Red River Parish Schools will be closed Wednesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day. The district joins the community in honoring the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Schools will reopen Thursday, November 12.

Man Church will take place Thursday, November 12, at 6 p.m. at The SHOP, located at 1942 Highway 507 in Coushatta. The evening will feature a free jambalaya meal, music, and an encouraging message from guest speaker Steve Pettey, pastor of Social Springs Baptist Church. All men are invited to attend for an evening of food, fellowship, and faith.

The first Mighty Machines Day will be held Saturday, Nov. 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Parc Natchitoches. The family-friendly event will give children opportunities to explore fire trucks, police vehicles, ambulances, construction equipment and other large machines while meeting the professionals who operate them. Admission is $25 per vehicle, with no advance registration required. A quieter, reduced-activity period is scheduled from 3 to 4 p.m. The event will support the future Cane River Discovery Center. Food trucks and hands-on activities are also planned.

Downtown Minden is getting ready to sparkle this holiday season with Christmas in Minden, November 20 through January 1. Visitors can enjoy ice skating at The Rink, festive holiday markets, carriage rides, hayrides, visits with Santa, live entertainment, and plenty of Christmas lights. Special events include the official tree-lighting ceremony on November 20, the Christmas Parade on December 10, and the Christmas in Minden kickoff celebration on November 20. Holiday home tours, shopping, dining, and family-friendly activities will continue throughout the season.

Get ready for some holiday shopping at the 22nd Annual Fleur de Lis Christmas Craft Market on Saturday, November 28, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Natchitoches Events Center, located at 750 Second Street in Natchitoches. Shoppers can browse a variety of unique crafts, handmade gifts, and holiday treasures while getting into the Christmas spirit. Admission is free

Northwestern State University’s Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts will present its 38th annual Christmas Gala Dec. 2-4 in A.A. Fredericks Auditorium. Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 2-3 and 7 and 9 p.m. Dec. 4. More than 300 students, faculty and staff will participate under the direction of Dr. Shane Thomas.Celebrating the 100th Natchitoches Christmas Festival, the production will feature orchestral music, choirs, ballet, hip-hop, Toy Soldiers, Rockettes and percussion performances. Tickets are $15 plus fees. NSU, BPCC@NSU and LSMSA students are admitted free with a valid student ID.

Emmy Award-winning actress Jasmine Guy, best known for her iconic role as Whitley Gilbert on the hit television series A Different World, will deliver the keynote address at Grambling State University’s Fall 2026 Commencement. Guy has enjoyed a celebrated career in television, film, theater, music, and directing. The ceremony will take place Friday, December 4, at 10 a.m. in the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center. For additional graduation information, visit gram.edu/graduation.

The 2026 Kennedy Center Honors will recognize five entertainment legends: Paul Anka, Barbara Mandrell, Andy Garcia, David Foster, and David Mamet. The ceremony is scheduled for December 7, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The annual celebration recognizes individuals whose contributions to the performing arts have made a lasting impact on American culture.

LIV Golf is officially winding down operations after five years and more than $5 billion in investment. Attorneys for the Saudi-backed professional golf league confirmed Thursday, November 5, that the organization will move toward liquidation following its September bankruptcy filing. Plans to relaunch the league in 2027 collapsed after investment firm BC Partners withdrew a proposed $300 million financing deal. LIV Golf, which launched in 2022 as a rival to the PGA Tour, is expected to begin the process of selling its remaining assets on November 9, subject to bankruptcy court proceedings.

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