The northshore once again delivers with a long list of fantastic things to do this month! As we wind down from the festival season and gear up for the holidays, mark your calendars! There is a great variety of entertainment ahead for November.
Marking this season is an event that is truly a party with a purpose. As Thanksgiving approaches and we plan our menus for grand, fabulous meals with family and friends, it is important to remember so many others who are less fortunate.
The Harvest Moon Dance provides just that opportunity. Benefitting the Covington Food Bank, this event now in its 7th year, has become a fall tradition to ring in the very beginning of the holiday season and provide much needed funding for one of our areas most worthy and vital services. The dance will be November 7th from 7:00-12:00 in the Castine Center at Pelican Park. There’s live music provided by Bobby Cure and the Summertime Blues, and, of course, lots of dishes to dine on along with an open bar and a martini fountain.
Proceeds from this dance are used directly to purchase food for the Covington Food Bank, in addition to funding the All Saints Dental Clinic providing services for people in need throughout St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington Parishes. To purchase tickets, contact Ms. Jackie Catalanotto at (985) 893-3003.
On the 2nd Wednesday of every month, there is a new tradition now taking place in Mandeville. It’s called Yappy Hour, and it’s the place to be for people – and their pets. One of the northshore’s favorite late night and live-music destinations, Ruby’s Roadhouse, opens its doors once a month for patrons and their pups from 6:30-8:30. It’s an entertaining way to spend what could otherwise be an ordinary weeknight.
Each month there are different puppy-themed drink specials, a 50/50 raffle, and a “mutt strut” with adoptable dogs from the Humane Society. Yappy Hour started as a unique way for pet owners and pets to get together for socializing and as a fundraising effort by the Pelican Bark Park Committee. They have now raised enough funds to begin construction of the Bark Park and the evening has become an anticipated monthly event for pet lovers throughout the area. Even if you don’t have a dog to bring along, come by on November 11, everyone is welcome. It’s only $5.00 at the door and food is available too, so plan on going for dinner.
I cannot mention the St Tammany Humane Society without telling you about their big event this month, “Unleashed! A Night On The Catwalk”. On November 14, I will return to the Castine Center, and I can’t wait, as I will be walking the runway! This is sure to be an exciting night. I have been asked to model clothes donated from some of the finest shops in the area. After the fashion show, the clothes will be part of a silent auction. Food, drinks, dancing and two bands will add to the festivities. I am thrilled to volunteer for such a worthy cause and very excited to participate in the show. More details are available at www.sttammanyhumanesociety.org.
I will also be making my way this month to Playmakers Theater. From November 6-22, they will be presenting On Golden Pond. Directed by theater veteran Frank Levy with a cast led by Ladson Poole and Donna Heier, this critically acclaimed Broadway play received worldwide notoriety with the film adaptation in the Academy award-winning motion picture. I have never seen this beautiful story unfold on stage, however, now I will have that chance as the enchanting Playmakers Theater in Covington transforms into the beloved small lake house of elderly couple Norman and Ethel Thayer. Like all performances at Playmakers, the quaintness and charm of the little theater in the woods enhances the experience, and provides a beautiful opportunity to support the arts and our own local theater, now celebrating its 50th year. Tickets are available now at www.playmakersinc.com
A busy weekend it will be indeed, but I will definitely be at the Abita Springs Trailhead on November 14. My hometown will be celebrating the official ribbon-cutting and grand opening of our trailhead and park, in conjunction with the revival of the Abita Springs Water Festival. The admission is free and the day promises to be filled with family fun, good food, a great line-up of music and of course, Abita Beer. Everyone is invited to celebrate with us. It’s a new space developed to preserve our history, with a playground, museum, historic buildings and more. We are proud to have an opportunity to show it off!
I hope you make some happy memories this month as we move into the holidays and celebrate Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for! Take a look around - life is good here on the northshore. Get out, live in your community, and be grateful for every moment of it.
Let me know of great events and places of interest here in our community that I can pass on in On The Seen by emailing me at scampbell@northshoreconifer.com , and follow me at @OnTheSeen/Twitter.com