting impact. On the heels of the devastating weather we’ve had this summer, it’s more important than ever to be active participants in the community.”

Atchafalaya River Rescue, a nonprofit organization based in Simmesport, said it was honored to be included in the fundraiser for the second consecutive year.

• General admission is $30 and includes entry, a tasting plate of food and six beverage samples.
• Additional beverage tickets will be available for $2 each.
• Guests must be 21 or older.

The Mári Showroom is located at 711 Paragon Place in Marksville. Tickets and resort reservations are available at paragoncasinoresort.com.

Livestock Show Validation Deadlines Approaching 🐄

Avoyelles Parish 4-H and FFA livestock exhibitors are reminded to begin preparing for upcoming LSU AgCenter parish, district and state livestock show validation and possession deadlines.

• The first deadline is Friday, Aug. 14, for steers. Animals must be validated by the exhibitor and submitted to the parish LSU AgCenter office by that date.
• Validation kits cost $7 per animal. Only market and commercial animals require DNA samples.
• Validation for Brahman-influence steers requires a $25 blood sample fee, with no additional $7 validation charge.

The deadline for beef and dairy commercial heifers, market lambs, commercial ewes, market goats and commercial does is Nov. 9. Market and commercial hogs must be validated by Dec. 1. Rabbit meat pens must be validated by the exhibitor through 4-H Online by Jan. 19, 2027.

Validation generally includes tagging the animal, collecting the required hair or DNA sample and returning the properly identified validation envelope and fee to the local LSU AgCenter office. Exhibitors must also enter the animal’s information into the 4-H Online system before the applicable possession deadline.

The exhibitor or parent is responsible for entering information online, tagging the animal and collecting required samples. An LSU AgCenter agent or FFA adviser must be present and may assist with the process.

Animals must remain in the exhibitor’s continuous possession from validation through the LSU AgCenter State Livestock Show. Animals may be validated in the exhibitor’s name or a family name that includes parents, legal guardians, brothers and sisters. Animals validated under a family name must later be entered in the name of the exhibitor who will show the animal.

Animals previously tagged for the 2026 State Fair of Louisiana may use the same State Fair tag for LSU AgCenter State Show validation. However, a new DNA sample must be submitted.
Breeding animal possession dates are: - Nov. 9 for beef, sheep, goats, dairy breeding animals and exhibition poultry;
- Nov. 16 for miniature cattle;
- Dec. 1 for market hogs and swine breeding animals;
- Dec. 18 for exhibition rabbits.

Anyone seeking a validation hardship must contact the district or state show manager within seven days after the missed deadline and immediately submit supporting documentation. Hardship requests are reviewed individually and are approved only when the circumstances are determined to have been unavoidable.

Exhibitors should contact the Avoyelles Parish LSU AgCenter office at 318-964-2245 or speak with their FFA adviser to request validation kits and confirm all requirements.

Employers Now Handle Youth Work Certificates 📄

Louisiana schools no longer issue or approve work permits.
Louisiana has changed the process minors must follow before beginning a job. Under House Bill 232, which became Act 61 and took effect May 11, schools and school districts are no longer responsible for issuing, approving or maintaining youth employment certificates, commonly called work permits.

Minors ages 14 through 17 must still complete an employment certificate before beginning work. The new law shifts responsibility for the process from schools to employers.

Employers must: - Obtain written authorization from the minor’s parent or legal guardian,
- Verify the minor’s age and complete the required employment certificate documentation. The completed form must then be submitted as directed by Louisiana Works.

A certificate is valid only for the employer listed on the form. If a minor changes employers, a new certificate must be completed. Employers must keep the certificate on file throughout the minor’s employment and for at least 14 days after the employment ends.

Parents and students seeking employment should now work directly with the prospective employer regarding the required paperwork. The change affects only the certificate process and does not remove other state restrictions governing the hours and types of work permitted for minors.

Forms and additional information are available through the Louisiana Works Youth Employment Certificate Program.

Chef Roy Guilbeau to Lead Free Cooking Class 👨‍🍳

Unity Park will present a free Garden to Table community cooking class with Chef Roy Guilbeau at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, at the Cottonport Historical Museum.
Guilbeau, owner and chef of La Petite Affaire Café, will lead participants through an afternoon of fresh, seasonal cooking.

The hands-on class will feature: - Homemade basil pesto
- A fresh seasonal salad with homemade vinaigrette.

Participants will have an opportunity to learn, cook and taste the dishes prepared during the program.

The free class will be held at the Cottonport Historical Museum, located at 220 Cottonport Ave. in Cottonport. The event is presented by Unity Park, Cottonport’s Community Health and Fitness Park, and funded by The Rapides Foundation.

For more information about the class, call 318-443-3394.

B-Free Class held Thursdays at Centerpoint Pentecostal Church

Centerpoint Pentecostal Church will host B-Free at CPC every Thursday night at 7 p.m. at the church, located at 1473 Effie Highway in Deville.

The class is open to those who may be struggling with addiction, depression, loneliness or other life obstacles.

Organizers said the class is a time for fellowship, support and sharing, with Christ at the center.

A meal will be served at each class. Participants are encouraged to bring a friend or family member. All are welcome.

The class is for adults 18 and older. Those under 18 must attend with a family member over the age of 18.

Organizers said the class is a judgment-free zone where private conversations stay private.

For more information, or if transportation is needed, contact Amanda Smith at 318-305-3194 or Scotty Smith at 318-419-0980.

Good Food Project invites homeschool students to Garden-Based classes

The Good Food Project at the Food Bank of Central Louisiana is inviting homeschool students in kindergarten through 12th grade to participate in free, hands-on lessons during the 2026-2027 school year.

The program combines nutrition and healthy living education with interactive activities, time in the organization’s onsite garden, recipe preparation and opportunities to taste fresh, healthy foods.

Students will learn where food comes from while connecting lessons in science, nutrition, gardening and cooking. The program is designed to help children develop healthy eating habits and learn about sustainable gardening in an engaging environment.

Lessons will be held during the first and third weeks of September through November and February through April. A “Potato Dig” event will be held in May to celebrate the end of the school year.

Class times are:

• Kindergarten through second grade: Thursdays from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
• Third through fifth grades: Wednesdays from 8:30 to 10 a.m.
• Sixth through eighth grades: Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon
• Ninth through 12th grades: Wednesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Registration is limited to 20 students per grade or class.

The Good Food Project Model Community Garden is located at 3223 Baldwin Ave. in Alexandria.

For more information, contact School Garden Coordinator Georgette Waters at gwaters@fbcenla.org or 318-445-2773, extension 213.

Community Resource Event set for August 5 in Bunkie

A Community Resource Event will be held Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bunkie General Pharmacy, located at 302 Floyd St. in Bunkie.

The event will give residents an opportunity to connect with local health organizations and learn about services available in the community.

Featured resources will include smoking cessation, Bunkie Home Care, the BGH Wellness Center and the BGH Wound Care Center.

Health education, helpful information, door prizes and refreshments will also be available.

Residents are encouraged to attend, bring a friend and learn more about resources available to support individuals and families in the Bunkie area.

For more information, call 318-346-6681.

St. Mary’s to host Seminarian Send-Off and Fish Fry Aug. 9

St. Mary’s Assumption Catholic Church in Cottonport will host a Seminarian Send-Off and “Fishers of Men” Fish Fry on Sunday, Aug. 9, to support Diocese of Alexandria seminarians as they begin another semester of formation.

The event will follow the 9:30 a.m. Mass, with meals served beginning at 10:30 a.m. in St. Mary’s gymnasium, located at 820 Front St. in Cottonport.

Plates are $12 and include fried fish, white beans, coleslaw and a roll. Cakes will also be available for purchase.

Guests may pick up their meals or remain at the gym to visit with the seminarians.

Tickets are available from Vocations Ministry members, Tammy Bernard or the St. Mary’s church office. Tickets will also be sold following selected Masses.

For additional information, call 318-305-1730.

Mobile Food Pantry to visit Simmesport Aug. 17

The Food Bank of Central Louisiana’s Mobile Food Pantry will make an Avoyelles Parish stop in Simmesport from 8 to 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 17.
The food distribution will be held at Tree of Calvary Baptist Church, located at 1047 Holloway Blvd. in Simmesport.
The mobile pantry travels throughout Central Louisiana to bring food assistance directly to residents in communities across the region.

Residents who may need food assistance, or who know a family member, friend or neighbor who could benefit from the distribution, are encouraged to share the information.
The Simmesport stop is the only Avoyelles Parish location listed on the Food Bank’s August 2026 mobile pantry schedule.
For additional information, call the Food Bank of Central Louisiana at 318-445-2773.

Women’s Self-Defense classes begin Aug. 7

Ronin Martial Arts will begin offering monthly women’s self-defense classes Friday, Aug. 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. Classes will continue on the first Friday of each month.

The course is open to women ages 15 and older.
No previous experience or minimum level of physical ability is required.
Participants should wear comfortable clothing.

Classes will be taught by Sensei Chris Bordelon at Ronin Martial Arts, 8296 La. Highway 1, Suite A, in Simmesport.
The cost is $10 per class and free for parents of current students.
To register or for more information call or text (318) 359-1251.

Angola Prison Rodeo tickets now available

Tickets are now on sale for the 60th anniversary season of the Angola Prison Rodeo, held every Sunday in October at the Louisiana State Penitentiary.
Known as “The Wildest Show in the South,” the Angola Prison Rodeo has drawn visitors from across Louisiana and beyond for six decades.
The event combines traditional rodeo competition, live entertainment, a large hobby and craft exhibition featuring items made by incarcerated individuals.

Gates will open at 8 a.m. each Sunday, giving visitors time to explore the grounds, enjoy live music and shop before rodeo events begin at 2 p.m. in the arena.

Fan-favorite competitions will include: - bareback riding - wild horse races - chariot racing - bull riding

The rodeo also includes other family-friendly events and performances throughout the day.

Visitors may shop one of the nation’s largest prison hobby craft exhibitions.
Items for sale include jewelry, leather goods, furniture, woodwork, paintings and other handcrafted pieces.
Cash and major credit cards will be accepted for hobby craft purchases.

General admission tickets are $25 for most seating sections.
Premium seating in Sections 16, 17 and 18 is $30.
Tickets are expected to sell quickly and may be purchased online at angol Rodeo.com or by calling (225) 655-2030 or (225) 655-2607.
Phone lines are staffed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Smoking, outside food, drinks and ice chests are not permitted.
Clear or transparent bags are allowed but may be searched.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early because of large crowds, traffic delays and extended wait times.