Anderson’s Produce and Plant Farm, 110 Anderson Lane, announced opening day is Sat May 23.

A one night revival is scheduled for May 23 at 4pm at the Hall Summit Community Center & Park. Worship will be led by New Light Church & New Light Baptist Church. Speaker is Marvin Leleux. Bring your chairs.

LSU Shreveport will set a new graduation record when 1,845 degrees are conferred today at the university’s spring commencement ceremonies.

USDA officially restores whole and 2% milk option in school and child nutrition programs.

Join the Shreveport-Bossier Astronomical Society, Inc. with an evening observation session at the Shreveport Observatory on Saturday, May 23, 2026. The evening observation session at Shreveport Observatory will be held from 8:00pm. to 10:00 p.m. The Shreveport Observatory is located eight miles south of the LSU-Shreveport campus. Go south on Hwy. LA. 1 and right on Hwy. 175 for about 1.7 miles and left on Astronomical Way. If the sky is clouded out or raining, the observing session will be canceled. For additional information go to ShreveportAstronomy.com or contact Dr. Cran Lucas at (318) 573-6929 or Email cranlucas@gmail.com.

Parkway Cinema in Natchitoches announced its FREE Summer Movie schedule begins June 2 and last six weeks. Doors open at 9:15 on Tuesdays & Wednesdays. Seats are limited.

Northwestern State University’s Wellness, Recreation and Activities Center will host three sessions of Fun & Fitness Camp for kids age 5-12.  Camps will be from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday July 20-24, July 27-31 and Aug. 3-7. Registration forms are available by contacting Jason Stelly at (318) 357-5341 or stellyj@nsula.edu.  

Donald Ray Harris
December 21, 1961 – May 6, 2026
Funeral services will be held Saturday May 16, 2026 at 12pm at Old Mary Magdalene Church in Harmon.

Billie Faye Demease
June 7, 1955 – May 3, 2026
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 11am at New Mt. Olive B.C. in Coushatta.

Riverdale Academy will celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2026 on Thursday, May 14 at 6 p.m. in the school gymnasium. Family, friends and the community are invited to attend as seniors mark this important milestone.

Leading the class this year are Valedictorian Makayla Pickett and Salutatorian Charity Williamson, who have both earned top academic honors through their hard work and dedication. Their achievements reflect the commitment and effort shown by the entire graduating class.

The ceremony will recognize the accomplishments of all graduates as they prepare to take the next step, whether that be college, career or other opportunities. It will be a night to celebrate not only academic success, but also the memories and experiences shared during their time at Riverdale Academy.

The Class of 2026 now looks ahead to the future, carrying with them the lessons and friendships built along the way.

Students in the Red River High School Firefighter I Program recently took part in an intensive day of hands-on firefighter training that focused on real-world emergency response skills and teamwork. The training provided students with the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in realistic emergency scenarios designed to prepare them for careers in the fire service.

Throughout the day, students rotated through several practical skill stations including live burn operations, search and rescue techniques, roof ventilation, and pump operations. These evolutions allowed students to experience the physical and mental demands firefighters face while operating in emergency situations.

One of the highlights of the training was the live burn exercise, where students practiced fire attack procedures, communication, accountability, and scene safety in a controlled environment under instructor supervision. During the search and rescue portion, students worked through simulated low-visibility conditions to locate and remove victims while emphasizing teamwork and situational awareness.

Students also demonstrated roof ventilation techniques, learning the importance of coordinated ventilation in fire suppression operations, while the pump operations station focused on water supply management, hose pressures, and engine operations.

The RRHS Firefighter I Program continues to provide students with valuable opportunities to develop leadership, discipline, confidence, and technical firefighting skills through realistic training experiences.

A special thank you goes to Bienville Parish Fire District 6 for allowing RRHS Firefighter I students to utilize their training facility to facilitate these mock situational skills. Their continued support and partnership play a vital role in helping prepare the next generation of firefighters and emergency responders.

Shared by Red River High School

Matt Vines

The Red River football team will conclude spring practice with a spring game Wednesday against three other schools at Louisiana Christian University in Pineville.

The Bulldogs will participate in a four-team spring setup with a set amount of plays against Class 3A Marksville and Class 5A members Pineville and New Iberia.

The Bulldogs are familiar with a Pineville football program that they pushed to the limit in the last two seasons, including a 41-40 loss in Week 5 of this past season.

NEW FOOTBALL SCHEDULE RELEASED
Second-year head coach Travis Gary got to craft his first football schedule as a head coach with the two-year scheduling cycle resetting for the 2026 season.

While the past two seasons included teams from the far corners of the state like Class 2A Oak Grove and Class 1A members Catholic Pointe Coupee and White Castle, this season’s schedule stays closer to home.

But that doesn’t mean the slate gets any easier.

Red River kicks off the season by welcoming a surging Class 4A program in Tioga.

The Bulldogs jamboreed against Tioga this past season before the Indians won nine games and earned the No. 6 seed in the Division I Select playoffs.

Week 2 features a familiar matchup against St. Mary’s in Coushatta, a local squad that rightfully remains on the schedule. The Tigers pulled off a first-round playoff upset but are looking for a new head coach.
Red River steps on the road for the first time in Week 3 against Class 5A Parkway, a nod back to a time when the Bulldogs played much bigger schools out of the Shreveport-Bossier area.

The Bulldogs return home in Week 4 to catch Class 2A Green Oaks, a program that consistently punches above its weight and resources. Homefield advantage will help, but as difficult as this schedule is, it’s a crucial game that has playoff implications.

Week 5’s visit to Class 1A Logansport could carry the same weight and is a great primer for a road playoff environment against a Tigers squad that is accustomed to deep playoff runs.
Red River begins an unbalanced district schedule with the first two games at home and the final two on the road.

The Bulldogs welcome Winnfield and Many in Weeks 6 and 7 followed by trips to Mansfield and Lakeside.
Winnfield features former Red River coach Byron Keller, who made the playoffs in his first season.

Many coach Tyler Hassell orchestrated a big turnaround in his first season as the Tigers knocked off Red River in the first round of the playoffs after the Bulldogs took the regular season meeting 34-6.

Mansfield is the reigning district champions fresh off a quarterfinals appearance who continue to add pelts to the wall under Darrell Barbay.

Red River keeps its Week 10 game in the non-district slot, and they’ll head up to Loyola in another great test in a playoff type atmosphere.

Loyola put together one of its best seasons in decades as the Flyers battled through a deep District 1-4A with the only regular-season loss coming to Division II Non-Select runner-up North DeSoto.

The Flyers earned the No. 2 seed in the Division II Select bracket and advanced to the quarterfinals before falling to eventual runner-up Archbishop Shaw.

Red River Parish School District Board Meeting
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 @ 3:30 PM

Posted: Monday, May 11, 2026 (Noon)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

AGENDA
The next meeting of the Red River Parish School Board will be Wednesday, May 13, 2026 @ 3:30 PM in the Red River Parish School Board Administration Building, 100 Bulldog Drive, Coushatta, LA

MEETINGS WILL RUN CONSECUTIVELY

1. Open – Melinda Hardy, Board President

Prayer, Pledge of Allegiance & Mission Statement led by: Mr. David Jones, Business Manager                 

“Red River Parish Schools Provide Excellent Education: Every Child, Every Day, Whatever It Takes!

A. Finance Committee – Cleve Miller, Chairperson
1. To approve payment of bills
2. To approve 2024-25 Audit Report from Carr, Riggs & Ingram
3. To receive Monthly Report for all Major Funds from Mr. David Jones, Business Manager

BOARD MEETING

2. To approve Agenda for Wednesday, May 13, 2026
3. To approve Minutes of Wednesday, April 15, 2026
4. Superintendent’s Highlights
5. To approve the following Policy Update
                           GBRK Annual Leave
                           JCDB Student Dress Code
5. To approve Consent Agenda
A. Finance Committee – Cleve Miller, Chairperson
1. To approve payment of bills
2. To approve 2024-25 Audit Report from Carr, Riggs & Ingram
3. To receive Monthly Report for all Major Funds from Mr. David Jones, Business Manager
6. Superintendent’s Report
      Monthly Report for Red River Head Start Program
      Personnel Report – Resignations, Retirements, and New Hires
7. Announcements Next Board Meeting Wednesday, June 10, 2026 @ 3:30 PM
8. Adjournment

Public comment is asked for on each agenda item. If you wish to address the Board, please fill out a speaker’s form prior to the meeting indicating the agenda item to be addressed and give form to Board President

We are moving into the busiest time of year at the library. Below are the activities taking place in our library for these last few weeks of May. We invite all our patrons, young and old and small and large, to participate in our programs. We would love to see you here!

On May 13 (that is this Wednesday), we have our monthly Bingo program beginning at 1:00. Invite your friends and come enjoy some fellowship and some fun! We have light refreshments and some great prizes, so come out and enjoy the fun.

On May 15, Storytime will begin at 10:00 am. What does Ms. Kala have in store for the young ones this week? Who knows? It is always a surprise! What books will she read? What activities does she have planned? I am not telling anyone, so come out to the library and find out what is going on.

On Tuesday, May 19, the LWDA will be here to help anyone who needs assistance with finding a job. They will help with resumes and applications and will answer any questions you may have about finding a job. The purpose of this program is to help people become job-ready.

On Wednesday, May 20, the genealogy program is up and running. Participants can bring their own laptops and have access to genealogy programs on our library website. Mrs. Linda Young and Dr. Virginia Webb are always ready to assist others to find information about their ancestors. The action starts at 10 am and goes until 12. Mrs. Young is also available at other times during the week to assist anyone who needs help finding information.

On Friday, May 22, Storytime gets started at 10:am. Parents and grandparents are invited to join Ms. Kala and the children for all the fun.

Also on Friday, May 22, Mr. Tobin Deville will be here to provide instruction in the area of Computer Security? Are you worried about someone hacking into your computer and stealing your information? There are a lot of concerns in our society today about keeping our data safe. Mr. Deville will conduct two sessions, the first in the morning beginning at 10:00 and the second beginning at 2:00 in the afternoon. Be sure to call the library at 932-5614 to get your name on the list for the session you wish to attend.

On Monday, May 25, the library will be closed in honor of Memorial Day.

On Friday, May 29, Storytime will begin at 10:00 am. Ms. Kala will be waiting for you children to meet with her for some reading fun. There are always some new characters to meet as well as some old ones that we have loved for a long time. Come join the fun!

We only have a few weeks before our Summer Reading Program kicks off with a bang! The first activity takes place at the end of June (more information to come soon). The theme is “Plant a Seed, Read!”

Has anyone tried our new Check-out Louisiana State Parks program? Remember that a family can check out a backpack and get a free pass that allows free entrance to a state park or an historic site. The pass permits one vehicle and its passengers to enter a park for the day. Contact the library at 932-5614.

Please check the calendar on the library website for information on all of the activities. The library website can be found at redriverparishlibrary.org.

Shared by the Red River Parish Library

Residents will have an opportunity to check in on their health during a Community Health Fair planned for Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Red River Council on Aging, 1824 Front Street in Coushatta. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The fair will offer several basic health screenings, including blood pressure checks, weight and height measurements, and blood sugar checks. Organizers are also planning door prizes for those who attend.

A number of vendors are expected to take part, including representatives from home health, the resource center, CHRISTUS Coushatta, medical technology, rehab centers, hospice, LaCHIP, Acadian On Call, and blood sugar check services.

Blood work will also be available through CHRISTUS Coushatta Healthcare. The flyer lists a lipid profile for $10, a comprehensive profile (CMP) for $10, and tests including HGB A1C, TSH, and CBC for $5 each. The flyer also notes that some services are being provided at no charge through the MLK Health Center & Pharmacy / BHF Heart Program.

The health fair is designed to give local residents a simple way to access screenings, lab work, and information from health-related organizations all in one place.

Sunday morning, May 10, 2026, at First Baptist Church, Coushatta was a busy one. In addition to the church honoring moms with brunch and special Mother’s Day gifts, the church also honored nine graduates during the morning service.

Kindergarten graduates at Red River Elementary are Andrew Frederick and Christian Wise. Slate Woodard is a Riverdale Academy kindergarten graduate.

High school graduates and their schools are: Ashton Almond, Riverdale Academy: Ashton plans to attend electrician school at Northwest Louisiana Technical and Community College in Minden.  Mary Claire Jones, Riverdale Academy: Mary Claire will continue her education at Northwestern State University and study nursing. Jenna Mills, who was homeschooled, received her diploma from Saints Christian Academy.  Jenna plans to attend nail tech school.  Ben Moseley, Riverdale Academy: Ben plans to attend Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College in Minden and obtain an associate degree in instrumentation technology.

College graduates and their colleges are: Parker Almond, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northwestern State University. Parker will work in the family business, Almond Bros Lumber Co. Timothy Thomas, Bachelor of Science in Business from Northwestern State University. Timothy will teach and coach at Red River High in Coushatta starting this fall.

Bro Cory Tucker, First Baptist Coushatta pastor, introduced the graduates while chairman of the deacons, Randy Thomas, Jr, presented them with special gifts including Bibles.

Several years ago, a radio station in San Francisco conducted a non scientific listener survey. Sixty eight percent of the people surveyed were for it. Twenty percent were against it. The remaining twelve percent had no opinion on the matter. So the radio station concluded from this non scientific survey that the vast majority were in favor of it. The funny part is that the radio station never asked a question. It was an illustration of the bandwagon effect. If you get enough people walking down South Trenton Street in the same direction at nearly the same time, a parade is likely to break out.

I could go on one of my rants about people not thinking critically about political, educational, existential, or spiritual matters — but I won’t. I will say this: you need to read more than just the headlines on the website. You need to read the article. And you need to read more than one verse of the Bible if you want the whole picture. We often form opinions based on emotion rather than actually thinking something through. (I know — shocking.)

I talk about this because when people find out I’m a minister, they usually ask a question that goes something like this: “Do Methodists believe in drinking wine and playing cards at the dance held on Sunday afternoon at the movie theater?” This is not a serious question, but the ones people ask me are just as funny. When someone asks me about a specific “sin,” I usually ask them what they think. You might be surprised to know that people are looking for direction and validation in their lives. I’m amused that they mostly want to know if I’m AGAINST the same things they’re against. Often, in seeking direction and validation for our spiritual position, we join a church where people “think like we do.”

Non church folks define the congregation of Trinity Methodist in two ways: by who attends our church, and by what we are AGAINST. I have a list of jokes to prove my point, but space doesn’t allow me to share them. (You’re welcome.) In church life, the bandwagon is joined as much for what a church is against as for what the church believes. But do you really want anyone defining you by what you’re against?

Now here’s what I want you to hear — and I want you to hear it louder than any bandwagon rolling down the street. I am FOR YOU. I believe God loves you just the way you are — not the “improved,” “cleaned up,” “Sunday best” version of you, but the real you, the one who sometimes burns the biscuits, loses their patience, and wonders if they’re getting any of this right. You don’t have to do one single thing to earn God’s love. Not one. I believe God wants the best for you — and your “best” doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. God loves you so much that He sent Jesus into the world to show us that love with skin on.

And if you’ve never heard anyone say this plainly, let me be the first: you matter, you are loved, and heaven is not rolling its eyes at you. God is not waiting for you to get your act together — God is already cheering for you, believing in you, and walking with you.

What do you believe?

The NFL will release the 2026 schedule will be released on Thur May 14 at 7pm. Leaks coming out have the Cowboys at the Giants on Sunday night while the Broncos will take on the Chiefs Monday night in week 1.

There will be plenty happening at the Coushatta Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 16, with events for all ages to enjoy. The 2nd Annual Boilin’ on the Red will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring live music, food, and an all-you-can-eat option, along with blind judging and People’s Choice awards to determine who has the best “bugs.” Admission is $10, with $30 for all-you-can-eat. Earlier in the day, the Red River 4-H Pet Show will begin at 10 a.m., offering categories such as best dressed, most unique, and more. Participants must pre-register by May 13, and all animals must be leashed or in carriers. The May Farmers’ Market & Makers’ Fair will also be going on at the fairgrounds with a showcase of local vendors.

The Blue Essence Dance Company will present its spring recital, “The Awakening,” on May 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Red River High School Auditorium. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for the evening performance, which will showcase a variety of dance routines highlighting the talent and hard work of local performers. Guest performances include the Red River High Cheer Team, The Legendary Rangerettes, Legacy Dance Studio, The Glamdolls and The Prancing J-Settes. Tickets are available for $20, which includes admission, an ad book, and a raffle ticket.

Fairview Baptist Crossover Student Ministry will host a fundraiser at The York Chop Thur May 28 starting at 5pm. ALL tips will go toward the cost of summer camp. 

Northwestern State football fans can officially start mapping out their fall Saturdays, and one Thursday, as 2026 Demon football season tickets are now on sale. Fans can purchase tickets online at www.nsutickets.com, by calling the Northwestern State Athletics Ticket Office at 318-357-4268 or by visiting in person inside the NSU Athletics Fieldhouse. The Demons will host six games at Turpin Stadium in 2026, the program’s highest number of home contests since 2013. The home slate features two stretches of back-to-back games during Southland Conference play.

Car enthusiasts are invited to Coushatta for the Rumble on the Bayou car show, hosted by the Bayou Cruisers Car Club on June 20 at Grand Bayou Resort. Open to all vehicles and motorcycles, the event will feature top awards including Best in Show and People’s Choice, along with food, vendors and a live band. Registration is $25 and begins at 8am with judging at 10am and awards at 2pm. An added bonus this year is an air-conditioned events center on site, making it a great way to spend Father’s Day weekend while supporting Operation Christmas Child and local charities.

Northwestern State University’s Department of Music will sponsor two sessions of summer music camp starting in June for children in kindergarten through grade six  Music Around the World will be on June 22-26 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Performing Arts Complex. The camp is $150. Summer Music Daze will be on June 29 – July 1 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Performing Arts Complex. Those attending will take part in singing, playing instruments, crafts, music games and creating.  Camp Flyer link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1okGx2MU-t-8Z8a7sbwfV4gjdBnlK5Qug/view?usp=sharing To learn more about the camp go to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeIqx5FwEAdRPkzm37iXlvCMUFVCYC-PFyOL9I6Rgcxp0R0Qg/viewform?usp=dialog  For more information, contact Dr. Jennifer Pulling at pullingj@nsula.edu. 

College GameDay will kick off the season opener in Tiger Stadium for the LSU vs Clemson matchup on Sept 5. It will be College Gameday’s 40th season and 500th live show. Kickoff is at 6:30pm. Also the LSU at Ole Miss game is set for a 6:30pm start on Sept 19. 

Donald Ray Harris
December 21, 1961 – May 6, 2026
Funeral services will be held Saturday May 16,2026 at 12pm at Old Mary Magdlene Church in Harmon.

Billie Faye Demease
June 7, 1955 – May 3, 2026
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 11am at New Mt. Olive B.C. in Coushatta.

Dusten Litton is making a name for himself in the rodeo world through Deep South Little Britches. In his first year competing, he won the Junior Boys Rookie of the Year national title with the National Little Britches Rodeo Association, and he has continued to build on that success.

Now in his second year of Deep South Little Britches competition, Dusten has once again qualified for nationals in all four of his events: team roping, ribbon roping, breakaway roping and goat tying. Going into the national finals, he is sitting in the top 15 nationwide in team roping, top 7 nationwide in ribbon roping and top 20 nationwide in breakaway. The finals will be held in Oklahoma City in July.

Dusten earned several top finishes including Team Roping Champion Header and Reserve All-Around Junior Cowboy Champion. He also earned Reserve Ribbon Roping Champion, Reserve Chute Dogging Champion, and finished third in goat tying and in breakaway. 

Deep South Little Britches is part of the National Little Britches Rodeo Association and provides young cowboys and cowgirls the opportunity to compete, earn points and qualify for the national finals. The program focuses on developing rodeo skills, work ethic and sportsmanship while preparing competitors for higher levels of competition.

Dusten’s success does not come by accident. He practices daily, ropes and rides every chance he gets, and works cattle regularly. He also helps each week at the family owned sale barn in Carthage and continues to train young horses. This year, he plans to break and ride a two-year-old colt given to him by George Lormand of Lormand Performance Horses in Hall Summit. The two have big plans for the colt.

Dusten has been riding since he was 3 years old, and according to his family, he has had a rope in his hand since he could walk. The 12-year-old son of Bo and Tiffany Litton, his determination, work ethic and love for rodeo continue to push him forward as he prepares to compete on the national stage again this summer.

Coushatta, LA — The Riverdale Academy Beta Club has been named a 2025–2026 Silver Service Award recipient by National Beta. This prestigious recognition honors clubs that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to community service, achieving between 50 and 75 service hours per member from July 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026.

Collectively, Riverdale Academy Beta members contributed an impressive 2,576 service hours throughout the school year, reflecting their dedication to leadership through service and their lasting impact on the local community.
“Our Betas have truly shown what it means to lead by serving others,” said Amanda Cason, Riverdale Academy Beta Club Sponsor. “Earning this Silver distinction highlights their commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those around them.”

Throughout the year, the Riverdale Academy Beta Club participated in a variety of meaningful service initiatives, including:
Beta Week: Members celebrated service within their school by providing teachers with
room service, delivering candy grams to students, sharing notes of encouragement to
brighten the campus, collecting donations for the Gingerbread House, and organizing a
campus clean-up day.
Vacation Bible School: Students volunteered their time at multiple local churches, assisting with activities and mentoring younger children.
Teacher Assistants: Beta members supported faculty by assisting with classroom tasks and daily responsibilities, helping create a more efficient and positive learning environment.
Operation Christmas Child: Members contributed to this global outreach by collecting and preparing gift-filled shoeboxes for children in need around the world.
Livestock Show Volunteering: Students volunteered at local livestock shows, supporting community events and gaining hands-on service experience.

The Riverdale Academy Beta Club continues to exemplify the core values of achievement, character, leadership, and service. Their recognition as a Silver Service Award recipient reflects not only their hard work, but also their dedication to strengthening their school and community.

Shared by Riverdale Academy 

Matt Vines
​​​
The Red River boys and girls track teams soaked up the experience (and the rain) Friday at the Class 2A track and field championships at LSU’s Bernie Moore Stadium.

Student-athletes competed in seven events with Red River scoring points in four of those events.

Lathyn Lewis’ fifth place finish in the 100 meters with an 11.09 was the highest placing.

Khylee Winn cleared 4-9.75 to claim sixth in high jump.

Logan Mims logged a sixth-place finish in the 1600 meters with a 4:56.30.

Mims added a ninth-place showing in the 800 meters with a 2:08.29.

The girls 4×200 relay finished sixth with a 1:49.58. Runners included Kaleah Crawford, Adrina Jackson, Ahmauriyeh Demease, and Aniyah Jones.

Crawford ran eighth in the 400 meters with a 2:08.29.

The boys 4×800 relay clocked 9:22.45 to place ninth with a foursome of Kamrin Nelson, Christopher Hackett, Jacarvis Speed and Emmanuel Scott.

A relatively young boys and girls teams gained immeasurable experience while finishing 29th (boys scored three points) and 27th (girls scored two points), respectively.

Residents will have an opportunity to check in on their health during a Community Health Fair planned for Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Red River Council on Aging, 1824 Front Street in Coushatta. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The fair will offer several basic health screenings, including blood pressure checks, weight and height measurements, and blood sugar checks. Organizers are also planning door prizes for those who attend.

A number of vendors are expected to take part, including representatives from home health, the resource center, CHRISTUS Coushatta, medical technology, rehab centers, hospice, LaCHIP, Acadian On Call, and blood sugar check services.

Blood work will also be available through CHRISTUS Coushatta Healthcare. The flyer lists a lipid profile for $10, a comprehensive profile (CMP) for $10, and tests including HGB A1C, TSH, and CBC for $5 each. The flyer also notes that some services are being provided at no charge through the MLK Health Center & Pharmacy / BHF Heart Program.

The health fair is designed to give local residents a simple way to access screenings, lab work, and information from health-related organizations all in one place.

The Natchitoches Jazz&R&B Festival, which is celebrating its 29th year on May 15-16 is widely regarded as one of the top if not, THE top music festivals in north Louisiana. 

According to festival chairman Rodney Harrington, the event is the culmination of a year long community effort and would not be possible without the generous support of area businesses, concertgoers, and musicians.

“First and foremost, we have a super hard-working board of directors and core group of volunteers who work all year long for no other reason than to help provide good quality musical entertainment for the people of our area and beyond,” said Harrington.

“The festival simply wouldn’t happen without the generosity of our sponsors or partners as we call them”, Harrington continued, “they step up to the plate year after year and allow us to put on a top quality festival featuring A-list artists  and first class sound and production.”

Harrington did say that ticket sales are critical, however, and at the end of the day, it’s all about putting” butts in the seats.”

“With advance online ticket sales, we are able to track where our purchases are coming from and it’s pretty eye-opening,” Harrington said, “ we have folks coming to this festival from literally all over the country, although we rely heavily upon people who are in driving distance.”

He encourages local businesses which, for whatever reason, did not become sponsors, to please consider buying tickets to give to their employees and/or customers. 

Harrington says that the festival was started over 30 years ago mainly to provide a venue for local musicians to perform and it still maintains its loyalty to that group.

“The lineup of performers includes lots of local acts and they are going to be amongst the best you’ll see at the festival, “says Harrington.

For the first time, this year’s festival will feature a stage where all performers will play only their original music.  This will be in the beautiful setting of Beau Jardin and will be presented in cooperation with The Natchitoches Original Music Showcase.

BREAKING NEWS ALERT:  VIP TICKETS ARE NEARLY SOLD OUT AND THE JAZZ FEST BOARD ANTICIPATES TERMINATING THE FURTHER SALE OF THOSE TICKETS IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.natchjazzfest.com

A new 2026 ranking of Louisiana’s best college campuses highlights schools that stand out for campus life, facilities, housing, dining, student resources and overall student experience.

The rankings, compiled by Niche, are based on student reviews and statistics from the U.S. Department of Education. Factors considered include classrooms and labs, residence halls, campus food, recreational facilities, student life and overall campus environment.

Top 8 College Campuses in Louisiana for 2026:

1. Southeastern Louisiana University
Southeastern ranked first in the state for campus quality, earning praise from students for its welcoming atmosphere, student life and campus layout. Reviews also highlighted continued investment in facilities and wellness resources.

2. Tulane University
Tulane scored highly for its academic environment, beautiful New Orleans campus and flexible educational opportunities. Students frequently mentioned supportive professors, strong campus culture and attractive facilities.

3. University of Louisiana at Lafayette
UL Lafayette ranked highly because of its active student life, athletics, campus food and overall campus atmosphere. Students also pointed to strong support services and research opportunities.

4. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Northwestern State received high marks for dorms, student life and campus experience. The university also earned recognition nationally for nursing, student life and campus facilities.

5. Louisiana State University
LSU continued to rank strongly because of its athletics, traditions, student life and large campus environment. Students praised campus activities, food options and school spirit.

6. Louisiana Tech University
Louisiana Tech earned recognition for its academic environment, supportive campus community and strong student engagement. Students also highlighted the quarter system and positive campus culture.

7. Nicholls State University
Nicholls scored well for campus food, affordability and student experience. Students described the campus as friendly and community-oriented.

8. Louisiana State University in Shreveport
LSUS ranked among the state’s top campuses due to strong professor ratings, diversity and flexible academic options. Students also noted its affordability and accessibility.

The rankings are intended to help students and families compare Louisiana colleges based not only on academics, but also on the overall campus experience and quality of student life.