By Natalie Covher
I don’t want to hear anyone say, “There is nothing to do.” Celebrate, support and discover Natchitoches Parish by exploring these events.
Head down river this Saturday to celebrate Zydeco Heritage Day January 23rd at St. Augustine Catholic Church. The event will begin at 4 p.m. with guided tours. Father Charlie Ray will lead Mass at 5 p.m. The celebration marks the completion of the Save the Tomb Campaign. The St. Augustine Historical Society acquired over $25,000 in donations from over 1,000 people to restore “Grandpere” Nicolas AugustinMetoyer’s tomb and place a historical marker that will be unveiled and blessed at 6 p.m. The celebration will give appreciation to everyone who helped. The event will fall one day after Grandpere’s birthday. After the unveiling an Appreciation Reception will be held in the Parish Hall. The party starts at 8 p.m. with Rusty Metoyer and The Zydeco Krush, $10 donations will be accepted. This young, energetic Zydeco band from Lake Charles plays everything from traditional Creole French songs to nouveau Zydeco music. They promise to offer a great show that is suitable for all ages and have been known to make a crowd move. Staying true to his roots, Rusty learned to play the accordion through the traditional style of French music and he is passionate about keeping his Creole heritage alive. Rusty is self taught on other instruments as well, including drums, guitar, scrub board and bass. He has performed with various musicians such as Lil Wayne & Same Ol’ 2 Step and CoretLedet. They create a nice blend between old and new Zydeco music. Rusty Metoyer and The Zydeco Krush are sure to have their audience dancing and passin’ a good time!
Get information and sign up to help kick cancer at Relay for Life’s Kick Off Party on Thursday, January 28th at 5:30 p.m. at the Student Union Ballroom at NSU. Relay for Life was able to provide free services to 40 cancer patients in Natchitoches Parish last year. Help beat that goal by signing up. Anyone can come and learn how to make a difference in the fight against cancer. Relay for Life of Natchitoches Parish will be held April 22 at 6 p.m. at the NSU tailgating field.
Enter to be a chef or show up to taste some chili at the inaugural Johnny Antoon Memorial Battle for the Paddle Chili Cook-off on Saturday, January 30 at 2 p.m. at Prather Coliseum at NSU. The Deadline to enter as a chef is January 22nd. It is free to enter and each team needs five members. Teams need to be prepared to serve 100 people by 2 p.m. after the Women’s basketball game. Three judges will give awards for first, second and third place as well as a peoples choice award. Donations for Peoples Choice will benefit the American Cancer Society. Help raises money for Relay for Life while supporting NSU as they take on Southeastern in a double header. To become a chef and enter a team email Tori Thompson at dthompson553940@nsula.edu.
Hear vocalist Dr. Corey Trahan and friends perform in concert with Julian Jones on piano at Come Fly With Me on Sunday, January 31st at 3 p.m. at Magale Recital Hall at NSU. There are no excuses to miss this treat since it is free and open to the public.
Let the people know where to go, what to do, and how to have fun in Natchitoches Parish! Send in events to NPJNatLa@gmail.com