The Natchitoches downtown riverbank was packed with families celebrating the 2019 Pumpkin Glow sponsored by the Historic District Business Association (HDBA) Tuesday, Oct 29. The popular family friendly event is in its 7th year and has become an integral part of the local fall scene. The stage area featured decorated pumpkins from local contestants vying for top honors. The fun will not stop tonight however. Be sure to stop by Front St. this Halloween for “Witch Way to Main Street”. A record number of booths will be on hand to pass out candy and prizes to trick or treaters. It is quality family fun and free to the public.
Performers from Renee’s Dance Studio, Natchitoches Flippin’ Athletics and Elite Cheernastics started the evening’s program, showing off their moves to the crowd in a variety of routines. They were followed by some of the finest musicians to be found in the parish. The NSU Middle Lab, Middle Magnet and NCHS orchestras each played several pieces for the appreciative audience. The NCHS orchestra will be traveling to Italy to play in Rome, Florence, Venice and Cremona. This will mark the orchestra’s second trip to Europe. They have also made several journeys to New York City’s Carnegie Hall. The Middle Lab Orchestra will be making a repeat trip to a competition at Disney World. The orchestras have built a remarkable legacy of excellence over the years and are a group of young people of whom we can all be proud.
We at the Natchitoches Parish Journal have long believed that our parish’s children are the equal of any in the country. Give them opportunities and good leadership and they will rise to any challenge set before them. The young men and women of the Natchitoches Parish School System are superb ambassadors for our area! The Natchitoches Parish Journal is donating the event photography. The album is open and anyone may download any photos they wish. If you do see a photograph you like, please donate to the Middle Lab and NCHS orchestras’ trip in lieu of payment.
The smiles on those kids’ faces say it all. Music is love. Music is life…
Super proud of both the NCHS and Middle Lab orchestras! So many students have gone on to get scholarships with their music experience in these two groups. When you see the size of these two groups and multiply by the number of years Mrs. Olsen and Mr. Lacour and their predecessor s have worked with these groups, you can surely see the huge number of students that have benefitted from these two programs. They produce students who are highly likely to pursue and complete college degrees. Congratulations to both orchestras, and thanks for providing the special talents and travel opportunities for students in Natchitoches. Keep up the good work!