Louisiana Travels for July 8
La. Arboretum hosts ‘Insect Day’ July 14
By Judy Bergeron
News Features assistant editor
November 19, 2012
Calling all bug lovers!
The Louisiana State Arboretum in Ville Platte will host its second “Insect Day at the Arboretum” from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 14.
Some of the top entomologists and insect enthusiasts in the state will be on hand. Presenters include Erin Watson-Horzelski, forensic entomologist; Linda Auld, “The Bug Lady”; and Wood Johnson, Forest Health Protection/USDA.
Visitors can view displays of live and preserved insect specimens and hands-on live insect exhibits.
The event is held mainly indoors, and will take place rain or shine.
That evening, there will be a free screening of the film Queen of the Sun, a journey through the catastrophic disappearance of bees and the mysterious world of the beehive. Following the movie, visitors can gather around insect collecting light stations and see what flies in.
The event is organized by Steven Barney of The Beetle Experience, and Kim Hollier, arboretum curator.
The arboretum is located inside Chicot State Park, 1300 Sudie Lawton Lane, Ville Platte. Admission to “Insect Day” is free with paid admission to the park of $1 per person, free for seniors 62 and older, and children age 3 and younger.
For more information, call (888) 677-6100.
äON THE INTERNET:
At the French Market
The French Market in New Orleans is again presenting its Dutch Alley summer series. The event happens each Sunday in July in Dutch Alley, with indoor (jazz park) and outdoor (pavilion) venues.
Kids’ activities and community presentations run from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and live music is from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Russell Batiste and Friends Quartet will play Sunday, July 8, and Louis Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp participants will play Sunday, July 15.
The event is free.
Also, the market will mark Bastille Day with events the weekend of July 13-15. On Friday, there will be fireworks at 9 p.m. and a live band in Dumaine Plaza. A French dog contest and wreath laying ceremony is at 9 a.m. Saturday, and on Sunday, the French Quarter Bartenders & Waiters Race starts at 4 p.m.
Hours expanded
The Carousel Gardens in New Orleans’ City Park has extended hours for the summer season. The rides are now open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.
Season passes are available for $49. Call (504) 483-9402 for more information.
In Hammond
A Native American exhibit will be on display at the Tangipahoa Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau, 13143 Wardline Road, Hammond, July 9-20. Native American artifacts include a life-size teepee, pottery, baskets, skins, tools and weapons. Daycare centers are groups are urged to call and schedule an appointment for viewing at (985) 542-7520.
In Lake Charles
The 25th annual Cajun Food and Music Festival will take place Saturday-Sunday, July 21-22, at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles.
Hear lively Cajun tunes throughout the weekend and sample Cajun specialties including jambalaya, gumbo and more. Also planned are raffles, arts and crafts booths and games for kids.
äON THE INTERNET:
http://www.cfmalakecharles.org
On stage
A trip to Alexandria soon can mean taking in the Lagniappe Theatre Company’s Not Now Darling, running Thursday, July 12-Sunday, July 15.
Professional actors perform in the British comedy which offers, suspicious wives, mistaken identities, and a barrage of rapid-fire jokes.
Performances are at 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Coughlin-Sanders Performing Arts Center, 1202 Third St. Tickets are $15, adults; $12, seniors 55 and older; and $10, groups of 10 or more or kids 12 and younger.
Always Patsy Cline comes to the center Thursday-Sunday, Aug. 23-26.
For more information, call (318) 48-STAGE.
Louisiana Travels is a biweekly column about travel destinations and events in Louisiana. Email items for Louisiana Travels to travel@theadvocate.com or jbergeron@theadvocate.com or fax to (225) 388-0351.