ALERT!!!! VIP tickets are nearly sold out! Get yours today! If you wait, it may be too late.
Spectacular weather forecast! The official forecast for Friday and Saturday is absolutely
perfect!
FRIDAY NIGHT KICKOFF  * REQUIRES A SEPARATE TICKET
​7:00 – 8:30    Lone Star Skynyrd (Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Band) The crowd is sure to
sing along, dance, and sway to a celebration of the original Skynyrd rock ‘n’ roll
legacy. Winners of the prestigious 2022 Josie Award for Best Tribute Band in
America: Lone Star Skynyrd. More than a tribute! More than a good time party!
​9:00 – 10:30   Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute  Fans from across the nation
claim that Rumours is the band to see if you are looking for an authentic recreation of
live Fleetwood Mac shows. In just under 10 years, Rumours has landed itself the
reputation of being the best Fleetwood Mac Tribute band and additionally has made
fans internationally.
SATURDAY 
​1:00 – 1:50     Mason Trail and Zydeco Rhythm (High-energy Zydeco) Out of Lake
Charles, they'll have the crowd dancing early with an eclectic repertoire of modern
zydeco along with traditional authentic zydeco music with an R&B flavor.  
 2:20 – 3:25     On Point Band (Rhythm & Blues) The On Point Band out of
Natchitoches will be performing an exciting high-energy, brand of soul and R&B,
classics, as well as modern hits, with a little jazz thrown in. Don’t miss this young and
entertaining upcoming group!
​3:40 – 5:00    The Young Ones (Jazz & R&B with a Latin flavor)  NSU music
students who all hail from South and Central American countries. These super-
talented musicians will be performing a unique mixture of rock and roll, jazz, and
rhythm and blues, all with a Latin flavor in their tribute to the music of Michael
Jackson, The Beatles, and Bruno Mars. 
​5:20 – 6:45     Johnny Earthquake & The Moondogs (High-energy variety show
band)  The popular Natchitoches-based nine-piece, rhythm and blues, and rock ‘n’ roll
band which critics have called: “quite simply, Louisiana‘s best Showband”, will be
making this stop on their 30th anniversary “Over the Moon Tour” a special one as
after their performance they’ll be inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. 
Don’t forget about our headliners; America’s got talent Finalists “Chapel Hart” at
7:15pm and Country hitmaker, Craig Morgan at 9:00pm.

For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit https://www.natchjazzfest.com

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The Junior League of Leesville invites you to mark your calendar for its Second Annual Touch A Truck event, Saturday, May 18 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in downtown Leesville.

Bring the kids and let them get up close and personal with trucks of all sizes and uses.  Military vehicles, emergency first responder units, construction equipment, fire trucks, big rigs, tow trucks, and more.  Kids are welcome to explore them, ask questions, and pretend they are old enough to drive them!

The day will include a “Quiet Hour” from 11 a.m. – noon where adults can visit craft vendors and artisans, choose food and beverage options, and let kids participate in organized activities.  Your kids will talk about it for days!

Touch A Truck is organized by the Junior League of Leesville.  The event is free and open to the public.

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Luther “Stoney” Stepp, 61, of Pickering passed away in Christus Homecare of Shreveport, Louisiana, on May 2, 2024.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Leesville, under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Homes.

Immediately following the memorial service, there will be a Celebration of Life at the American Legion Post # 387 at 426 Vernon Street, New Llano, Louisiana.

The Stepp family deeply appreciates your support and kind words during this difficult time.

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Delores Southern Monk died on May 3, 2024, at her home in Hicks, Louisiana. Delores will be remembered as a remarkable soul. She always had a contagious smile and was a fan of the Alabama country band. She enjoyed spending time with her family. She enjoyed working up to retirement. 

Funeral services were held at 12 p.m. on May 7, 2024, at LaCamp Pentecostal Church in LaCamp, Louisiana, under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Homes.

Delores is survived by her husband, Willie Monk; son, Vincent Joseph Caruso Jr., his wife, Cheri Caruso; bonus daughter, Angel Caruso, and her grandchildren, Gionni and Isabella Caruso; step-children, Yolanda and Milton Addison, Desiree and Marc Chapman, and their children Morgan Joshua, Reno, Alexander, and Brennan Chapman; Delores’ brother Thomas and Bonnie Southern.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. 

The Monk family deeply appreciates your support and kind words during this difficult time.

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BETTY JEAN WEEKS
October 11, 1929 – May 5, 2024
Service: May 11, 2024, at Simpson Baptist Church in Leesville at 11:00 a.m.

AUBREY JERALD LOCKHART
June 20, 1939 – May 4, 2024
Service: May 10, 2024, at Providence Baptist Church in Rosepine, Louisiana, at 4:00 p.m.

LUTHER “STONEY” STEPP
January 29, 1963 – May 2, 2024
Service: May 10, 2024, at Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Leesville at 11:00 a.m.

DELORES SOUTHERN MONK
December 28, 1948 – May 3, 2024
Service: May 7, 2024, at LaCamp Pentecostal Church in LaCamp, Louisiana, at 12:00 p.m.

NORMA LEA BUCHANAN
February 27, 1941 – May 3, 2024
Service: May 7, 2024, at Good Hope Baptist Church in Anacoco, Louisiana, at 10:00 a.m.

DIANE HENRY WHITE
February 18, 1950 – May 1, 2024
Service: May 4, 2024, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Pitkin, Louisiana, at 10:00 a.m.

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Justin Ray Anding, age 42, of Pitkin was arrested and charged with one count of Theft, one count of Criminal Trespass, and one count of Attempted Theft of a Motor Vehicle. Bond has not been set.  Anding remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Paul Casey Smith, age 26, of Leesville was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant.  Bond has not been set.  Smith remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Chas D. Addison, age 35, of Anacoco was arrested and charged with one count Tail Lights Required, one count Possession of a Schedule II narcotic (methamphetamine), one count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, one count Possession of Marijuana, and one count Illegal Possession of a Firearm while in Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance.  Bond was set at $28,757.  Addison posted bond and was released.

Joshua Cornelius Bass, age 40, of Leesville was arrested and charged with one count Domestic Abuse Battery.  Bond was set at $5000.  Bass remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Irvin Robinson age 32, of Leesville was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant.  Bond has not been set.  Robinson remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Destiney Nichoal Whatley, age 37, of Rosepine was arrested and charged with one count Introduction of Contraband into a Correctional Facility.  Whatley was also arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant from Allen Parish.  Bond has not been set.  Whatley remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

 

ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

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The Vernon Parish School Board met Thursday, May 2, at 10 a.m. in the School Board Central Office.  Board members accepted the minutes of the last Board meeting and moved to accept the 2024-2025 Food Service Quotation Calendar as the first orders of business.

The Board recognized the achievements of students in the system who had placed 1^st– 6^th at the state level in any competition.  Pitkin, Vernon Middle School, Leesville Junior High, Pickering, and Leesville High were recognized at the meeting.  The remaining students will be introduced to the Board at the meeting on May 7.   The Vernon Parish Journal will run a complete list of students and their achievements following the announcements at the next Board meeting.

Hub Jordan, Personnel Director, saluted the 15 school nurses that serve the students of Vernon Parish.  This week is National School Nurses Week.

Kelly Goodwin with the Personnel Committee reported to the Board there will be 47 openings for teachers in the system for the 2024-2025 school year.  She said that 25 certified teachers and 12 non-certified teachers have already applied for those positions.  There will also be a need for a new principal for Parkway Elementary, and Hub Jordan is stepping down as Athletic Director for Vernon Parish.  The Board may fill that position laterally or seek to hire a new replacement.

Four items concerning the Head Start Program have been placed on the agenda for the next Board meeting.  Ms. Cheree Atkins with Head Start told Board members that 641 students are currently enrolled in the Birth through 5 Programs in the parish.  Head Start is working on getting 100% participation in health and dental programs by the end of the school year.  That was the one negative federal monitors noticed on a recent inspection. Atkins pointed out the shortage of pediatric dentists in the area as a problem in addressing the situation.

Colonel C.J. Lopez, Ft. Johnson Garrison Commander and Board Liaison, reported the current deployment of the 3^rd Brigade of the 10^th Mountain Division to Europe will continue until February of 2025.  He also congratulated Leesville High School Junior Emily Polk for being named Louisiana’s Military Youth of the Year.  She will now represent this area at the national competition in Atlanta in just a few weeks.  Col. Lopez also introduced his “running buddy”, new Command Sergeant Major Braden Sickles, to School Board members.

The Board’s next meeting is set for Tuesday, May 7, at 10 a.m.

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This weekend’s Mayfest in downtown Leesville has Mayfest Mac drooling, literally!  The food selection at this year’s event may be the most diverse and finger-licking-good selection ever!

Lots of food and craft vendors will be on site when the music begins at 4 p.m. on Friday. Saturday they will be there early and late!  Saturday begins early with the Leesville Lions Club Annual Pancake Breakfast.  Cooked, served, and available for dining on site or to go! The Lions cook good pancakes for a great cause!  Pancakes are served from 7 a.m. – 10 a.m.  Tickets are $10.

For convenience, festival food should be portable as you stroll around and visit; however,  there is space to sit and dine downtown.  Just come hungry!

Mayfest Mac knows turkey legs are big at festivals, and they got ‘em at Mayfest!  If you like food on a stick, how about alligator or chicken on a stick?  Mac likes those giant corn dogs!  You can go international with Jamaican jerk pork or curry chicken.  Jamaican jerk chicken quesadillas sound very interesting.  Try some slow-braised beef birria tacos or a Louisiana meat pie.  Stroll the food alley for grilled burgers, fresh egg rolls, hot dogs, smoked brisket, rib plates, chicken wings, and boudin!    Mac says YES to a dressed fried chicken sandwich with loaded French fries or nachos.  Keep your sweet tooth happy with churros, funnel cakes, fried festival dough, ice cream, and shaved ice treats. 

Mayfest Mac likes a cup of plain shaved ice from Pat, the ice cream guy, with a soda pop poured over it…. lasts for an hour!

There may be a few more vendors with food surprises that make it at the last minute. There will absolutely positively be something for everyone at Mayfest 2024.

P.S. Local law enforcement cautions you not to feed Mayfest Mac.  He might follow you home!

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The defending state champion and #1 ranked Pitkin Tigers and the #3 ranked Hicks Pirates both earned slots in the state semifinals for baseball with wins in the last few days.  They both meet semifinal opponents on Tuesday, May 10, for the right to play each other for the Division V non-select school title next Friday in Sulphur.

Crowds should be stacked next Tuesday at McMurry Park on Field #37 for both Division V games.  The 11 a.m. semifinal has Pitkin meeting the winner of today’s game between #4 Stanley and #5 Quitman being played at 5 p.m. tonight in Stanley.

The Tigers are searching for back-to-back state titles.  Pitkin has won 13 baseball titles in school history, making them third in Louisiana behind Jesuit (New Orleans) and Hicks.

Pitkin knocked out Anacoco in the regional round by an 11-2 score last week.  Pitkin won the state title last year with an 8-4 win over Anacoco.  Tuesday, the Tigers jumped out to a 3-0 lead to back pitcher Lincoln Stephens.  The senior left-hander, who was going on three days’ rest, pitched six innings.  Dane Martin had two hits and four RBI’s.  Martin also pitched in relief in the seventh.  First baseman Brock Nolan chipped in with two RBI’s.  Cy Johnson’s bases-loaded single in the first got the Tigers rolling.  They added four in the fifth inning and four more in the sixth to close out the game.

Across the Division V bracket, the #3 Hicks Pirates will meet #2 Weston in the other semifinal Tuesday, May 7, at 2 p.m. on Field #37.  Hicks defeated Elizabeth in the regional round 5-2, while Weston knocked out Lacassine 9-1.

Hicks dispatched district foe Elizabeth 5-2 as senior Hayden Doyle pitched a complete game with 11 strikeouts.  He had seven K’s through the first four innings.  Elizabeth had Doyle in a bases-loaded jam with no outs in the first and scored only one run.

Sophomore Addison Coffman went three for three and drove in the Pirates’ first runs in the bottom of the first.  Elizabeth cut it to 3-2 with a rare double steal of home in the top of the third.  The Pirates added two in the fourth to seal the game behind RBI’s from Coffman and Dakota Edwards.  The Pirates have regularly played six sophomores this year.  Hicks has 15 state baseball trophies in the case and won state titles in 2021 and 2022, their first in ten years.

The much-anticipated all-Vernon Parish matchup could take place Friday, May 10, at 11 a.m. on Field #40 at McMurry Park in Sulphur.  Weston, Quitman, and Stanley will have a little something to say about that.

Games at the semis and finals will be carried in Vernon Parish on radio stations KJAE/93.5 and KVVP/105.7.

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The Northwestern State University School of Military Science recently hosted the Spring 2024 Awards Program to honor ROTC Cadets for academic, military, and leadership achievements.  The following cadets are from the Vernon Parish/Ft. Johnson area:

Cadet Jatwon Burkes will graduate with a Bachelor of General Studies degree with double minors in Military Leadership and Social Science.  He serves with 5^th Battalion, 25^th Field Artillery Regiment, Ft. Johnson, Louisiana.

Cadet Camryn Huff of Leesville, Deans List, ROTC Honors, PMS Scholastic Award, PMS Commendation Award, PMS Recruiting Award, PMS PT/Attendance Award, Lions Club Award, Color Guard Certificate, Recruiting Certificate, Outstanding Service Award/RSO Vice President, Leadership Excellence Award, Helping Hand Award.  Huff will serve next school year as a SFC and will be Platoon Sergeant of Second Platoon.

Cadet Demarkus Lawson of Ft. Johnson, Louisiana, President’s List (4.0 GPA), ROTC Honors, PMS Scholastic Excellence Award, Military Order of the World Wars, Recruiting Certificate, Leadership Excellence Award Heroes of the Battlefield Honor.

Cadet Devonte Turner of Leesville, Deans List, ROTC Honors, PMS Scholastic Excellence Award, USAA Spirit Award, Joker Award.

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The upcoming Mayfest, May 3&4, in the downtown Leesville historic district has brought visitors from around the country to the downtown area since its inception 49 years ago.  Imagine a two-day celebration of music, arts/crafts, and food with no admission and a great environment.  The Vernon Parish Journal staff has heard reports for years of a longtime Mayfest fan who is only seen in town at Fest time.  Rumor has it he sleeps under the stage during the festival evenings, he knows all the musicians and most of the vendors.  We recently came into possession of Mayfest Mac’s notes on music, arts, and food for this year’s event.  He didn’t say not to use them when we contacted him on the matter.  So, here’s Mayfest Mac’s take on the 2024 musical line-up:

FRIDAY, MAY 3

4-5 p.m.    The Old Man Band:  Feel good old rock & roll, inspirational favorites, and even a touch of classic country.  One thing…they will have loyal fans in attendance.  They play early at Mayfest because they have an evening curfew!

5:15-6:15 p.m.   Gypsy La Blue:  Long time local guitar master Ken “Zen” Jones, with his muse Jessica blasting vocals, are backed by a tight band.  They will stir the pot up with classic rock favorites, always with a bit of an edge!

6:30-7:30 p.m.    Hurricane Junction: The band is only about two years old, but these guys are long time veterans of the Louisiana music scene…Beaucoup years of playing all over by these cats.

7:45-8:45 p.m.     Bad Moon Rising:  Dallas based Credence Clearwater Revival tribute band.  Come take a trip through rock music history.  As real as real can be!  p.s. You know all the songs!

9-10:30 p.m.     Rockin Doopsie/Zydeco Twisters:  Grammy Award winning Louisiana artist with legendary bloodlines.  NO WAY you do not pass a good time with this band on stage! NO WAY!!

Saturday, May 4

9-9:50 a.m.     Opening Ceremonies and Posting of Colors by FT. Johnson Honor Guard; welcoming remarks by local officials.

10-10:50a.m.,Johnson Temple COGIC Choir; 11-11:20a.m. JMJ & Judah Praise, 11:30-11:50a.m. Jeffery Johnson, Noon-12:50p.m. Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Choir

These local groups feature talented instrumentalists, voices lifted in praise, a three-hour block of multi-cultural southern gospel music.

1-2 p.m.    Amazing Rhythm Disciples:   New seven-piece band with an EXTREMELY unique blend of gospel, secular, and inspirational music.  You may recognize some of these players from other bands.  High Energy and a one-of-a-kind band for Louisiana.

2:15-3:15 p.m.   LA Scramble Band:  Fronted by noted zydeco accordionist Shawn Saucier.  Staples of the live music scene in SWLA.  Dancing in the streets is quite possible during their set…and is encouraged!

3:30-4:30 p.m.   Josh Hyde and the Lost Parish:  Long time headliner among Louisiana blues guitarists and a Mayfest veteran.  Recently released fourth CD.  Relax on the courthouse lawn and immerse yourself in his tasteful guitar licks.

4:45-5:45 p.m.   Dash Paz (paws):   Last time we saw him was between sets at the 2023 Mayfest.  Been playing a lot around Nashville the last year as a traveling troubadour.  IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE!!  Back with a full set on the Mayfest stage.

6-7:15 p.m.   David Sylvester Band:   From South Louisiana to Mobile Bay across the Gulf coast these guys bring a noise and R&B/soul vibe with great originals and thoughtful covers.  Get your groove thing on!

7:30-8:45 p.m.   Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs:   Central Louisianas top party band, one of the hardest working groups in music today…Loud…Fun…Electric! Known across the Gulf coast as Great Ambassadors of Louisiana Music.  No current warrants out on any of them!

9-10:30 p.m.   Alex Smith:   Louisiana musical envoy to the 2023 Tournament of Rose’s parade and the Grand Marshall of the Alexandria Mardi Gras Parade; rising country crooner.  YOU MUST LEARN THE BOOTSHAKE DANCE MOVE BEFORE SATURDAY NIGHT!

Mayfest Mac says come early and stay late…enjoy the music and the food and take some arts/crafts home with you!

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By VPJ Staff

Literature reminds us that in spring a young man’s fancy turns to thoughts of love.  Balderdash!  Another fancy takes hold this time of year: Grill Fever!  It makes you feel antsy and excited to fire up the grill for the first time in nice weather.

We have certainly come a long way since Turok, Son of Stone, put dinosaur on a stick over an open flame.  Did Fred and Barney really order Bronto Burgers at the drive-in?  Do you remember your first childhood grilling memory?  Was it a hot dog on a camping trip?  Did you pursue that dream and become a certified pitmaster?  No, probably not.  Most of us fall somewhere in the middle of that world.  You can be a great quiet backyard griller with a nice cooking area, or are you a raving grill lunatic with a fully-stocked outdoor kitchen area, teeming with all kinds of gadgets and a fistful of new recipes?

Have you been grill shopping lately?  Choices go from basic units to Rolls Royce/Cadillac hybrids on steroids.  Charcoal, gas, pellets, wood chips, smoking guns, yard trash.  You can have it your way in this world!  Now, are you a griller or a smoker?  I smoked with wood (messy but great) and electricity (with a wood box).  Smoking really needs a dedicated space all its own.  Smokers look like green eggs, giant boxes, black towers, cylinders — no fire-retardant Legos yet.  WARNING…You might go through several of them before you find your smoking groove!  We haven’t even mentioned the latest rage: outdoor griddles or combo griddles/grills.  You most certainly have choices!

A few summers ago in Livingston Parish, the Vernon Parish Journal staff visited the editor’s family.  We cooked several racks of ribs on an old grill that had been fashioned from a 55-gallon drum.  The editor (my wife), saw it and said, “That was my daddy’s old grill.”  It worked like a 60-year-old charm!  Her daddy was an adventurous eater, and she remembered many a baby goat for the 4^th of July cooked on that grill!  My father had limited grill skills — no grill-meister he — but that did not stop him from trying his hand at steaks, burgers, and sausage.  His claim to fame was taking a five-pound tin of spiced luncheon meat (read Spam) from the commissary and putting grill marks on it before slathering it in BBQ sauce.  Yes, it’s an acquired taste!

The bottom line on grilling is you really want it to taste great for company and family, and that can be stressful.  You just go do it however you know best and let those wood chips fall where they may!  Remember: practice makes perfect.  Market Basket, Running N Cattle, and Duhon & Sons in New Llano have some great proteins waiting on you.  Don’t be afraid to take a chance when grilling.  It may end up your new go-to!

Grilling brings out all kinds of side dishes.  Everybody’s potato salad, baked beans, mac salad, and casseroles have different spins on them.  Here is a quickie recipe that goes with everything!  There are just a few ingredients.  Check it out with any grilled meat.

POTATO-ONION BAKE

6 medium potatoes, scrubbed and peeled

6 medium onions

Salt, pepper and seasoning salt

1 stick of butter, melted

Cut potatoes and onions into 1/4-inch slices.  Alternate layers of potatoes and onions, slightly overlapping, in a 13” x 9” baking dish.  Sprinkle with salt, pepper and seasoning salt to taste.  Repeat with a second layer of potatoes and onions, and sprinkle with same seasonings.  Drizzle melted butter over all.  Cover and bake at 400 degrees for 40 minutes.  Uncover; bake an additional 20 minutes.  Serves 8.

                                                 Grilling rule #1: DON’T BURN THE MEAT!

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The Vernon Parish Chamber Orchestra will perform its Spring Concert on May 20 at 6:30 pm at the First Methodist Church in Leesville. This program will feature a variety of familiar show tunes from stage and screen that includes: Star Wars,  a medley from James Bond movies, and another from The King and I. There will be lively themes from “spaghetti westerns” such as The Magnificent Seven and Hang ‘Em High in a composition titled “Go West.” And beautiful standards like Ol’ Man River from Show Boat and Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. 

The dedicated and talented conductor of the VPCO is Mr. Guy Bordelon who is one of the few people in the  orchestra originally from Louisiana. After serving in the military Guy returned to Louisiana in 2015 as a software Systems Engineer under contract to the US Army. He maintains, supports, and trains soldiers at Fort Johnson on Military Intelligence systems. He joined the VPCO as a saxophone and baritone player and when the orchestra’s previous conductor Judy Holleman relocated, Guy was persuaded to step in and continues in that role today. He also actively participates with the Impromptu Players at the Wooten Theater in DeRidder.

Three other Louisiana natives in the ensemble are concert mistress Adrienne LeJeune, violinist Elizabeth Cyr, and Carol O’Brien on clarinet. Some members such as oboist Nancy El Koubi and Spencer Meyer on string bass are here because “Home is where the Army sends you.” But at this time the majority of musicians are the faithful folks who travel from East Texas to rehearse in Leesville every week. There will be an additional performance in Jasper for their families and friends to attend on May 19.

We invite you to attend this concert either at St Michael’s in Jasper on May 19 at 3 or at First Methodist in Leesville on May 20 at 6:30 pm. Both performances are FREE, and the program will feature familiar show tunes.

And if you played an instrument in band or orchestra and miss playing with other musicians, you are welcome to join the VPCO next season. There are only two requirements: that you can read music and have your own instrument. For more information email wallabing818@yahoo.com or visit the VPCO Facebook page.

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By James Turner

In rural Mississippi, where I was born, one can still find, here and there, an old Chinaberry Tree standing alone or beside the remains of a small, “tarpaper-shack.”  These weak wooded, fast growing, deciduous trees, were covered with suckers and sprouts.  In fact, that was why “Poor Folks” planted these Asian imports close to their houses.  They provided excellent, ready kindling for cookstoves or to maintain a hearth against the winter’s chill.  For us chaps the berries were good ammunition for slingshots or popguns.  For the grownups, the dense, dark, summer shade was also welcome.  These telling trees can still be spotted across the backroads of the south recalling a different time.

Trees were used to mark special events such as the birth of a child.  For this occasion, a sturdy oak was preferred.  But other species were used such as Elm, Ash, Magnolia, Cypress, Maple and Live Oak to honor important people who had passed on, to recognize important events such as Holidays or to delineate special places like parks or historic trails.  I have come upon poignant scenes in east Texas where there stands only a burned-out chimney and standing nearby a pair of trees recognizing a set of twin babies long removed.  In the early part of the 20th century, here in Leesville, Louisiana, and throughout Vernon Parish, Sycamores were planted as Street Trees.  Street Trees were once very common for towns large and small.  With the coming of the private automobile, street trees and sidewalks began to disappear.  Scattered about town today are several Sycamore veterans planted over 100 years ago.  Two of my favorites are at the corner of North First Street and North Street.  These ancient trees are about 3 feet in diameter and the characteristic exfoliating bark has left the trunks a rich, clear white for springtime … good choice.  Then the uninterrupted line of ancient oaks along North First Street is especially remarkable. 

Another favorite up to modern times is the ubiquitous Catalpa Tree.  These trees were planted for an odd specialty — they attracted a particular caterpillar, good for fishing.  Thus, many yards were adorned with this useful native tree, Catalpa bignonioides or Catalpa for short.  Other “common names” included Southern Catalpa, Indian Bean, Cigar Tree, Catawba Tree and Caterpillar Tree.  There are two striking specimens just off Hwy 1211 in New Llano near Hwy 171.  They are giants.  They are presently in full bloom with thousands of big, handkerchief-size, flowering candlesticks with large, arrowhead-like leaves waving in the breeze.  We have one in fact, also about to bloom, behind the Smart Plantation house just east of the “Kitchen House” at 501 East Lula Street.  It is likely to be as old as the plantation itself (170 years).  As I say, trees tell stories.  Imagine youngsters harvesting caterpillars and taking their fishing poles down to Bayou Castor only a hop, skip, and jump away…all those years ago.

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The 27th Annual Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival lineup.

FRIDAY NIGHT KICKOFF  * REQUIRES A SEPARATE TICKET
​7:00 – 8:30    Lone Star Skynyrd (Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Band) The crowd is sure to
sing along, dance, and sway to a celebration of the original Skynyrd rock ‘n’ roll
legacy. Winners of the prestigious 2022 Josie Award for Best Tribute Band in
America: Lone Star Skynyrd. More than a tribute! More than a good time party!
​9:00 – 10:30   Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute  Fans from across the nation
claim that Rumours is the band to see if you are looking for an authentic recreation of
live Fleetwood Mac shows. In just under 10 years, Rumours has landed itself the
reputation of being the best Fleetwood Mac Tribute band and additionally has made
fans internationally.
SATURDAY 
​1:00 – 1:50     Mason Trail and Zydeco Rhythm (High-energy Zydeco) Out of Lake
Charles, they’ll have the crowd dancing early with an eclectic repertoire of modern
zydeco along with traditional authentic zydeco music with an R&B flavor.  
 2:20 – 3:25     On Point Band (Rhythm & Blues) The On Point Band out of
Natchitoches will be performing an exciting high-energy, brand of soul and R&B,
classics, as well as modern hits, with a little jazz thrown in. Don’t miss this young and
entertaining upcoming group!
​3:40 – 5:00    The Young Ones (Jazz & R&B with a Latin flavor)  NSU music
students who all hail from South and Central American countries. These super-
talented musicians will be performing a unique mixture of rock and roll, jazz, and
rhythm and blues, all with a Latin flavor in their tribute to the music of Michael
Jackson, The Beatles, and Bruno Mars. 
​5:20 – 6:45     Johnny Earthquake & The Moondogs (High-energy variety show
band)  The popular Natchitoches-based nine-piece, rhythm and blues, and rock ‘n’ roll
band which critics have called: “quite simply, Louisiana‘s best Showband”, will be
making this stop on their 30th anniversary “Over the Moon Tour” a special one as
after their performance they’ll be inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. 
 
Don’t forget about our headliners; America’s got talent Finalists “Chapel Hart” at 7:15pm
and Country hitmaker, Craig Morgan at 9:00pm.
For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit https://www.natchjazzfest.com.

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From May 2-4, Downtown Alexandria will turn into a vibrant festival playground with
Alex River Fête. Enjoy three days of music, featuring an eclectic mix of big-name and
emerging artists across multiple stages.

Dinner on the Bricks: Start the festivities from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. on May 2 with a feast
of local flavors on Third Street, where dining meets community spirit.

Que’in on the Red: Experience fierce competition in our barbecue battle, sanctioned by
the Barbecue Competitors Alliance, featuring categories like chicken, pork spare ribs,
and beef brisket.

Art Fête: Explore a world of creativity with stunning artworks in various mediums,
perfect for art enthusiasts looking to add to their collections or just to browse and enjoy.
IndieFête: Celebrate the spirit of local, independent creativity at IndieFête, offering a
unique blend of crafts, art and performances.

Food and Refreshment: Indulge in a variety of delicious offerings at Food Truck Alley
and unwind in the Beer Garden for those over 21.

Luminary Procession (May 3, 8pm): The Alexandria Museum of Art’s Luminary
Procession is a dazzling parade of hand crafted, life sized art pieces made by local
artists and community members!

Join us for a weekend of joy, culture, and community spirit. Alex River Fête is more than
just a festival—it’s a vibrant showcase of what makes Alexandria unique. For more
details, visit alexriverfete.com. Come hungry, leave inspired, and make lasting
memories!

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Having the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame golf tournament in Central Louisiana is nothing new. It just hasn’t happened in six years.

In a couple of weeks, a couple dozen sports stars will come from around the Bayou State and beyond for a festive evening event and a scramble golf tournament the following day.

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Spring Celebrity Golf Classic is Tuesday, May 14 at Oakwing Golf Club in Alexandria. There’s a Pairings Party at Oakwing on Monday evening, May 13. To participate, visit LaSportsHall.com to register using a credit card.

It’s been since 2018 that Oakwing has been the host for the LSHOF golf event. Then, it was held as part of the annual June induction weekend. Since, the LSHOF Foundation, led by Menard High graduate and former LSU baseball pitcher Ronnie Rantz, has staged separate Golf Classic events in the fall and spring.

The Spring Golf Classic is more than just 18 holes of great fun on a course in peak condition.

The event has been staged over the past few years at the University Club in Baton Rouge, at the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles, and at Squire Creek outside of Ruston.

The Monday evening, May 13 Pairings Party runs from 6-9 p.m. inside, and outside, at the Oakwing clubhouse. It includes experiences and sports and music memorabilia available in a silent auction, with a festive and casual vibe with a DJ, food stations, an open bar for beer, wine and soft drinks, with a cash bar for call drinks.

All golfers will get two tickets to the party, and those who are not playing can also take part in Monday evening’s festivities by purchasing tickets online.

Oakwing’s 128-yard No. 10 par-3, cozied up to the back patio, will host Closest to the Hole and Hole in One contests for $10,000. A $25,000 Putting Contest will begin and culminate the following afternoon.

On May 14th, golfers go off in a shotgun start at 10 a.m., with registration opening at 8:30 when breakfast is available and the range opens. Also, the golf contests ramp back up.

The golf scramble format: Three-man teams paired with a celebrity or four golfers with no celebrity. This is a fundraiser for the LSHOF Foundation’s efforts hosting the annual induction festivities as well as improving the amazing museum at 800 Front Street in Natchitoches, so there is a cost: $1,200 per team, or individuals can get in the game at $350 per player. Each foursome gets eight tickets to the Pairings Party; individual entries receive two Pairings Party tickets.

Tee sponsorships are available.

What’s for dinner Monday night? Says Rantz, who knows good food when he sees it: “We’ll have typical Cajun Monday night dishes – red beans, rice and sausage; fried catfish; chicken drumettes, Natchitoches meat pies.

“On Tuesday, out on the course will be eight food stations, four on each side, along with complimentary beer, water, sports drinks and soft drinks. The food vendors will be some of Cenla’s best and others traveling from Baton Rouge and Natchitoches and Cajun country,” he says.

For those who are not internet savvy, call the Hall of Fame Foundation office at 318-238-4255 for info.

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Bette Jo Sutton, 92, of Anacoco, passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. The funeral services were held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, 2024, in the Labby Memorial Funeral Home of Leesville, with Bro. Delayne Dyson officiating.  Interment followed at Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Leesville at 1:30 p.m.

Bette was born on September 11, 1931, in Holcomb, Missouri, to her parents, Elvis Franklin Patterson and Mary Ethel Woodall Patterson.

Bette is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Floyd Sutton, and her three sisters.  

Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters, Mary Darlene Centanni (Douglas Moreno) of Anacoco and Candace Sutton Morris (Dr. Robert Morris, Jr.) of Houston, TX; brother, Bob Patterson (Nancy) of Foristell, MO; six grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude’s Medical Center.

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The Mayfest, May 3-4, takes up the whole downtown area of the Leesville Historic District.  Music is right in the middle of it all — the stage is in front of the old Courthouse. The area to the right of the stage on the lower end of Third Street, past the post office and nearly to the museum, will be packed with local, area, regional, and national vendors showing off their arts, crafts, and consumables, as well as sharing information with visitors.  To the left of the stage on the upper end of Third Street, you’ll find Mayfest Mac’s favorite place, THE FOOD ALLEY! . . . up and down the street, on both sides!  More on the food in next Wednesday’s edition of the Vernon Parish Journal.

Mayfest Mac is not an artsy-craftsy kind of guy.  It’s not his skill set.  Rumor has it, he made his mom a pair of orange plexiglass salad tongs in shop class once — not a work of art except to a mom!  His eye is keen, however, on pretty baubles, decorative items, and practical gifts.  Mayfest Mac says come early!  Vendors should be ready by 9:30-10 a.m. Saturday.  Many vendors will stay ALL DAY!  Here is what you can expect (and this is just the tip of the old iceberg): soaps, body lotions, scrubs, essential oils, air brushed t-shirts, wind chimes, suncatchers, handmade quilts, even canvas art.  Come see hair accessories, lamps, woodworking, signs, and jewelry from across the globe.  Over 50 vendors are committed to attend with many more expected to sign up before the deadline for entering.  Did we mention live plants, jellies, kettle corn, sourdough breads, and original works of art?  There will also be informational vendors with legal aid, LifeShare Blood Center, and local businesses set up to visit with the thousands of visitors to downtown.  Mayfest Mac promises you will go home with something from this end of the street!

Those strange scribblings on the parking lot of the Vernon Parish Police Jury building are just the Rotary  Club’s annual Chalk-A-Block art project.  Kids and adults can draw with chalk ’til their hearts are content.

MAYFEST MAC’S TIP OF THE DAY:   At the other end of the street, hidden in the food area, you can step into Galley One ElllEVEN and visit ClayFest.  The gallery space will showcase clay artists from all over.  You might even get some hands-on time with the clay.  Make sure the kids see ClayFest!

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BETTE JO SUTTON
September 11, 1931 – April 30, 2024
Service: May 2, 2024, at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville at 12:00 p.m.

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