Thanksgiving has always been more than a holiday. It is a pause button placed firmly near the end of the year—a reminder that despite the speed, noise, and pressure of modern life, there are some things too important to neglect. Chief among them is family.
In a world that constantly pushes us toward the next deadline, the next notification, the next obligation, Thanksgiving invites us to slow down long enough to truly see the people in front of us. It reminds us that our connections with one another are not distractions from life—they are life. The table we gather around, the conversations we share, and the traditions we pass from one generation to the next form the foundation of who we are and who we hope to be.
For many families, this year has not been easy. Economic uncertainty, rising costs, health challenges, and the lingering strain of national division have all taken their toll. Yet Thanksgiving teaches us that even in difficult seasons, gratitude can anchor us. It helps us focus not on what is missing, but on what remains: love, loyalty, shared memories, and the people who continue to stand by us even when the world feels unsteady.
Putting family first does not require grand gestures. It can be as simple as setting our phones aside for a few hours, listening without distraction, or offering a sincere thank-you to someone who quietly keeps everything running. It means showing up—with patience, with kindness, and with a willingness to forgive the small imperfections that every family carries. It means recognizing that time is precious, that moments are fleeting, and that the relationships around us deserve our best attention, not just our leftover energy.
This Thanksgiving, let us choose to be fully present. Let us remember that family is not defined solely by blood, but by commitment, compassion, and the people who walk beside us through every season. Let us honor the elders who shaped us, encourage the children who are watching us, and embrace those who may be feeling the weight of the holidays more than they want to admit.
Above all, let us make the conscious choice to put family first—not just on Thanksgiving Day, but throughout the year ahead. Because long after the dishes are washed and the leftovers are gone, it is our bonds with one another that will sustain us, steady us, and shape the stories we pass down.
May this Thanksgiving bring warmth to your home, peace to your heart, and a renewed appreciation for the people who make your life meaningful.
The Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office announced that three deputies have officially graduated from the police academy, marking an important milestone in their law enforcement careers.
Deputies Gabe Chelette, Frankie Meaux, and Mason Scroggs successfully completed their academy training and will now begin serving the parish in their expanded roles.
Deputy Gabe Chelette distinguished himself among his peers, earning the academy’s Academic Award for achieving the highest grade point average in his class — an honor the Sheriff’s Office says reflects his dedication and commitment to excellence.
A joint investigation conducted by the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Prisons resulted in the arrest of four men from the Acadiana region who are accused of attempting to smuggle contraband into the Federal Prison located in Grant Parish.
Authorities report that the operation led to the arrest of:
Joshua Gray, 31, of Lafayette — charged with Taking Contraband into a Penal Institution
Nathaniel Mouton, 36, of Lafayette — charged with Taking Contraband into a Penal Institution
Kameryn Robertson, 20, of Breaux Bridge — charged with Taking Contraband into a Penal Institution
Christian Fitzgerald, 42, of Lafayette — charged with Taking Contraband into a Penal Institution
Sheriff’s Office officials stated that the investigation remains ongoing and additional details may be released as the case progresses.
The Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office thanked federal partners for their cooperation and emphasized that smuggling attempts pose serious risks to the safety and security of correctional staff, inmates, and the public.
A Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office investigation has resulted in the arrest of a Canadian man accused of attempting to lure what he believed to be a juvenile in Louisiana.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, 35-year-old Eddy Butler, of Canada, engaged in online conversations believing he was communicating with a young girl from Grant Parish. In reality, Butler was corresponding with a Grant Parish detective assigned to the case.
Investigators say Butler made plans to travel to Grant Parish to meet the minor. Before he could do so, the Ontario Provincial Police took Butler into custody. He has been charged with five counts of Child Luring under Canadian law.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the case highlights both the reach and potential dangers of online communication.
“This investigation shows just how powerful—and dangerous—the internet can be,” officials said.
“Someone in another country was attempting to groom and lure a child for sexual purposes in our own community.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities urge parents and guardians to stay vigilant about their children’s internet activity.
A joint investigation conducted by the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons resulted in the arrest of two Texas men accused of attempting to smuggle drugs and cell phones into the federal prison facility in Grant Parish.
According to authorities, one of the suspects was in the United States illegally, while the other was identified as a member of Paisas, a Mexican national prison and street gang known to operate both inside and outside correctional facilities.
Jose Alberto Castillo, 24 of Donna, Texas, was arrested on multiple charges, including Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Gang Activity, Criminal Conspiracy, Littering, and Attempting to Take Contraband into a Penal Institution.
Juan Carlos-Salazar Aguilar, 24 of Edinburg, Texas, was arrested on charges of Criminal Conspiracy, Attempting to Take Contraband into a Penal Institution, and Littering.
Federal officials confirmed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued an immigration detainer for Aguilar.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine whether additional individuals or criminal networks were involved in the attempted contraband operation.
The Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that three separate attempts to smuggle illegal drugs into the Federal Prison over the weekend resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of narcotics intended for distribution.
According to authorities, each incident involved individuals attempting to introduce contraband into the facility, triggering swift response and investigation by deputies.
Arrests Made:
Madison Olsen, 26, of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, was arrested and charged with: Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute Taking Contraband into a Penal Institution
Brenda Bishop, 64, of Athens, Georgia, was arrested on multiple charges, including: Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute Possession of Schedule IV Controlled Dangerous Substances Taking Contraband into a Penal Institution
Darrisha Chew, 30, of Pineville, was arrested for: Possession of Marijuana Taking Contraband into a Penal Institution
Deputies say the cases remain under investigation, and additional charges may be forthcoming as evidence is reviewed.
The Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office emphasized that efforts to intercept contraband entering correctional facilities remain a top priority to ensure the safety of staff, inmates, and the community.
The Joint Transportation, Highways, & Public Works Committee will conduct a legislative public hearing on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 2:30 p.m. The purpose of the hearing – commonly referred to as the annual DOTD Road Show – is to review the highway construction priorities for the fiscal year 2026-2027.
Location:
Pineville City Hall Council Meeting Room 910 Main Street Pineville, LA 71360
Each DOTD District will be hosting its own Road Show to allow legislators, other elected officials, DOTD representatives and the general public to discuss and obtain information about construction projects in the preliminary FY 2026-2027 Highway Priority Program and how those projects will affect each area of the state.
All those interested are invited to attend the Road Show and will be afforded an opportunity to express their views.
Oral testimony may be supplemented by presenting important facts and documentation in writing. Written statements and comments should be handed to the committee conducting the hearing, or mailed to the following address, postmarked within 45 calendar days following the hearing:
Joint Transportation, Highways, & Public Works Committee C/O LA DOTD (Section 45) P.O. Box 94245 Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9245
To read more information about planned construction projects for District 08 in the preliminary FY 26-27 Highway Priority Program, go online to bit.ly/4ohVkUj.
The Louisiana Department of Education has released its School and District Performance Scores for the 2024–2025 academic year, and Grant Parish Schools earned an overall “B” rating, reflecting continued academic progress across the district.
Districtwide Highlights
Grant Parish posted several top-tier results in key performance areas:
A ratings in Graduation Rate, Strength of Diploma, and Interests & Opportunities
Ranked #4 in Louisiana for literacy growth
Early Childhood programs rated High Proficient
Superintendent Stokes praised the district’s accomplishments, noting that despite a modest 2.6-point decrease in the overall performance score, the data show “focused, meaningful work” taking place across classrooms.
Elementary Literacy Gains
Several schools demonstrated dramatic improvement in early literacy benchmarks (DIBELS):
Georgetown: +25 points
Pollock: +27 points; earned a Growth Index A and named a Top Gains Honoree
South Grant: +22 points; also earned a Growth Index A and Top Gains Honoree distinction
Verda: +26 points
Middle & High School Growth
Older grade levels also posted steady gains:
Grant Jr. High: Increased LEAP proficiency overall, with a +7 average improvement in 6th and 7th grades
Grant High: +2 ACT index points; named an Opportunity Honoree
Montgomery High: +2.5 in School Performance Score and +6.7 ACT index point growth
District Leadership Responds
“We are proud of our schools and remain committed to continuous improvement,” Superintendent Stokes said. “While we acknowledge the slight decrease in our total performance score, the progress we see in literacy, graduation outcomes, and early childhood programs reflects focused, meaningful work.”
Stokes added that the district has implemented strong measures to ensure future academic growth. “Just wait — the best is yet to come.”
What’s Next for School Accountability
Beginning next year, Louisiana will transition to a new accountability model titled Grow. Achieve. Thrive. The updated system will include higher expectations and more transparent reporting. Any changes in school letter grades will reflect the revised statewide baseline rather than a decline in performance. Grant Parish Schools says it is prepared to meet the new standards head-on as it continues its mission to strengthen academic achievement for all students.
Grant High School announced that it’s been selected as one of only 48 schools in the nation to receive a $5,000 grant from the Rachael Ray Foundation and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, providing a major boost to its growing culinary arts program.
The announcement marks a significant step forward for the school’s newly established ProStart Program, which focuses on culinary arts and restaurant management. School officials said the funding will be used to purchase new equipment, update curriculum resources, and expand hands-on learning experiences for students.
“This grant is instrumental in building the foundation for our brand-new ProStart culinary arts program,” school leaders said, noting that the investment will help broaden opportunities for Grant High students interested in pursuing careers in the culinary and hospitality industries.
Administrators expressed gratitude for the national recognition and support, emphasizing that the program aims to prepare students with real-world skills and industry-level experience.
Grant High School encouraged the community to stay tuned as ProStart students begin putting the grant to work in the coming months.
A talented group of Verda Elementary School students brought home a major victory this season as members of the Winnfield Flag Football League (WFFL), competing as the Yellow Jackets.
The team—made up entirely of Verda Elementary students except for one player from Georgetown—finished the season with just a single loss, securing 1st place in the league’s 7–9 age division.
Coaches Kimber Call and Corey Young led the Yellow Jackets through a strong season of disciplined practice, teamwork, and determination.
Team members included: Conley Miller, Leigham Powell, Jackson Call, Brantlin Young, Raymond Cotten, Chance Sims, Barrett Sanders, Micah Outlaw, JP Davis, and Axel Berry.
With Thanksgiving approaching, Acadian Ambulance is reminding families to follow simple safety tips to avoid fires or injuries and enjoy time with loved ones.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, on Thanksgiving Day alone, an estimated 1,446 home cooking fires were reported to U.S fire departments in 2023, reflecting 388 percent of the daily average.
General Safety
Stay in the kitchen when cooking and check the food often.
Keep children at least three feet from the stove and hot foods/liquids.
Keep knives, matches, lighters, and appliance cords out of children’s reach.
Never leave children or pets alone with lit candles.
Keep floors clear and test smoke alarms.
Turkey Fryer Safety
Never leave the fryer unattended; keep children and pets away.
Wear eye protection and heat-resistant gloves.
Completely defrost and dry the turkey before frying.
Keep a grease-related fire extinguisher nearby.
Use the fryer outdoors, away from structures, trees, rain, or snow.
Set on a level surface and don’t move it once heated.
Keep the propane tank and burner separated.
Turn off the burner if oil smokes before lowering the turkey.
Let the oil cool overnight before disposing.
Acadian Ambulance is the largest employee-owned ambulance service in the nation, providing transportation and medical services to areas in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services, and a member of the American Ambulance Association, dedicated to safeguarding the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. Its sister division, Acadian Air Med, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems.
In the summer of 2021, a new neighbor moved into what had been a peaceful mobile home park in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, a suburb just north of Minneapolis. Until then, the residents of the mobile home park held regular barbecues and other outdoor gatherings when the cold Minnesota weather allowed. Their kids played outside and walked to and from the bus stop without the slightest hint of hesitation. The trailer park residents got along well with each other. That all changed when the new neighbor moved in.
The new neighbor was a bully who victimized the residents of the mobile home park. The bully chased them, taunted them, and sometimes attacked them. The residents were unable to relax even when they were inside their own homes because the bully peaked through their windows and made sounds that they said became terrifying to them. One day, 41-year-old Rachael Gross was carrying her groceries from her car to her home when the bully dropped down from her roof and knocked her to the ground. During the struggle that followed, the bully ripped her jacket before Rachael was able to escape into her house. Her groceries lay scattered on her front lawn. The bully even followed Rachael to the nearby nursing home where she worked and to her favorite local restaurant. Each time, Rachael rushed inside to safety. The bully always stopped just shy of following her in. During another attack, Rachael slung water from her water bottle onto the bully. The shock from the water gave her just enough time to get inside before the bully ran back toward her. After numerous attacks, Rachael and her neighbors began to carry sticks, brooms, golf clubs, and baseball bats anytime they went outside. Rachael and her neighbors called the authorities on several occasions, but the bully continued to terrorize the neighborhood. Because Rachael was most often the target of the bully, her neighbors began to suspect that she was somehow helping him despite her emphatic denials.
Rachael felt trapped. She said, “I’m pretty stressed out and pretty anxious all the time. I can’t even have peace. I’m so exhausted. I hope this gets a solution and somebody comes to help so I don’t have to deal with this anymore, and so that we can all have a peaceful summer with our kids and our grandkids and actually have a barbecue and just relax.” Summer turned into fall and there was no relief from the bully. Parents had to walk their kids to and from the bust stop armed with a variety of weapons. The kids used their backpacks as shields. The neighborhood cancelled all of their usual outside activities including trick-or-treating at Halloween. For two years, the residents of the trailer park lived in fear of the bully. In the fall of 2023, reports of the bullying ended. Rumors persist that someone in the mobile home park murdered the bully. Perhaps they were all involved in the murder conspiracy. Some of the rumors go as far as to say that there is no evidence to be found because the residents ate the bully during a Thanksgiving celebration. The new neighbor which plagued that mobile home park was a wild turkey. Happy Thanksgiving!
British archaeologist Howard Carter knelt before a newly uncovered doorway deep in the Valley of the Kings on November 26, 1922. With trembling hands, he peered through a small hole, held up a candle, and saw what he would later describe as “wonderful things.”
Moments earlier, Carter and his team had broken the seal to the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun — a 3,000-year-old resting place untouched by grave robbers. Inside were chariots, gilded shrines, jewelry, and the solid gold coffin of the boy king.
Carter’s discovery, funded by British nobleman Lord Carnarvon, became an international sensation. Newspapers worldwide splashed photographs of glittering treasures and mysterious hieroglyphs, sparking “Egyptomania” across the West.
Beyond the headlines, the find transformed archaeology. Tutankhamun’s tomb offered an unprecedented glimpse into Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, revealing burial rituals, art, and craftsmanship of extraordinary sophistication.
The work of cataloging and preserving the artifacts took a decade. Even today, much of Carter’s meticulous documentation guides modern Egyptologists.
November 26, 1922, remains a defining date in archaeological history — the day the modern world reconnected with one of antiquity’s most famous rulers, and when “wonderful things” reignited humanity’s fascination with ancient Egypt.
Monroe “Goose” Gray Jr. August 6, 1948 – November 22, 2025 Services: Saturday, November 29 at 2:00 p.m. at Restland Memorial Gardens
Robert Howard Gray, Jr. August 7, 1947 – November 24, 2025 Visitation: Friday, November 28 from 9:00 a.m. until time of services. Services: Friday, November 28 at 12:00 noon in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home
Melborne Skip Crawford August 20, 1944 – November 23, 2025 Services: Saturday, November 29 at 2:00 p.m. at River Outreach Church
James Paul Delrie Jr. November 25, 1988 – November 20, 2025 Services: Wednesday, November 26 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home
Grant Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or billvance.erg@gmail.com. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to billvance.erg@gmail.com)
Don Broussard, representing the Pollock Masonic Lodge, and Charlotte Elmer, representing the Eastern Star, recently presented checks to the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office in support of the Sheriff’s Toys for Kids program and the department’s new K-9.
Sheriff’s officials said the donations will help brighten Christmas for local children and assist with expenses related to training and caring for the K-9.
The Grant Parish Police Jury has renewed its contract with Acadian Ambulance to provide emergency and non-emergency medical services. The exclusive five-year contract solidifies Acadian’s long-term commitment to the citizens of Grant Parish.
Acadian has been the primary emergency response provider for Grant Parish since 2014, building strong relationships with hospitals, medical personnel, community leaders, and local fire departments while supporting fellow first responders through supplies, training, and medical direction. With continuous coverage and advanced life support (ALS) ambulances in the parish and Air Med support from Alexandria, Ferriday, and Monroe, Acadian is equipped to respond quickly by ground or air. More than 20 paramedics and EMTs serve the parish.
In addition to emergency and non-emergency service, Acadian Ambulance provides medical standby support at high school football games at no charge. They also participate in career fairs and host community CPR training events.
“We are honored to continue serving the residents of Grant Parish with trusted, high-quality emergency care,” said Regional Vice President of Louisiana West Taylor Richard. “This renewal reflects our ongoing commitment to saving lives, as well as the strong partnership we’ve built with the community and our first responder partners.”
Acadian Ambulance is the largest employee-owned ambulance service in the nation, providing transportation and medical services to areas in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services, and a member of the American Ambulance Association, dedicated to safeguarding the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. Its sister division, Acadian Air Med, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems.
Grant Parish schools came together Tuesday to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
Verda Elementary School and South Grant Elementary hosted Veterans Day programs that featured patriotic songs, flag presentations and special recognition for veterans in attendance. Teachers and students expressed pride and gratitude for those who have worn the nation’s uniform.
At Pollock Elementary School, Mrs. Leggett’s classes learned about the meaning of Veterans Day, discussing what it means to be a veteran, the sacrifices service members make and ways to show appreciation. Students then wrote letters to veterans at the VA hospital in Alexandria as a gesture of thanks for their service.
Grant Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Samantha Allen has graduated from the police academy, completing training in Louisiana law, defensive tactics, firearms and other essential skills.
Allen will now serve as a school resource officer, working with students and staff to help provide a safe learning environment.
Grant Parish communities are lining up a full slate of Christmas events this December, with parades, festivals, fireworks and family activities planned in Montgomery, Colfax, Pollock and Georgetown.
The season kicks off in Montgomery, where the Town of Montgomery will hold its Christmas parade Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, at 3 p.m. After the parade, families can meet and greet Santa and enjoy hot chocolate near Montgomery Town Hall. Those interested in participating in the parade are asked to contact Wendy Harrison or Montgomery Town Hall.
The following weekend will bring a flurry of activity across the parish. On Friday, Dec. 13, Colfax will host the first annual Jingle Mingle from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Front Street. The event will feature festive booths from local makers, artists and small businesses, along with a lineup of food trucks offering hot meals and sweet treats. A children’s parade will begin at 5:30 p.m., and holiday entertainment is planned to keep the evening “merry and bright.”
Also on Dec. 13, the Town of Pollock will hold its Christmas event at Lacroix Park. Food vendors will open at 4 p.m., followed by a night parade at 6 p.m. Fireworks will begin immediately after the parade. The event is free and open to the public.
The Village of Georgetown will host its annual Christmas in the Park Festival on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, as well. The festival opens at 10 a.m., and the parade will roll at noon at the park. Craft vendors, food vendors, games, entertainment, fireworks and a visit from Santa are all planned. For information on participating in festival activities, call Melissa at 318-827-5400.
Colfax will close out the weekend with the Town of Colfax Christmas Parade on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 2 p.m. The parade will include cookies and hot chocolate with Santa, hosted by Colfax Young Women. For entry information, residents may contact any member of the Colfax Town Council.
Together, the events offer families across Grant Parish multiple chances to enjoy parades, shopping, food and fellowship while celebrating the Christmas season close to home. Happy Holidays!
In today’s saturated real estate market, your property listing can easily disappear into the digital noise. Between Zillow, Realtor.com, Facebook Marketplace, and countless other platforms, potential buyers are drowning in options—and your listing risks becoming just another scroll-by on someone’s smartphone.
That’s exactly why savvy landowners, homeowners, and real estate agents across Louisiana are turning to The Parish Journals of Louisiana to cut through the clutter and connect with serious, local buyers.
Local Reach That Actually Matters
Here’s what the big national platforms won’t tell you: the most qualified buyers for your Louisiana property are not browsing listings in New York or California. They are your neighbors. They are families already living in your parish who want to stay close to work, schools, and community. They are out-of-parish Louisianans looking to relocate within the state. They are local investors who understand the market and can close quickly.
The Parish Journals of Louisiana reaches these buyers where they already are—engaged with their local news, community updates, and regional happenings. When readers open their Parish Journal, they are not mindlessly scrolling; they are actively seeking information about their community. Your property listing becomes part of that trusted local conversation.
Precision Targeting That Saves You Money
Why pay to market a Natchitoches property to someone in Seattle who has no interest in Louisiana? With The Parish Journals of Louisiana, you control exactly where your marketing dollars go.
But here’s something most people don’t realize when someone in Seattle is seriously considering a move to Natchitoches Parish, they don’t start by booking a flight. They start by reading the local news outlets. Long before they ever make a market visit, they are online learning about the community—reading about local government, schools, business developments, and yes, scanning property listings. They are trying to understand what life would be like in their potential new home.
That’s when your listing needs to be visible. The Parish Journals of Louisiana captures these serious prospective buyers during their research phase, when they are most engaged and receptive. By the time they schedule that market visit, they have already seen your property and marked it as a must-see.
Need hyper-local focus? Target a single Parish Journal to reach buyers specifically interested in that community. Perfect for residential properties, agricultural land, or commercial spaces with strong local appeal.
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No other Louisiana media platform gives you this level of geographic precision combined with proven local readership—and the ability to reach both current residents and serious relocators who are actively researching your community.
The Trust Factor You Can’t Buy
The Parish Journals of Louisiana have spent years building credibility as the authoritative source for local news, government affairs, and business developments across our coverage area. When your property appears in our pages, whether in print or digitality carries that same credibility.
Readers trust The Parish Journals of Louisiana to deliver accurate, relevant local information. That trust transfers to your listing, giving you an immediate advantage over anonymous internet postings.
Results That Speak for Themselves
Real estate is about connecting the right property with the right buyer at the right time. The Parish Journals of Louisiana accelerates that connection by putting your listing in front of engaged local audiences who have the means, motivation, and genuine interest in acting.
While others are chasing viral social media posts and hoping the algorithm works in their favor, The Parish Journals of Louisiana provides consistent, reliable exposure to the audiences that matter most for Louisiana properties.
Make Your Property Stand Out
In a market where everyone is shouting for attention, the winners are those who know exactly who they are talking to and how to reach them effectively. The Parish Journals of Louisiana give you that strategic advantage.
Whether you are selling a family home, marketing recreational land, or listing commercial property, The Parish Journals of Louisiana offers the local reach, custom targeting, and trusted platform that turns “For Sale” into “Sold.”
BY THE NUMBERS: 2024
In 2024, The Parish Journals of Louisiana saw over fourteen million articles read by over three million unique readers!
That’s the kind of engaged audience your property listing deserves.
The Parish Journals of Louisiana serves 17 parishes across Northwest and Central Louisiana with comprehensive coverage of local news, government, business, and community affairs. Our readers are your neighbors—and your next buyers.
Contact The Parish Journals of Louisiana today to learn how we can customize a marketing strategy for your property. Because in today’s crowded market, you do not need to shout louder, you need to speak directly to the people who are ready to listen.
There’s no place quite like Ruston, LA for the holidays. With beautifully decorated downtown shops, streets lined with twinkling lights, and holiday cheer in the air, Ruston produces all those cozy feelings of being home for the holidays.
Ruston and Lincoln Parish offer a holiday season full of festive fun, making it the perfect time to make the drive and celebrate the holidays with your friends and family. From parades and performances to light displays and shopping events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season.
Thursday, November 20, kick start the holiday season in the heart of Ruston. Holiday Open House & Kickoff to Christmas invites you to shop and stroll downtown’s special promotions, get your pictures with Santa, and see the downtown tree lighting.
While you’re around for Kickoff to Christmas, stroll Ruston’s quarterly Art Ramble happening 5:30pm-8:30pm. Local artists will be displaying and selling artwork and curated creations, perfect for finding your loved ones that one-of-a kind gift.
Thursday, December 4, Ruston’s Annual Christmas Parade will hit the streets. This parade fills Ruston with festive floats and plenty of Christmas cheer. Bring your blanket, grab a warm drink from a local coffee shop, and enjoy one of the merriest events of the season.
December 4-7, experience the timeless story of A Christmas Carol brought to life at the Dixie Center for the Arts. Ruston Community Theatre brings you Ebnezer Scrooge, the three Spirits of Christmas, and musical adaptations by Alan Menken and lyrics by Lynee Ahres.
Lincoln Lights Up the Pines is a Ruston holiday staple and a can’t miss event. Pack up the whole family and come experience Ruston’s only drive-thru Christmas light display at the beautiful Lincoln Parish Park happening December 4-6 and 11-13. Enjoy twinkling lights, holiday scenes, and festive decor all from the warmth of your vehicle as you take in the glow of the season.
December 5-7 is a big weekend in Ruston, LA and full of holiday adventures. You can shop Big Creek Trade Days on December 5-7, where you’ll find handmade jewelry, accessories, furniture, antiques, outdoor items, and more to help you knock out your holiday shopping list. December 6, visit the OWL Center for their Christmas on the Farm. This holiday event brings you pony rides, a petting zoo, a bouncy house, crafts, pictures with Santa, rock wall, zip line, games, and so much more. Also on December 6, you can visit downtown Choudrant for Christmas in the Village featuring a parade, bounce houses, cookies with Santa, a movie in the park, and more.
On December 12, the Dixie Center for the Arts presents A Christmas Blues. This benefit concert is full of holiday spirit and down-home blues bringing together some of the area’s most gifted musicians for an unforgettable night of music.
Downtown Ruston hosts the Christmas Cookie Crawl on December 14. Satisfy your sweet tooth this holiday season and sign up to get a delicious holiday cookie at each participating local business all while you shop the local, holiday deals and specials. While you’re in town, step into the holiday spirit with Holiday Tour of Homes, sponsored by Pine Hills Children’s Advocacy Center happening December 14. Tour beautifully decorated homes and gather festive inspiration for your own holiday decor.
Ruston has it all – late night shopping, downtown deals, cookie crawls, parades, live music, light displays, and of course, the annual holiday5K race. On December 18 the Ruston Rudolph 5k Race will take place at the Ruston Sports Complex. Grab your holiday running gear, strap on your Santa Claus hat, and get ready for the most festive race of the year.
End the holiday season on a high note. The Ruston Sports Complex brings you Christmas at the Complex on December 20. Spend a festive day with friends and family and enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, take your picture with Santa, watch a Christmas movie, and go ice skating.
This is just a quick look at the holiday adventures you can go on this year in Ruston, LA. Recurring events throughout December include artificial ice skating at the Ruston Sports Complex and the Ruston Farmers Market happening every Saturday – perfect for finding your holiday gifts and festive flavors all while enjoying some live music.
Come experience the holidays in Ruston, LA, where small town charm and big holiday spirit bring you back to those nostalgic feelings of Christmas when you were a kid.
