Your Guide to Peach Festival Weekend

The 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival will take place on June 7, 2025, but the peach celebrations will be going all week long in Ruston, LA!  If you’re planning to spend a full weekend soaking in the sweet peachy charm of Ruston, let this guide help you make the most out of your adventure.

Friday, June 6

Eat:

From June 2-7, enjoy Peach Culinary Crawl, a weeklong tasting tour featuring over 20 local restaurants. Each participating location will offer special peach-inspired items. From peach BBQ and burgers to peach toast, cocktails, and desserts. There’s something to satisfy every craving. The full Culinary Crawl menu is available in late May on the Peach Fest website. 

See:

In celebration of the festival’s 75th anniversary, The Louisiana Peach Festival is collaborating with the Lincoln Parish Museum to present Peach Fest Through the Decades. This special exhibit will showcase memorabilia from the very first Peach Festival all the way through present day.

• Peach fest hack: After visiting the exhibit, explore downtown Ruston to scope out the festival grounds and snap a picture at one of the colorful murals!

Experience: There’s plenty to experience Friday before the festival. 

• Take a stroll through Downtown Ruston and browse the Peach Sidewalk Sale. Participating downtown shops will be offering peachy deals and special promotions from June 2-6. 

• • Peach Fest Hack: Grab a Peach Fest fit at the sidewalk sale to wear at the festival!

• The Peach Parade is a long loved and cherished tradition by festival attendees. The parade will take place in Downtown Ruston on Friday, June 6, at 6PM.
• After the parade, you can head over to the 36th Annual Peach Festival Rodeo for family entertainment, trick riders, and more. The rodeo starts at 8PM.

Saturday, June 7 – Festival Day

Festival activities start at 9:00AM and there’s plenty to eat, see, and experience—all located on the festival grounds.

Eat:
This year, enjoy bites from a variety of food vendors, offering everything from burgers, sandwiches, and pizza, to classic festival treats, refreshing drinks, and tasty snacks. You’ll also want to pay a visit to the Historic Fire Station for a scoop of frosty peach ice cream from the ladies of Beta Sigma Phi. 

• Peach Fest Hack: Ask vendors what their special peach item is! All food vendors create and offer a peachy item just for the Peach Festival.

The festival is also conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Ruston, so there’s plenty of local restaurants you can walk to. 

See:

• Festival Art Displays: Discover art boards and interactive displays by local artists that will be showcased throughout festival grounds.

• Ruston Antique Classic Car Show: Head over to Cadence Bank from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM for the Car Show. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just love vintage charm, this show is sure to impress with its lineup of beautifully restored classic vehicles.
• Drone Show: Stick around till the headliner performance for the Peach Festival’s first ever drone show at 8:45 PM! This transforming sky display will take place before the headlining act to kick off the grand finale to the festival.

Experience: 

• Live Music: Enjoy more than 12 hours of live performances at the Railroad Park stage. With an exciting lineup of artists, the festival’s musical energy will keep you dancing all day long. Don’t miss the headliner, The Band of Heathens, taking the stage after the drone show.
• Kids Alley: A family-friendly zone packed with interactive activities and entertainment to keep the little ones smiling.
• Curated market: The festival will have over 70 vendors, all selling their handmade arts, jewelry, clothing, mugs, decorations, candles, and lots more. Additionally, you can stop by the Peach Fest Sticker Wall in the market—perfect for a fun and unique photo op. 

• • Peach Fest Hack: arrive early to the Curated Market before your favorite vendor sells out. Visit www.lapeachfest.com/vendors to get a sneak peek at what vendors are offering. 

Sunday, June 8

After a Saturday full of adventures, take it slow on Sunday. Sleep in, relax, and savor your last day in town before heading home.

Eat: 

Start your day with a delicious Sunday brunch at Trio’s. Whether you choose a cozy table indoors or enjoy the sunshine on their patio, you’re in for a wonderful dining experience. Looking for a spot closer to downtown? Try Board & Bottle’s Sunday brunch and specialty brunch cocktails.

See: 

While you’re at the festival Saturday, you will likely spot a few of Ruston’s unique bulldog statues scattered throughout downtown. In total, there are 22 bulldogs placed around the city—each with its own charm. Stretch your visit a little longer and turn your Sunday into a scavenger hunt to track down the ones you missed.

Experience: 

Wind down with a peaceful visit to Lincoln Parish Park. This park offers mountain biking and walking trails, kayaking, fishing, and a playground for the kids. It’s the perfect way to soak in the natural beauty of Ruston and cap off your Peach Festival weekend.

From peachy treats to live tunes and everything in between, the Louisiana Peach Festival is the perfect way to kick off your summer. Soak up the fun, explore Ruston, and celebrate 75 years of sweet traditions and unforgettable memories! 

To learn the insider tips and tricks all seasoned festival goers know, read up on our How to Peach Fest blog.

The arena is the Family Life Center of cowboy church. Red River Cowboy Church hosts a variety of activities aimed at the western culture. It’s an opportunity for people, of all walks of life, to come together and be with Christ. The Ragin’ Cajun Mounted Shooters are coming to introduce the thrilling sport of mounted shooting to the RRCC community! They are affiliated with the US Mounted Shooting Association and RRCC is excited to welcome this event to our arena. The event will feature two main pistol matches. In this event, riders will use two single-action revolvers to shoot five balloon targets while on horseback. After holstering the first revolver, they will draw the second to hit the remaining five targets. For the shotgun category, participants will shoot five targets with a single-action revolver then retrieve the shotgun from the scabbard to take down two additional bundles of targets. The rifle category combines single-action revolvers with rifle shooting where competitors aim to hit five rifle targets. It’s a show of incredible precision, speed, and horsemanship!

The event will take place on Sunday, April 27th, immediately after church (around noon). The event is FREE and there will be lunch available for purchase. We would love for you to attend church with us before the event. For those who are interested, your attendance to church will register you for the drawing to win a Rossi 22 LR Caliber rifle. It’s a great way to learn more about cowboy church. The day begins at 10:30am with donuts and coffee. Come enjoy a day with us and see what the western culture has to offer in living life with Jesus! For more information about this event, contact Clyde Miley at 318.201.2626. For more information about RRCC, visit our website at www.redrivercowboychurch.org

Where:
Red River Cowboy Church
Intersection of Hwy 1 & Hwy 174
Lake End, Louisiana

When:  April 27, 2025 – After Church

Red River Parish is home to many men and women who have served this country in the American Armed Forces. Therefore, whether you served in the US or overseas, during combat or peace time, Coushatta Veterans Service Organizations are hosting a Veteran’s Appreciation Day on Saturday May 17^th.  This is a free event to say “Thank you for your service” to all veterans of America’s armed services.

This event will be held in McLemore Hall of First Methodist Church on Front Street.  The date is Saturday May 17th from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm.

There will be a light lunch served, and all veterans are invited to dine at no charge.  Other guests will be asked to donate $10 to cover costs.  Information about services available to veterans will be provided by various organizations that serve vets in Red River Parish.  Topping off the day will be drawings for $100 in door prizes.  There is no cost and you do not have to be present to win.

The Veteran’s Appreciation event is sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars Red River Memorial Post and Auxiliary 7287.  In addition to the VFW, information tables will be manned by the Disable American Veterans, Congressman Mike Johnson’s office, the Red River Council on Aging, the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, Christus Coushatta Health Care Center, and other local organizations that serve veterans.

Armed service veterans are invited to Veterans Appreciation Day at McLemore Hall of First Methodist Church on Front Street in Coushatta.  The hours are 11:00 am until 1:00 pm on Saturday May 17^th.  Reservations are not required.

For more information, please call VFW Post 7287 at 318-932-6557.

A search of the Louisiana Real Estate Commission website shows that the Broker License for Rodrick Terrell McIntosh has been suspended and the status indicates the License is Not Valid.

A search of the Broker Company section of the Louisiana Real Estate Commission website shows that the Broker Company License for Clear to Close Realty, LLC has been suspended and the status indicates the License is Not Valid.

• Each search was conducted on March 18, 2025 at the website: https://portal.lrec.gov/public/search

Where in the world can you go to one music festival and see a platinum-selling, award winning “Redneck Woman” Country artist on the same stage as a legendary, also platinum selling Funk/R&B showband, along with a faithful recreation of the record-breaking, billion dollar Taylor Swift concert performed by the nation’s top Taylor Swift Tribute Artist?

The answer: It’s at the 2025 Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival which will be held May 9th & 10th on the beautiful downtown Natchitoches Riverbank which will be headlined by Grammy-winning, multi-platinum selling Country artist, Gretchen Wilson, preceded by Funk/R&B Legends and also multi-platinum sellers, The BAR-KAYS.

Gretchen Wilson made her Country Music debut in 2004 and soared to the top of the Billboard Country Music charts with her Grammy Award Winning single “Redneck Woman” which became anthem for females in the south and remains so to this day. Wilson’s success garnered her a truckload of awards, including 2004 ACM Female Vocalist of the Year and Best New Artist and 2005 CMA Top Female Vocalist award. The singer has been nominated For over 10 Grammy Awards winning 2004’s Best Country Female Vocal Performance for “Redneck Woman.”

Her debut album, “Here For The Party,” was certified five times platinum and she has sold many millions of albums and records over her 20+ year career. Her high energy shows are legendary and she promises that in Natchitoches she will be “Here for the Party.”

Vibrant costumes are just part of what’s in store for audience these days at a typical stage performance by Funk and Soul pioneers, The BAR-KAYS. Spontaneity and excitement have been a trademark of the Memphis-based group every since its inception in the mid-1960’s. Today The BAR-KAYS have reloaded their high energy act and ready to guide whole new generations onto the dance floor with a re-invigorated group.

The group got its first break in the late ‘60s as Otis Reddings’ backing band before several members, along with Redding, were tragically killed in a plane crash in 1967. The BAR-KAYS soon reformed and, after being on Stax Record artists for several years, reinvented themselves as one of the premiere acts in the new Funk genre and recorded a string of hits that remained dance floor staples to this day, including “Shake Your Rump to the Funk,” “Too Hot to Stop” and many others. The BAR-KAYS have a career total of 29 albums including five Gold and one Platinum, along with 40 single releases and 20 Top Ten singles and albums and as part of their show in Natchitoches, they will perform their “Soul 2 Soul Tribute to Stax Records.”

On Friday, May 9th, Tribute to Legends Night, the Festival will capitalize on the immense popularity and phenomenon That is Taylor Swift as they present “Lover: An Eras Tour Experience,” widely regarded as the nation’s best and most accurate Taylor Swift Tribute Concert. The group out of Dallas will recreate portions of Swift’s record breaking “Eras Tour,” complete with dancers, multiple costume changes, and a fabulous light show. All of which should delight “The Swifties.”

Opening for the Taylor Swift Tribute is Bad Medicine, the iconic new Bon Jovi Tribute act out of Atlanta, GA which has been receiving rave reviews all across the south.

Of course, as always, the Festival will feature approximately 20 different acts on three stages throughout the weekend featuring Jazz, R & B, Country, Rock & Roll, Zydeco, Funk, Americana, Gospel, and just about any genre one could imagine.

Festival Chairman Rodney Harrington expressed his excitement at the lineup. “I know we say this every year, but I truly believe that this is shaping up to be the most exciting and diverse lineup of music we’ve had in the Festival’s 28 years.”

“The diversity in the type and style of music we present could not be more apparent than with our two headlining closing acts, Funk/R&B pioneers The BAR-KAYS followed by Country Music superstar, Gretchen Wilson.” Harrington continued, “You don’t get more diverse than that.”

The Festival is offering “Holiday Presale” tickets pricing just in time for Christmas so that fans can buy tickets at a reduced price.

“You’ll never be able to buy tickets more cheaply than you can right now,” according to Harrington. “Why not give the gift of music for Christmas?”

For ticket information and more, go to natchjazzfest.com

You deserve a career where talent is recognized and rewarded. When your strengths meet our opportunities, great things can happen. Work and learn from the best in the industry in a fulfilling career with exceptional benefits at RoyOMartin. 

RoyOMartin-Plywood in Chopin, La. is hosting a job fair for production team members and industrial electricians in Natchitoches, La., on December 11, 2024, at the MLK Community Center. Attend one of two sessions, at 3:00 or 5:30 p.m. The starting pay for production team members is $16.74 per hour, potentially increasing your pay to $25 per hour. Industrial electricians’ pay is based on experience, up to $43 per hour. 

At RoyOMartin, people are our number one asset. We are committed to keeping them safe and well and supporting them as they learn and grow. That’s not just lip service. It shows in the variety of benefits and industry-leading employee-development programs we offer such as affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance, our family medical clinic in Alexandria, La., supplemental insurance options, flexible spending accounts, retirement program and profit sharing, paid time off, and transportation assistance. That’s right, catch the bus each shift at the Shop-a-Lott “the Y!”  

Employee safety is RoyOMartin’s #1 priority. We believe that all accidents can be prevented with our “I Believe in Zero Now” (IBiZ) safety philosophy. Our team members are trained to work safely, from new-hire orientation through ongoing job-specific safety training, and each location has designated safety and occupational health professionals. That’s what makes us one of the safest plywood plants in North America.  

See why 750 people call RoyOMartin-Plywood their work family. Learn more about RoyOMartin’s open positions and apply at royomartin.com/careers. Take advantage of this chance to join the RoyOMartin team at the December 11, 2024, Natchitoches Job Fair at the MLK Community Center at 3:00 and 5:30 p.m. 

The Natchitoches Parish School Board is excited to announce an opening for the position of Principal at Natchitoches Magnet School. This leadership opportunity is perfect for dedicated and qualified education professionals ready to make a significant impact on one of our district’s amazing schools.

Position: Principal

Location: Natchitoches Magnet School

Application Requirements:

Applicants must meet Louisiana State Department of Education certification requirements or be eligible at the time of application. A minimum of 5 years of teaching experience is required.

Interested applicants should submit a complete application packet, including:

• Letter of application Resume.
• Official transcripts from institutions awarding degrees
• Copy of Louisiana Teacher’s Certificate with principal/educational leadership endorsement
• Three letters of reference (one from the applicant’s immediate supervisor)

Salary: In accordance with the Natchitoches Parish School Board salary schedule.

Deadline to Apply: All application materials must be received by Monday, December 16, 2024, at 4:00 PM.

If eligible, apply at https://www.npsb.la/page/job-openings

For any questions or serious inquiries, please contact 318-352-2358 or LPage@npsb.la

About Natchitoches Parish School Board
The Natchitoches Parish School Board meets the challenges required to raise academic standards and positively impact student achievements throughout all of Natchitoches Parish. We are committed to a a policy of educating children by helping them to develop an awareness and appreciation for the achievements, problems and aspirations of all people in our culturally diverse society.

Dewitt and Firment are asking for input from their constituents as the tax session progresses as the proposals of Governor Landry are a monumental change in tax policy not only for individuals, but small businesses and local government entities.

Photos courtesy of the Representatives

Paid Content

The Harrington Law Firm and the way they do business is about family, in the truest sense of the word.

“By definition, we are a family firm. But it goes way beyond that,” says partner Eddie Harrington. “My dad began practicing law over 46 years ago here and practiced with his brothers Rick and Billy Joe,” Eddie continued, “I joined him in practice when I finished law school 14 years ago. So the practice of law has always been about family for us.”

Rodney says that the family aspect of their firm extends to the way they treat their clients.

“We tell our clients that when you hire Eddie and I to represent you, you become part of our family, The Harrington Law Firm family. We believe that strongly and live it every day in the way we handle our business.”

“We think that the family aspect of our firm and the one on one treatment we give our clients is something that sets us apart from some of the big billboard/TV advertising firms, many of which are located in Baton Rouge and New Orleans,” says Eddie.

“We like to say that when you hire us as your attorneys, you get US, Rodney and Eddie,” he continued “You’re not shuffled off to some underling.” Rodney says that the firm’s focus on family is further evidenced by their staff.

“Our staff is an integral part of The Harrington Law Firm family” said Rodney. “We truly believe we have the best, most efficient, most caring staff in Louisiana” he continued, “some of them have been with us for multiple decades. They are hard working, fiercely loyal, respectful to our clients, and to us, they are family.”

“If a member of my actual family has been wronged, harmed, or treated badly in some way, I will stand up and fight to protect that family member. Most people would,” says Eddie. “We fight for our clients as if they were our blood relatives. Again, to us, they ARE family.”

Office Manager Melanie Hicks, who first began working for Rodney as a student worker nearly 30 years ago, echoes Rodney’s and Eddie’s sentiments.

“I think it goes back to the fact that Rodney and Eddie have big hearts and so do the members of our staff,” says Melanie. “People that come to us are coming because they’ve had some problem, been in a car wreck, had financial problems, been denied social security, something like that. Generally they’re nervous, scared, and upset. We realize that and always try to treat them with the same dignity, respect, and empathy that we would members of our own immediate family.”

“The thing we hear most from our clients”, Melanie continued, “is ‘They treated me like family.’”

The Harrington Law Firm handles cases in all of Louisiana and is also licensed in Texas and its practice is focused on all types of personal injury including car wrecks and other vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, bankruptcy, social security disability, and wills and successions. For a free appointment, call 318-352-5900 and for more information go to www.theharringtonlawfirm.com.

Local high school football scores:

To enter this week’s contest, CLICK HERE! https://form.jotform.com/241823431109146
(Games played on October 25, 2024)

Are you ready for some football?!?

Bigger question. Are you ready to win $100.00 in cash and prizes each week?

The Red River Parish Journal and American Bank are proud to bring you the 2024 High School Football Pick’em Contest presented by American Bank.

Anyone is eligible to participate for FREE and each week’s winner will go home with a $100.00 cash prize.  Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected high school football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).

The American Bank & Tyler Insurance Agency High School Football Pick’em Contest will be conducted over the 10 regular season weeks of the High School season starting with Week 1 games (Sept. 6) and running through the end of November.

There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to subscribe to the Red River Parish Journal.

All contest decisions by Red River Parish Journal (RRPJ) management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run that week in the RRPJ.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the RRPJ, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. Monday-Wednesday-Friday e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $100.00 each week!

________________________

The Red River Parish Journal wants to thank American Bank & Tyler Insurance Agency for their title and presenting sponsorships of this year’s High School pick’em contest.

We also want to thank Better Finance and C&K BBQ for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest.

This will be my final Observations. I have decided to hang up my pen, put away the typewriter and step away from the internet after 68 years of writing columns. The last almost-seven decades have been a great experience overall. I made a lot of people happy, a few not so happy, and some will be even happier still to learn this writes finis.

I am told I hold the state journalism record as the journalist who has written a column for the longest number of years.

The first column I wrote was while a Sophomore at Marthaville High School. That was October 1956, and the column was titled “‘Round Marthaville High School.” It appeared in The Natchitoches Times and the Natchitoches Enterprise. The column ran through March 13, 1958, when I graduated from high school.

While a student at Northwestern State College, I wrote a column in The Natchitoches Times titled “Notes of a Roving Reporter.” The first one appeared on the front page of The Times on June 20, 1963, and it continued regularly until July 25. It was then I changed the name to “Ballyhoo” and began writing about politics. I continued the column until Nov. 5, 1964.

As editor of the Northwestern newspaper, The Current Sauce, in 1963-64, I wrote a column entitled “From the Editor’s Easy Chair.”

I came to Many to run The Sabine Index and on Nov. 13, 1964, wrote my first column for the weekly parish newspaper I would eventually own. That column was also called “From the Editor’s Easy Chair.”

The title “Observations” was first used on Jan. 15, 1965. I changed how the heading looked over the years and eventually added a tagline, “News, Views, Facts and Opinions.”

After I sold The Index to the now-deceased Lovan Thomas who owned The Natchitoches Times and other papers, Tedd Dumas was nice enough to invite me to occupy an office in his radio station building. For several years, I wrote Observations for the BDC website and at that time, started an Observations Facebook page as well. When Tedd first urged me to write it for the BDC site, he said, “You write what you want.” I always did, and I appreciate the opportunity he gave me. We have been friends for many years, and that friendship continues today.

Sometime afterwards, Lovan approached me and asked if I would return to the pages of the Index and once again write Observations for the newspaper. We worked out an arrangement where each column published online would be published in the Index one week later, which seemed to work well. The first Observations column that ran in the Index again after my sale of the newspaper appeared on July 8, 2020. I want to thank Editor Daniel Jones and Jeremy Cheatwood at The Index for always being so helpful and going out of their way to do whatever needed to be done to assist in publication.

A few years ago, I started my own Observations site on the internet. Ryan Roberson, a native of Zwolle, was kind enough to always promote and run articles on his popular news aggregate Facebook page, The Cenla Report. He has always been there for us, and there are not words enough to tell him how much we appreciate all his efforts.

When my good friend, Valmore Byles, died some years back, I published a special issue of Observations about his life. It was posted on a Friday, and more than 7,000 persons read it. That was a record at the time, but after The Cenla Report started sharing Observations each week, readership rapidly increased, and persons from all over the world started reading. It was just amazing. Also, not long after The Cenla Report started posting the column, Observations was recognized by a premier news media and broadcasting platform service as “a shining example of excellence in the industry,” which we appreciated very much.

I am most grateful to the many persons who have read and supported Observations through the years. So many people supplied stories and photos, gave us tips on interesting happenings and provided encouragement. I will never forget all the folks who mentioned to me through the years what the column meant to them and how much they enjoyed it. I am deeply appreciative of each and every one. In many ways, writing the column has been a fun, enjoyable task and has brought a lot of fulfillment.

One of the added benefits to writing a column for such a long time are the wonderful letters, phone calls and, more recently, messages and texts I have received over the years. Only this week I received the following from Max Teasley Jr., son of one of the best friends I ever had, the late Max Teasley of Zwolle.

“Mr. Gentry, I retired at the ripe old age of 70 this June. I live on 23 acres outside of Mena, AR. My sister, Connie Leone of Zwolle, came to visit me this weekend. She told me she had talked to your wife, and she said your wife mentioned that my dad was in one of your recent columns. I quickly looked you up.

“While reading many of your postings, my mind was flooded with wonderful memories of growing up following my dad around and all his friends. Some of my fondest memories involved you, like the time you gave me my first and only ride in a Rolls Royce, the time we took a trip to Nashville, my first and only time I was backstage at the Ryman, and then we went to the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree, and then on to WSM where we were interviewed by Ralph Emery. I don’t remember if it was you or Daddy that got locked out of the motel room in their underwear.

“That trip was a once in a lifetime experience, and I thank you so very much.

“As I’m sure you are aware, the older you get, the more you reflect on the past. I’m now going to be an avid reader of Observations, for they remind me of my raising and all the great men (such as yourself) who influenced me.

“Thanks, Max Jr.”

Throughout the last 68 years, I have attempted to always be a person of integrity and tell the truth. Any failures have been of mind, not of heart. I have always strived to keep the public good at heart while understanding that different people sometimes have very different approaches to address the situations and circumstances of life.

It takes a lot of work each week to do the necessary research, attend meetings and other functions, take photos and do all the things involved in putting a column together. At this stage in my life, I do not choose to devote that much time to the matter.

I would be remiss if I did not mention my wife, Laurie. I couldn’t have done it without her. After the column went online, for over 10 years she spent about a day of each week putting Observations together to be published electronically. Several times, we also published special lagniappe columns on Fridays, in addition to the usual Wednesday offerings. Whenever I needed her to, she would attend an event for me, cover it, take photos and write an article. After online publication each week, she would spend more time making sure the content got updated as appropriate and forwarded to the Index with all the photos for the following week’s newspaper. In the last six years, she did all that while fighting and by God’s grace, overcoming, two unrelated bouts of cancer. I can never thank Laurie enough. She is a jewel.

There are several things that stand out in my mind about writing a column. First of all, I tried to make it interesting to readers and tried to be a reliable, truthful disseminator of news and events. I included many, many items I hoped would serve to encourage people along life’s way.

Often my columns had to do with politics. I have always felt everyone has a duty and obligation to know what is going on in politics and in their government so they can make sound decisions when it is time to vote.

Thirdly, I deliberately used the column to help a lot of people in a lot of different ways. I did my best to always lend a helping hand to anyone who approached me with a worthy cause needing help. I cannot recall ever telling anyone “No.”

Observations has been an effective doorway to meet a lot of interesting people I would not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise, including a few who became treasured friends along the way. I owe to Observations my friendships with Country music legend Roy Acuff, Louisiana Governors Jimmie Davis and Edwin Edwards, and more recently, “Bridges of Madison County” author Robert James Waller, who stood beside me as Best Man when Laurie and I were married 18 years ago. There are many more, but time and space prevent them from being remembered just now.

For these and many more reasons too numerous to mention, I am blessed to have been lucky enough to write Observations and other columns for all these 68 years. There were weeks I missed writing a column, but in all those years, I figure I wrote somewhere north of 25,000 columns. I hope I helped some people along life’s highway. I hope I provided folks with useful and helpful information. I hope I provided a few laughs, and I hope I stimulated some thought. Most of all, I hope I have shared things that might have led someone to have a closer walk with God. A personal relationship with the Almighty is all that matters in this life, and all that will get you into the next one.

Back in the day, we old-time journalists were taught to use -30- to indicate the end of a story. I have used it all my journalistic life. And with this, I offer my final

— 30 —

Courtesy of Robert Gentry’s Observations newsletter, Sabine Parish, Louisiana

Get your tickets NOW – > Click Here

Prepare for a journey into the heart of darkness as the Dark Woods Haunted Attraction roars back to life in October at Dark Woods Adventure Park. This highly anticipated event promises to deliver unforgettable terror and heart-pounding fun for thrill-seekers of all ages.

This year’s event features the return of the notorious “Buried Alive!” experience, a solo virtual reality burial simulator that pushes the boundaries of fear. Visitors will be plunged into total darkness, lying in a sealed coffin as they endure their own chilling funeral. The experience is designed to test even the bravest souls, ensuring a truly unforgettable night of horror.

Beyond “Buried Alive!”, the Dark Woods Haunted Attraction promises a deep dive into the bloody and disturbing past of Hickory Ridge. The veil between worlds will be at its thinnest, unleashing nightmares that rule the darkness. Visitors will be immersed in a world of terror, confronting the evil that lurks just beyond the edge of town.

Additionally, Dark Woods Haunted Attraction unveils a brand new attraction “Alice’s Madhouse in 3D: Descent”. Step into an asylum where the boundaries of reality twist like Wonderland itself. Experience the madness in vivid 3D Chroma-Depth, a hauntingly immersive journey where nothing is as it seems. The only attraction of its kind in Louisiana, this descent into madness will leave you questioning what’s real and what’s nightmare.

“We’re incredibly excited to bring back the Dark Woods Haunted Attraction for another year of unforgettable scares,” said Jason Summerlin, Owner/Operator of Dark Woods Adventure Park. “Our team has worked tirelessly to create an experience that will push visitors to their limits and leave them screaming for more. Whether you’re a horror fan or just looking for a unique night out, this event is not to be missed.”

Don’t miss your chance to face your fears and experience the ultimate night of horror. Secure your tickets now for the Dark Woods Haunted Attraction at darkwoodshaunt.com, opening on October 4th at Dark Woods Adventure Park in Natchitoches.

About Dark Woods Adventure Park
Dark Woods Adventure Park is a family-friendly outdoor destination in Natchitoches, LA, featuring a variety of activities and attractions from March to December. In addition to the Dark Woods Haunted Attraction, the park offers seasonal events, delicious food, retail shops, and outdoor activities like gem mining and mini-golf. Whether you’re looking for a day of fun or a weekend getaway, Dark Woods Adventure Park has something for everyone.

The 2024 APHN Fall Tour of Homes is set for the second weekend of October, offering a unique glimpse into historic residences in Natchitoches. The event will take place on Friday, October 11, and Saturday, October 12, featuring two separate tours.

The Candlelight Tour on Friday, October 11, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, includes four homes located within a two-block radius, making it an easy walk for visitors. Guests can enjoy a wine and cheese reception at the Jefferson Street Townhouse to conclude the evening. Maps and directions will be provided to guide attendees through the picturesque tour.

On Saturday, October 12, the Town Tour will be held from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, featuring another set of four homes. This tour requires driving between venues, with maps and directions provided. Each tour costs $25.00, and tickets can be purchased at www.Givebutter.com/APHNTourOfHomes.

Candlelight Tour Venues:

• Laureate House (225 Poete Street): Built in 1840, this European-style townhouse features a wide central hall, separate room entrances, and a beautiful garden.
• Grenaux-Bishop House (200 Pine Street): Completed in 1914, this charming Queen Anne cottage retains its original features and has an extension added in the 1920s.
• The Nakatosh House (210 Jefferson Street): Built in 1923, this stucco-and-cypress home boasts four bedrooms, four baths, and a sunroom.
• Jefferson Street Townhouse (230 Jefferson Street): A Colonial Revival bungalow with a grand front veranda and high ceilings, this venue will host the wine and cheese reception following the tour.

Town Tour Venues:

• Lemee House (310 Rue Jefferson): A c.1830 home with Mediterranean-style architecture, it will also feature arts & crafts vendors in the garden.
• H.A. Cook Guesthouse (128 St. Denis Street): A converted 1920s commercial building now serves as a three-bedroom guesthouse filled with period antiques.
• Hill Haven (1525 Rue Washington Street): This home, over 100 years old, showcases regional artwork, including pieces by Clementine Hunter.
• Keegan House (225 Williams Avenue): A Colonial Revival home built in 1850, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Additional Weekend Activities:

• Melrose on the Cane (3533 LA-119, Melrose, LA): Tours will be offered at this National Historic Landmark on Saturday afternoon and Sunday. Show your Fall Tour ticket for a $5 discount.
• St. Augustine Church Fair (2262 LA-484, Natchitoches, LA): Celebrate Creole culture with food, music, and games on October 12 and 13, starting at 10:00 AM each day.

Melissa Robinson serves as the Chairman for the 2024 Fall Tour of Homes. For more information, call 318-458-2485.

Congratulations are in order for Ms. Debbie Bamburg winning Week Two of the Football Pick-Em Contest in the Red River Parish Journal.

To enter this week’s contest, CLICK HERE!  https://tinyurl.com/RRPJPickem
(Games played on September 20, 2024)

The Red River Parish Journal and American Bank are proud to bring you the 2024 High School Football Pick’em Contest presented by American Bank.

Anyone is eligible to participate for FREE and each week’s winner will go home with a $100.00 cash prize.  Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected high school football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).

The American Bank & Tyler Insurance Agency High School Football Pick’em Contest will be conducted over the 10 regular season weeks of the High School season starting with Week 1 games (Sept. 6) and running through the end of November.

There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to subscribe to the Red River Parish Journal.

All contest decisions by Red River Parish Journal (RRPJ) management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run that week in the RRPJ.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the RRPJ, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. Monday-Wednesday-Friday e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $100.00 each week!

________________________

The Red River Parish Journal wants to thank American Bank & Tyler Insurance Agency for their title and presenting sponsorships of this year’s High School pick’em contest.

We also want to thank Better Finance and C&K BBQ for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest.

Week 1: Pam Williams
Week 2: Debbie Bamburg

Congratulations are in order for Ms. Pam Williams winning Week One of the Football Pick-Em Contest in the Red River Parish Journal.

To enter this week’s contest, CLICK HERE!  https://tinyurl.com/RRPJPickem
(Games played on September 13, 2024)

The Red River Parish Journal and American Bank are proud to bring you the 2024 High School Football Pick’em Contest presented by American Bank.

Anyone is eligible to participate for FREE and each week’s winner will go home with a $100.00 cash prize.  Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected high school football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).

The American Bank & Tyler Insurance Agency High School Football Pick’em Contest will be conducted over the 10 regular season weeks of the High School season starting with Week 1 games (Sept. 6) and running through the end of November.

There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to subscribe to the Red River Parish Journal.

All contest decisions by Red River Parish Journal (RRPJ) management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run that week in the RRPJ.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the RRPJ, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. Monday-Wednesday-Friday e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $100.00 each week!

________________________

The Red River Parish Journal wants to thank American Bank & Tyler Insurance Agency for their title and presenting sponsorships of this year’s High School pick’em contest.

We also want to thank Better Finance and C&K BBQ for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest.

To enter this week’s contest, CLICK HERE!  https://tinyurl.com/RRPJPickem
(Games played on September 13, 2024)

Are you ready for some football?!?

Bigger question. Are you ready to win $100.00 in cash and prizes each week?

The Red River Parish Journal and American Bank are proud to bring you the 2024 High School Football Pick’em Contest presented by American Bank.

Anyone is eligible to participate for FREE and each week’s winner will go home with a $100.00 cash prize.  Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected high school football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).

The American Bank & Tyler Insurance Agency High School Football Pick’em Contest will be conducted over the 10 regular season weeks of the High School season starting with Week 1 games (Sept. 6) and running through the end of November.

There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to subscribe to the Red River Parish Journal.

All contest decisions by Red River Parish Journal (RRPJ) management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run that week in the RRPJ.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the RRPJ, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. Monday-Wednesday-Friday e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $100.00 each week!

________________________

The Red River Parish Journal wants to thank American Bank & Tyler Insurance Agency for their title and presenting sponsorships of this year’s High School pick’em contest.

We also want to thank Better Finance and C&K BBQ for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest.

The river run starts at noon on Saturday, September 14th 

To enter this week’s contest, CLICK HERE!  https://tinyurl.com/RRPJPickem
(Games played on September 6, 2024)

Are you ready for some football?!?

Bigger question. Are you ready to win $100.00 in cash and prizes each week?

The Red River Parish Journal and American Bank is proud to bring you the 2024 High School Football Pick’em Contest presented by American Bank.

Anyone is eligible to participate for FREE and each week’s winner will go home with a $100.00 cash prize.  Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected high school football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).

The American Bank & Tyler Insurance Agency High School Football Pick’em Contest will be conducted over the 10 regular season weeks of the High School season starting with Week 1 games (Sept. 6) and running through the end of November.

There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to subscribe to the Red River Parish Journal.

All contest decisions by Red River Parish Journal (RRPJ) management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run that week in the RRPJ.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the RRPJ, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. Monday-Wednesday-Friday e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $100.00 each week!

________________________

The Red River Parish Journal wants to thank American Bank & Tyler Insurance Agency for their title and presenting sponsorships of this year’s High School pick’em contest.

We also want to thank Better Finance & C&K Bar-B-Q for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest.

Martinez Land Offering

Offers Due by:  Friday, September 13, 2024 at 3:00 pm Central Time

Closing Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 3:00 pm Central (or sooner)

Land Offered: Approximately 2,837.896+/- acres. (comprised of several tracts)

Contact: henry@echotitlecompany.com

Phone: 318-236-6000

VIEW & DOWNLOAD BID PACKAGE

VIEW & DOWNLOAD THE TRACTS

The river run starts at noon on Saturday, September 14th 

WHEN: Saturday, August 31, 2024
TIME:  9 AM
WHERE: 100 Starkway Rd, Coushatta, Louisiana

Partial Listing: (8) Power Generation 30KW Generators, Cummings Engine ~ Approx 50 Solar Solutions Panels ~ Job Boxes ~ Bottle Racks ~ Testing Equipment ~ Valves & Fittings ~ Fuel Tanks ~ Power Units ~ Truck Beds ~ Metal Tables ~ Pipe Racks ~ Lots of Rolls of Electrical Wire ~ Approx 2000 Joints of 2 3/8 inch pipe (lots unused) ~ 500 Joints 2 inch Pipe ~ Log Mats ~ Approx 200 Joints of 3 & 4 inch pipe ~ Approx 300 Joints of 6 inch pipe ~ 50 Joints 10 inch Pipe ~ GN Flatbed Trailers ~ Haul Mark Bumper Enclosed Trailer ~ Cat D5G Dozer, cab/air ~ Ford 575 Loader Backhoe ~ (5) Ford Service Trucks ~ Several other trucks ~ (2) Diamond T GN Dump Trailers ~ Several Bumper Trailers ~ Approx 15 Big Standup Metal Vessels ~ (7) 10,000 Gallon Water Tanks on Skid ~ Irrigation 6 inch Pipe Reels ~ 40ft & 20ft Metal Storage Containers

For more information, call Rex at 318-648-8509 or 318-471-0962 or visit us online at:
www.proxibid.com/lasyone

There’s something for everyone!! We hope to see you there!!
Rex Lasyone, LA lic#:1549, TX lic#: 16267

(Liquidation of Coushatta equipment yard location only)

Directions to Auction Site ~ From Coushatta:

Hwy 71N, go 1 mile, Take Y in the road to the right on Hwy 371 North, go 4 miles, take right on Hwy 786, sale site will be 2 miles on the left. Follow the SWN Entergy signs.

To enter this week’s contest, CLICK HERE!  https://tinyurl.com/RRPJPickem
(Games played on September 6, 2024)

Are you ready for some football?!?

Bigger question. Are you ready to win $100.00 in cash and prizes each week?

The Red River Parish Journal and American Bank are proud to bring you the 2024 High School Football Pick’em Contest presented by American Bank.

Anyone is eligible to participate for FREE and each week’s winner will go home with a $100.00 cash prize.  Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected high school football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).

The American Bank & Tyler Insurance Agency High School Football Pick’em Contest will be conducted over the 10 regular season weeks of the High School season starting with Week 1 games (Sept. 6) and running through the end of November.

There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to subscribe to the Red River Parish Journal.

All contest decisions by Red River Parish Journal (RRPJ) management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run that week in the RRPJ.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the RRPJ, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. Monday-Wednesday-Friday e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $100.00 each week!

________________________

The Red River Parish Journal wants to thank American Bank & Tyler Insurance Agency for their title and presenting sponsorships of this year’s High School pick’em contest.

We also want to thank Better Finance and C&K BBQ for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest.