Happening in Avoyelles!

Vendors wanted for Hessmer Holiday Market

Organizers of Hessmer’s 5th Annual Holiday Market are now accepting vendors for this year’s event, set for Saturday, Nov. 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hessmer Gym, 4153 E. School St.

The holiday market will feature food, crafts, shopping, holiday portraits and a variety of vendors offering items for Christmas shoppers.

Vendor spaces are available for a $25 fee.

Organizer Julia Shire said she is the only person distributing vendor forms and collecting vendor fees for the event. Potential vendors are encouraged to contact her directly for information and to avoid possible scams.

Additional updates about the market will be shared through the Hessmer Gym, Hessmer Gymnasium and Julia Shire Facebook pages.

LSUA offers beginner Mah Jongg instruction class

LSUA Continuing Education will offer a beginner-friendly Mah Jongg series in September for those interested in learning the basics of the popular tile game.

The three-session course will be held Sept. 14, 15 and 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Chambers Hall at LSUA.

Participants will learn the tiles, rules, setup and gameplay of American Mah Jongg while gaining experience through guided practice. No previous experience is required.

The cost is $75 for all three sessions.

Registration is available at lsua.it/cecourses.

For more information, call 318-427-4498.

Big Hair, Big Hearts Benefit to support Taylor Fontenot

A special benefit for Taylor Myers Fontenot will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, in Marksville to help with medical expenses as she undergoes treatment for brain cancer.

The Rockin’ for Taylor — Big Hair, Big Hearts benefit will begin at 6 p.m. at Bailey’s on the Square, 113 E. Ogden St.

The evening will feature an ’80s theme, dinner, bingo for prizes, a bake sale and raffles. Guests are encouraged to dress in ’80s attire for a chance to win door prizes.

Dinner tickets are $45 and must be purchased in advance online through Eventbrite for the Rockin’ for Taylor – Big Hair, Big Hearts Benefit Dinner. Because of limited capacity, only those who purchase a dinner ticket will be admitted to the venue. Dinner guests may remain afterward for free bingo.

No alcohol will be sold on the premises, but guests may bring their own adult beverages. Bottled water will be provided.

Doodles Sno Shack, located next to Bailey’s on the Square, will also take part in the fundraiser that day by offering “Taylor’s Fighting Dirty,” a special dirty soda made with Dr Pepper, coconut syrup, vanilla syrup, sweet cream and fresh lime.

The drink will be available from 12 noon to 8 p.m. for $3, with 100% of the proceeds from its sales going to Taylor.

Organizers are encouraging the community to come out, enjoy the events and support Taylor and her family during her cancer treatment.

Cenla Pregnancy Center plans 8th Annual Gift of Life Banquet

The Cenla Pregnancy Center will host its 8th Annual Gift of Life Banquet on Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Randolph Riverfront Center in Alexandria.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 6 p.m.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Sean Corcoran, CEO of Men for Life. Corcoran has spoken publicly about the loss of his first son, years of addiction and hardship, and a near-fatal overdose that ultimately led him to seek help. He now works in family law and advocates for men and fathers through Men for Life.

Organizers said this year’s banquet will offer an opportunity to reflect on the past eight years while looking ahead to the future of the pregnancy centers.

The banquet supports the Cenla, Avoyelles and Miss-Lou Pregnancy Centers.

Tables may be reserved online through the banquet reservation form. The online form is for reservations only, and payment must be mailed separately to:

Cenla Pregnancy Center, Inc.
Attn: Gift of Life Banquet
P.O. Box 13907
Alexandria, LA 71315

The banquet also offers several sponsorship and table levels for those wishing to support the ministry and services provided by the centers.

For reservation information, visit the Cenla Pregnancy Center’s Gift of Life Banquet registration form.

Mission Possible fundraiser to support Central Louisiana veterans

The fourth annual Mission Possible fundraiser will bring motorcycles, cars, activities and community support together Saturday, Sept. 19, at Krazy Katie’s in Hessmer.

Presented by Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Louisiana Chapter 6-6, the event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2824 La. 114.

Mission Possible 2026 will feature bike games, a car and bike show, live auction, 50/50 raffle and chance boards. Registration for the car and bike show will begin at 9 a.m., with judging starting at 10 a.m.

The entry fee is $25 and trophies will be awarded for Best of Show, Best Classic and People’s Choice. A $20 in-house poker run will also be offered.

Proceeds will help provide care packages for veterans living in long-term care facilities and sponsor disadvantaged veteran families during the holidays. The fundraiser allows the chapter to spread holiday cheer and goodwill among veterans and their families throughout Central Louisiana.

The event is being presented by CVMA LA 6-6 with Rose Waguespack. For additional information, call (318) 563-4795.

Our Lady of Sorrows to host Annual Fair Weekend

Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Moreauville will welcome parishioners, families and community members for its annual church fair Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5–6, at 524 Main St.

The two-day event will feature food, bingo, a raffle and opportunities for fellowship while supporting the church.

Saturday’s fair will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. and will include bingo along with a variety of food and refreshments. The fair food menu will include fried chicken wings and french fries, cheeseburgers, hamburgers, nachos and cheese, assorted beverages, cold water and homemade cakes.

Bingo will be one of the featured activities Saturday evening, giving visitors a chance to enjoy several rounds of play while spending time with family and friends.

The celebration will continue Sunday with a drive-thru dinner from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Dinner plates will be available for a $13 donation and will include barbecue pork steak, rice dressing, green beans, yams and a roll.

The weekend will conclude with a raffle drawing Sunday at 5 p.m. Winners do not have to be present to win.

Raffle prizes include $500 cash for first place, a staycation for second place, a 65-inch television for third place, a rocker for fourth place and a lagniappe prize for fifth place.

Raffle tickets are available for $5 each or five for $20. Organizers are encouraging residents to bring family and friends, enjoy the food and activities and spend time together in fellowship while supporting Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church.

For more info (318) 359-9342.

Homemade cakes, gumbo and barbecue return to Belledeau

Church fair season is returning to Belledeau as St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church prepares for two days of food, bingo and community fellowship Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12-13.

The fair will be held at the church, located at 1981 Highway 114 in the Belledeau community.

Activities will begin at 5 p.m. Saturday with bingo and gumbo. Hamburgers, french fries and other treats will also be available, including a selection of homemade cakes.

The celebration will continue Sunday with a barbecue dinner featuring a choice of one-half barbecue chicken or a barbecue pork steak. Each meal will also include rice dressing, corn, coleslaw and a roll.

Dinner plates are $13 each.

Organizers invite residents from Belledeau and surrounding communities to attend, enjoy the food and support the church.

Dinner tickets may be purchased from any Belledeau Catholic Church member or Knights of Columbus member. Tickets are also available at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Hessmer. For tickets or additional information, call (318) 563-8638.

Bingo, jambalaya and community fun await at Fifth Ward church fair

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Fifth Ward will hold its 4th Annual Church Fair Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19–20, at the parish hall, located at 1315 Eggbend Road near Marksville.

Sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council #9418, the two-day event will feature food, bingo, children’s activities, live entertainment, raffles and the return of the church’s jambalaya cook-off.

Saturday’s activities will begin following the 4 p.m. Mass. Jambalaya will be served beginning at 5 p.m. for $5 per bowl, available for dine-in or takeout while supplies last.

Families can enjoy children’s games, a jump house, live auction, DJ Terry Laborde, football viewing and concessions. The Altar Society will also offer cakes and assorted sweets.

Saturday bingo runs from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., with three cards for $25. Activities end at 10 p.m.

The jambalaya cook-off will also be held Saturday at the parish hall. The entry fee is $60. Those interested in entering may contact F.P. Bordelon at (318) 359-8759.

The fair will continue Sunday, Sept. 20, with pork or chicken dinners served from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dinner tickets are $13 and are available in advance.

Sunday activities will also include bingo, children’s games, homemade cakes and a beverage center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A butcher calf raffle will be held, with tickets available for a $1 donation. Processing is included.

Our Lady of Lourdes has served the Fifth Ward community for generations. In 1925, the Kelone and Guillot families donated land for the construction of a Catholic chapel in Egg Bend. The church later became an independent parish in 1948 after originally serving as a mission of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Echo.

The current church was built in 1969, followed by the parish hall in 1971. The parish is led by Father Dwight de Jesus and Deacon Darrell Dubroc.

For more information or dinner tickets, contact the Our Lady of Lourdes Church Office at (318) 253-9936 or Kenneth Ducote at (318) 240-0641.

Bordelonville church fair brings two days of faith and family fun

Faith, family and community will come together during the annual St. Peter and St. Michael Church Fair, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, in Bordelonville.

The two-day celebration will offer a full weekend of worship, fellowship and family activities. The schedule includes Mass on both days, food, games, homemade cakes, bingo, live music, a traditional cochon de lait meal and a raffle featuring a variety of prizes.

Saturday’s activities will begin with Mass at 4 p.m. in the Bordelonville gym. Parishioners and community members are invited to attend the service before remaining for the evening’s fair activities.

Bingo will follow Mass, with the games beginning at 6 p.m. Players may purchase 15 games for $20 or pay $2 for three cards per game. A total of 30 bingo games will be played during the evening, giving participants plenty of opportunities to join the fun.

Food, games and homemade cakes will also be available as families gather for the celebration.

The Parker James Band will provide live music from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday. The performance will give fairgoers an opportunity to enjoy an evening of music and fellowship with friends, relatives and neighbors.

Sunday’s schedule will begin with Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church. Fair activities will continue throughout the late morning and early afternoon.

Bingo will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, giving those who could not attend Saturday night another opportunity to play.

One of Sunday’s featured attractions will be a cochon de lait meal served from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Meals will be available for a $15 donation. The fair will conclude with the raffle drawing at 1 p.m. Sunday. Organizers said winners do not have to be present to claim their prizes.

Most fair activities will be held at the Bordelonville Volunteer Fire Department Training Facility, located at 4465 Highway 451 in Bordelonville.

The annual event provides an opportunity for parishioners and residents from throughout the surrounding area to gather for worship, share a meal and enjoy a weekend of traditional church fair activities. Organizers invite the community to come for the faith, fellowship and food and stay for the games, music and fun.

For additional information about the church fair, call 318-997-2151.

Cork & Canvas Painting Class set for Sept. 17

The Avoyelles Arts Council will host a Cork & Canvas painting class on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Gallery on the Square, 122 E. Mark St. in Marksville.

Artist Amber LaPrairie will lead the class, which is open to beginners and experienced artists alike. Participants will learn painting techniques while enjoying a relaxed evening of creativity.

The event is BYOB, allowing guests to bring their beverage of choice.

Cost is $25 for Arts Council members and $35 for nonmembers. Space is limited, and advance registration is encouraged.

For more information, call (318) 264-1826, email avoyellesarts@gmail.com or visit avoyellesarts.com.

Bunkie High opens Lil Dazzlers Camp registration

Bunkie High School’s varsity cheerleaders and dance line will host their annual Lil Dazzlers Camp Sept. 15–16 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Bunkie High School, 435 Evergreen St.

The camp is open to children in pre-K through sixth grade. Participants will learn cheer and dance routines and will perform during the Bunkie High football game on Thursday, Sept. 17.

Campers are asked to arrive by 6:30 p.m. for the game. They will participate on the sidelines during the first half and perform on the field at halftime.

Registration is $50 and includes a T-shirt. Forms and payment must be received by Sept. 10 to guarantee a shirt.

Registration forms may be turned in to any cheer or dance line member or dropped off at Bunkie High School.

For more information, contact Sarah Riche at sarah.riche@avoyellespsb.com or Jill Chatelain at dancegals@hotmail.com.

Christ the King Catholic Church to host bingo Sept. 13

Christ the King Catholic Church in Simmesport will host a community bingo fundraiser on Sunday, Sept. 13, at the church hall, 657 Main St.

Doors will open at 11 a.m., with bingo games beginning at noon.

Admission is $30 and includes all games. Organizers say all prizes will be awarded in cash, including a $250 specialty game and a $500 blackout game.

Pull-tabs will also be available for purchase throughout the event, giving players additional chances to win.

Food and drinks will be sold during the afternoon, and all ages are welcome to attend.

The event is being held as a community fundraiser for Christ the King Catholic Church and offers an afternoon of bingo, concessions and cash prizes.