Happening in Avoyelles!

Below is a list of things happening in Avoyelles! Email us at News@avoyellestoday.com to add any upcoming events!

B-Free Class held Thursdays at Centerpoint Pentecostal Church

Centerpoint Pentecostal Church will host B-Free at CPC every Thursday night.

• When: Thursdays at 7 p.m.
• Where: Centerpoint Pentecostal Church, 1473 Effie Highway, Deville
• Who: Adults ages 18 and older
• Cost: Free
• Meal: A meal will be served at each class

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

Organizers said the class offers fellowship, support and sharing, with Christ at the center. It is described as a judgment-free zone where private conversations remain private.

Participants are encouraged to bring a friend or family member. Anyone under age 18 must attend with a family member who is at least 18.

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

Community Resource Event set for Aug. 5 in Bunkie

A Community Resource Event will give residents an opportunity to connect with local health organizations and learn about services available in the community.

• Date: Wednesday, Aug. 5
• Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Location: Bunkie General Pharmacy, 302 Floyd St., Bunkie
• Admission: Free

Featured resources will include:

• Smoking cessation assistance
• Bunkie Home Care
• BGH Wellness Center
• BGH Wound Care Center
• Health education and information
• Door prizes
• Refreshments

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

For more information, call 318-346-6681.

Women’s Self-Defense classes begin Aug. 7

Ronin Martial Arts will begin offering monthly women’s self-defense classes.

• First class: Friday, Aug. 7
• Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
• Schedule: First Friday of each month
• Location: Ronin Martial Arts, 8296 La. Highway 1, Suite A, Simmesport
• Ages: Women ages 15 and older
• Cost: $10 per class
• Instructor: Sensei Chris Bordelon

Classes are free for parents of current Ronin Martial Arts students.

No previous experience or minimum level of physical ability is required. Participants should wear comfortable clothing.

To register or obtain more information, call or text 318-359-1251.

America 250 grant application deadline is Aug. 7

The Arts and Humanities Council for Avoyelles received a $1,500 grant to support musician Jourdan Thibodeaux’s performance at the 2026 Avoyelles Arts and Music Festival.

The funding was awarded through the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities’ Parish America 250 Program Mini Grants.

• Grant received: $1,500
• Purpose: Jourdan Thibodeaux’s festival performance
• Next application deadline: Aug. 7
• Maximum grant amount: $1,500

The program supports public events and projects recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States and Louisiana’s contributions to the nation’s founding and development.

The Avoyelles organization was among 11 recipients awarded a combined $16,000 during the latest funding round.

The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities has awarded more than $50,000 for America 250 projects through a partnership with the Louisiana America 250 Commission and the Louisiana Office of the Lieutenant Governor.

Interested organizations may apply at leh.org by selecting:

• “Grants”
• “Apply Now”
• “Parish America 250 Program Mini Grants”

Questions may be directed to LEH Grants Manager Wayne Dowdy at dowdy@leh.org.

Bordelonville fundraiser to support Mike Juneau

A community fundraiser will be held to support Mike Juneau and his family while he undergoes cancer treatment.

• Date: Saturday, Aug. 8
• Time: 10 a.m. to noon
• Location: Bordelonville gym pavilion
• Dinner cost: $12

Each dinner will include:

• Jambalaya
• Corn
• Coleslaw
• Roll

Raffle tickets and homemade cakes will also be available.

All proceeds will help Juneau and his family with needs related to his cancer treatment.

For dinner tickets or more information, contact 318-359-0260 or 318-253-2212.

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.

• Date: Sunday, Aug. 9
• Mass: 9:30 a.m.
• Meal service: Begins at 10:30 a.m.
• Location: St. Mary’s gymnasium, 820 Front St., Cottonport
• Plate cost: $12

Each plate will include:

• Fried fish
• White beans
• Coleslaw
• Roll

Cakes will also be available for purchase.

Guests may pick up their meals or remain at the gym to visit with Diocese of Alexandria seminarians before they begin another semester of formation.

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 more information, call 318-305-1730.

Paragon announces upcoming entertainment lineup

Paragon Casino Resort will offer several live entertainment events during August and early September.

AKA 57

• Date: Saturday, Aug. 15
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Location: Mári Showroom
• Tickets: Starting at $60, plus taxes and fees

The event will feature mixed martial arts fights, bare-knuckle competition and kickboxing.

Travis Matte & the Kingpins

• Date: Saturday, Aug. 22
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Location: Grand Hall
• Admission: Free

Aretha & Lionel Tribute Show

• Date: Saturday, Aug. 29
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Location: Mári Showroom
• Tickets: Starting at $20, plus taxes and fees

The show will celebrate the music of Aretha Franklin and Lionel Richie.

Craig Morgan

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 5
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Location: Mári Showroom
• Tickets: Starting at $55, plus taxes and fees

Paragon Casino Resort is located at 711 Paragon Place in Marksville.

Tickets are available at paragoncasinoresort.com.

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.

• Date: Monday, Aug. 17
• Time: 8 to 10 a.m.
• Location: Tree of Calvary Baptist Church, 1047 Holloway Blvd., Simmesport

The mobile pantry brings food assistance directly to residents in communities throughout Central Louisiana.

Residents who need assistance, or who know someone who may 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 more information, call 318-445-2773.

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 lessons during the 2026-2027 school year.

• Location: Good Food Project Model Community Garden, 3223 Baldwin Ave., Alexandria
• Cost: Free
• Registration limit: 20 students per grade or class

The program includes:

• Nutrition education
• Healthy living lessons
• Gardening activities
• Recipe preparation
• Fresh food tastings
• Science and cooking connections

Lessons will be held during the first and third weeks of:

• September through November
• February through April

A “Potato Dig” event will be held in May to celebrate the end of the school year.

Class Schedule

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

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

Angola Prison Rodeo tickets now available

Tickets are on sale for the 60th anniversary season of the Angola Prison Rodeo.

• Dates: Every Sunday in October
• Location: Louisiana State Penitentiary
• Gates open: 8 a.m.
• Rodeo begins: 2 p.m.
• General admission: $25
• Premium seating: $30 in Sections 16, 17 and 18

Known as “The Wildest Show in the South,” the event will include:

• Bareback riding
• Wild horse races
• Chariot racing
• Bull riding
• Live entertainment
• Family-friendly performances
• Hobby and craft sales

The hobby craft exhibition will feature items made by incarcerated individuals, including:

• Jewelry
• Leather goods
• Furniture
• Woodwork
• Paintings
• Other handcrafted items

Cash and major credit cards will be accepted for hobby craft purchases.

Tickets may be purchased at angolarodeo.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.