Community representatives from Natchitoches Parish traveled to Baton Rouge on March 25 for Natchitoches Day at the Capitol, an annual event in which local officials and institutional leaders meet with state lawmakers and agency heads to push for investment and policy attention in the region.
The delegation of roughly 100 participants included representatives from Natchitoches Parish Government, the City of Natchitoches, Northwestern State University, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, the Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Cane River National Heritage Area, and the Natchitoches Parish Port. The group was organized by the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce and its Regional Advocacy Committee.
The day opened with a breakfast in the Governor’s Press Room, where participants heard from a range of state officials including Senate President Cameron Henry, Secretary of State Nancy Landry, Governor Jeff Landry’s Chief of Staff Julie Emerson, Louisiana Economic Development representatives Rachel Shields and Chris Stelly, DOTD Deputy Secretary Beau Black, Chief Deputy Attorney General Larry Frieman, and legislators representing the Natchitoches area — Sen. Alan Seabaugh and Reps. Gabe Firment and Jason DeWitt. Attendees also observed legislative committee hearings during the morning session.
A midday reception, billed as the Cane River Calling lunch, was held in the Pentagon Barracks Courtyard at the invitation of Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser. The event drew approximately 150 guests and centered on six policy areas the delegation is prioritizing in the current legislative session: business and industry development, infrastructure, education, healthcare, tourism, and the region’s history and cultural assets. Entertainment was provided by the LaCour Trio Zydeco Band; catering came from Lasyone’s, the Natchitoches meat pie institution.
In the afternoon, members of the Natchitoches delegation were recognized on the House floor. The House presented resolutions honoring restaurateur Angela Lasyone and musician Katrice LaCour for their cultural contributions to the region. A memorial resolution was also introduced recognizing the late Northwestern State University football coach Sam Goodwin. The Louisiana Senate formally recognized the delegation in the Capitol Rotunda before convening its afternoon session.
