Twice the fishing fun for young anglers
One fishing rodeo about to take place lets young fishers pick their own fishing spots and a second one requires that everyone fish in the same Pearl River area pond.
The Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge’s Youth Fishing Rodeo on June 10 for anglers ages 4 to 15 is one for experienced fishers and those just learning how. In fact, fishing mentors will be on hand to help with casting and share other angling tips with beginners. This one takes place at the Jim Schmidt Boardwalk Trailhead/fishing access site (Pearl River Turnaround) at exit 11 on I-59 North in Pearl River.
Fish from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. from the bank of the refuge pond with the chance to win prizes. Fishers must be accompanied by an adult and able to hold their own fishing pole. Those registered will receive a tee shirt and bait, and there will be lunch for the whole family. Fishing poles rigged with tackle are available to borrow, or fishers can bring their own.
A second event, the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges’ Virtual Youth Fishing Rodeo, allows anglers 15 years and younger to fish without a license during Louisiana's free fishing weekend June 10-11, then just upload a photo with their catch to participate. It’s so simple.
• Fish in any Louisiana waters from sunrise to sunset on either, or both, days.
• Create a sign that says #GetYourFishOn2023 or #GeauxFish2023 and display it — and the catch — with the young angler.
• Send the photo to virtualfishingrodeo@gmail.com or to the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges Complex Facebook page @Southeast Louisiana in a direct message utilizing Facebook messenger. The photos must be received by 4 p.m. on June 12. Prize winners will be selected randomly from the photos and announced on June 16. Email Virtualfishingrodeo@gmail.com with questions, or to reserve a loaner fishing pole, or call (985) 882-2015. More details at www.fws.gov/event/2023-youth-virtual-fishing-rodeo.
CALLING ALL KIDS
KIDS IN CHARGE: There will be a special farmers market in Madisonville on June 17 when kids run the booths and sell all kinds of goodies, from crafts and toys to baked goods. There will be no fees or other charges to the kids who participate, and all products will be made and sold by the kids. More than 50 kid vendors and multiple kid entertainers already signed on. Sign up to be part of the "Market Munchkins All Kids Market" on Jahncke Street from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information or to sign up, email bridgetglassman@yahoo.com.
SHARE: On June 10, join Pelican Park’s inaugural "Projects with Pops" event to celebrate fathers or other great male role models, from uncles to advisers. Create a great Father’s Day gift for that someone special while they are there to watch the creation process — or even offer a little help! Make either a Tie-riffic Tie Rack or a Totally Awesome Toolbox that can be personalized and decked out as desired. For more information and to register, go to pelicanpark.recdesk.com.
THEATER
BLOCKBUSTER: The 30 by Ninety Theater in Mandeville will feature the musical comedy "The Producers" from June 10 to July 2 under the direction of Emily Carmadelle, with musical direction by Jesse White, based on the music and lyrics of Mel Brooks and the book by Brooks and Thomas Meehan. Follow a down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his feckless accountant concoct a scheme to produce a notorious flop in order to fleece show backers. Watch Max Bialystock, played by Gordon Carmadelle, and Leo Bloom, portrayed by Michael Breath Jr., maneuver in this insanely funny adventure and poignant emotional journey of two very different men who become friends. See 8 p.m. shows June 16-17, 23-24 and June 30-July 1; 2:30 p.m. matinees on June 11, 18, 25 and July 2. Tickets at https://30byninety.com/shows/.
EAT & LAUGH: The Village Theater in Lacombe presents "A Bad Year for Tomatoes," written by John Patrick, directed by Karen Hoyt and starring Grace Marshall. A famous actress fed up with career demands leases a house in a tiny Southern town, where her dealings with nosy neighbors brings on uproarious doings. Final dinner theater shows on June 9 and 10, featuring Rickie Luke's famous brisket. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; cost is $30. For tickets, text Ellie at (504) 432-3190. Advanced tickets with Venmo, check or cash. Production hosted by The Village Church at 29180 U.S. 90.
CHIN CHIN: One final weekend to see four disheartened, Southern women help one another deal with their individual tragedies and rebuild derailed lives — with the help of an impromptu happy hour! "Savannah Sipping Society," a comedy by Jessie Jones, Nicolas Hope and Jamie Wooten; directed by Joan Soboloff and Victoria Blossom; with leads played by Elizabeth Humbert, Jeri Creson, Stephanie Neece and Arden Allen Dufilho. The show at Playmakers in Covington continues through June 4; get tickets at BonTempsTix.com.
MUSIC
CONCERT: "The Last Chance Bluegrass Band" will perform bluegrass and country gospel music at First Baptist Church, 16333 La. 1085, in Covington at 10:30 a.m. June 20 in the Central Hall. A Heart Adults 55+ program. Online registration is required by noon on June 16 at www.fbccov.org/adults-55. Cost is $15, payable at the door, which includes lunch at noon.
GUMBO OF EVENTS
ROOTS: A New Orleans genealogical professional with a special interest in the history of Louisiana Creoles and African Americans will meet with the public to share his knowledge of tracing one’s roots to mark Juneteenth 2023 in Mandeville. Jari Honora is a research assistant with the Historic New Orleans Collection and also does historical and genealogical research professionally, including work for the TV programs "Finding Your Roots" and "We’ll Meet Again."
He will give his Juneteenth Genealogy presentation on June 17 from 10 a.m.to 11 a.m. in the Trailhead Depot Museum, 675 Lafitte St., followed by a question-and-answer session until noon. Those planning to attend should reserve a seat by emailing acasborne@cityofmandeville.com or calling (985) 624-3147.
PRAYER: The St. Tammany Prayer Breakfast on June 9 in Mandeville from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Fleur de Lis Center at 1645 N. Causeway Blvd. Individual tickets are $30; a half table, $110. For reservations, call (985) 626-9582 or email liferesources1@gmail.com.
TRUCKIN': Join the fun for Food Truck Friday on June 16 at from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Abita Springs Trailhead Park. Live music by Soundtrack Era with performances by Pandorium. This is a new event the town is hosting to determine if there is interest in making it a regular attraction.
SUPPORT: The next Parkinson's Support Group will meeting June 14 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lamb of God Lutheran Church, 57210 Allen Road, in Slidell. Dr. Gerald Calegan, a neurologist, will discuss how to maintain a positive, proactive mindset as a PWP and the importance of exercise to build and maintain muscle mass. Meetings are open to people living with Parkinson's disease, their care partners, medical professionals or anyone else interested in learning more about living well with Parkinson's disease.
FED EMPLOYEES: The Slidell Chapter of Active & Retired Federal Employees will meet June 9 at 1 p.m. at the First Christian Church, 102 Christian Lane, in Slidell. The speaker will be St. Tammany Parish Assessor Louis Fitzmorris. The Lunch Bunch will meet and eat at Pearl's Seafood Restaurant, 502 W. Gause Blvd., before the meeting at 11:30 a.m. Anyone eating, notify Elroy Noel at (985) 290-0757 or email elroynoel@bellsouth.net.
READERS: The American Association of University Women is hosting its regular AAUW Book Club meeting at 1 p.m. June 7 in the Madisonville Library. Club is reading "The Bluest Eye," a novel by Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison. Membership questions to Eileen DeHaro at northshore-la.AAUW.net.
CHECK: The Checkmate Chess Club holds open chess time at the Covington Library once a month. Find a chess partner at the Covington branch, 310 W. 21st Ave., from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on June 17 and. Bring a chess set or borrow one at the library. Free and open to the public. Visit www.sttammanylibrary.org/adult-events/ for more information on library-sponsored adult programs.
WOMEN: The Widows’ Social Club of Slidell's next meeting is June 24 at 10 a.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 360 Robert Blvd., in Genesis Hall. The guests will be specialists speaking about C.A.S.A., whose volunteers represent the interest of children in foster care. Prior to the meeting, at 9:45 a.m., there will be a brief memorial service in honor of lost loved ones in the Prayer Garden near Genesis Hall.