CITY LIGHTS

CITY

LIGHTS As the sun sets on the city, serve up these sizzling looks perfect for a night out on the town. From layered leather tops to animal print dresses, these outfits are your motivation to dress up and step out.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK HAIR AND MAKEUP BY MEKA B RELIFORD MODELS KARLEE MALONE AND SYDNEY DENNY

HERRINGSTONES

This leopard print coat with shearling trim is layered over a sleek black jumpsuit. Accessorize with high top sneakers and a stylish black hat.

SHOP ALL DAYE

This knit sweater dress with turtleneck collar is the perfect addition to your winter wardrobe. Layer with an oversized plaid button-down for an updated look. Accessorize with two-toned booties with cut-out buckle straps.

PALETTE HOUSE & PLUME

This crew neck cropped sweatshirt with reverse French terry panels is perfectly paired with black leather shorts with a tie-waist.

SADIE C’S

This boxy woven sheer top features buttons down closures, long dolman sleeves and a classic collar. Pair with high rise jeans with a slight flair at the ankle and white chunky heels with a side buckle.

BLUE LINE BOUTIQUE

Show your wild side with this zebra print dress worn over a black long-sleeve bodysuit. Accessorize with a black chenille hat and pointed toe black booties with crocodile backs and zip closures.

HEMLINE MONROE

Karlee is stepping out in style with this faux leather button down over a white top, and paired with distressed denim jeans with a metal belt. Accessorize with a beaded purse and white booties.

THE NUDE NOMAD

Sydney is ready for a night out in this French-inspired slip dress and plaid blazer with embroidery. Accessorize with this vintage bag with tortoise-shell handle and beaded accents and white tennis shoes.

DUCK DUCK GOOSE (inside Simmon’s)

Sydney is wearing a camel-colored open front blazer with ruched sleeved over a white button-down top. Paired with button-front denim jeans, this look is accessorized with a classic weather-ready wedge and beaded jewelry.

DUSTY & COMPANY (at right)

Karlee is wearing a long white top with side slits and a faux grey faux suede button down. Pair with black skinny jeans and grey lowheeled booties and a recycled canvas bag.

World on Your Shoulders

Common Shoulder Injuries and Complaints

BY VAL IRION, MD

AS AN ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON SPECIALIZING IN Sports Medicine, some of the main concerns I see in my practice are patients suffering from shoulder and knee pain. Certainly, the larger joints that are weight bearing can cause greater stress and over time wear and tear can result in pain and injury… I see a lot of rotator cuff tendinitis, rotator cuff tears, labrum tears, etc. I see acute shoulder injuries, too- most often the result of a direct hit or fall... things like shoulder dislocations or fractures.

As we age, wear and tear of the shoulder can often result in a decrease of range and motion and have a substantial impact on our daytoday activities and routines. You don’t walk on your shoulders, but the shoulder joint is just as susceptible to wear and tear as your knees and/ or hips.

Arthritis (thinning/loss of cartilage lining of the joint) and tears in in the rotator cuff tendon (a group of muscles that help lift and rotate the shoulder) are the most common culprits of shoulder wear and tear, pain and decreased range of motion.

Some of the early symptoms of shoulder arthritis and rotator cuff tears are: • Dull ache deep in the shoulder • Restless sleep, particularly if you lie on the affected shoulder • Difficulty to comb your hair or reach behind your back • Arm weakness

There are several common risk factors associated with arthritis of the shoulder and rotator cuff tear: • Age - Individuals over 60 are more prone to the osteoarthritis - Individuals over 40 become more susceptible to rotator cuff tears. • Prior injuries - Shoulder Dislocation- can accelerate the onset of arthritis due to loss and thinning of cartilage around the joint. • Repetitive overhead activities and professions - Certain sports such as, baseball, weightlifting and tennis. - Certain professions, particularly construction jobs such as, painting, and carpentry.

Shoulder arthritis presents as gradually increasing pain and loss of motion making it difficult to complete basic tasks such as getting dressed, combing your hair and reaching for a book on a shelf. Rotator cuff tears may also present with pain, but are often accompanied by weakness and atrophy, making it difficult to reach overhead or lift things away from the body. Rotator Cuff injuries can also result from a certain single injury and in these cases, you should seek medical care immediately.

There are several surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for shoulder arthritis and rotator cuff tears. If shoulder pain is interfering with your daily activities or quality of life, it may be a good idea to consult an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. Typically, your doctor will complete a routine physical exam that will include pressing and moving the arm in different positions to test the strength and range of motion of the shoulder. Your doctor may also order some imaging tests to further determine the cause(s) of pain. Once your orthopedic surgeon makes a diagnosis, you can work together to devise a treatment plan. Your surgeon may recommend several options prior to surgery including: • Rest or change in activities • Physical therapy exercises to improve the range of motion in your shoulder • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, may reduce inflammation and pain. • Corticosteroid injections in the shoulder can dramatically reduce the inflammation and pain, but the relief is often short lived • Moist heat may relax sore and tightened muscles, • Icing the shoulder for 20-30 minutes 2-3 times daily can reduce inflammation and reduce pain.

After all conservative treatments have been explored, your orthopedic surgeon can also discuss surgical options with you. They may include options from arthroscopy, tendon repair to total shoulder replacement. The most important thing to remember is that you and your orthopedic surgeon are a team and you’re in this together to determine the best plan to treat YOU! If you are suffering from pain or your level of function is just not where you want it to be, give our clinic a call…together we can get you back in the game.

Val Irion, MD is a fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in orthopedic sports medicine- both surgical and nonsurgical approaches. Dr. Irion practices at Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana located in Shreveport and Bossier City. To schedule an evaluation, please call (866) 759.9679

Brewed for the Holidays

600 Years of Belgian Heritage

THE FOLKS AT STELLA ARTOIS® are extremely proud of their Belgian roots. Their story can be seen on every bottle of Stella Artois. If you look closely, hints of their origins are proudly displayed.

By 1366 roots of Stella’s brewing tradition had been established in the city of Leuven, Belgium– which is also where the original Den Hoorn brewery was founded. Den Hoorn laid the foundation for the quality taste and standard Stella Artois is known for. The symbol of the Den Hoorn Brewery is proudly displayed in Stella Artois’ cartouche to this day.

SEBASTIAN ARTOIS

Sebastian Artois was admitted to the Leuven Brewer’s Guild as a Brew Master in 1708, and only nine years later purchased the Den Hoorn brewery. In memoriam, you can find his last name on the brewery and every bottle of Stella Artois around the world.

ORIGINALLY BREWED FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The Artois Brewery was so beloved internationally and locally, a special batch was created as a Christmas gift to the people of Leuven. That special batch was the first to officially include “Stella” in its name. “Stella”, meaning star in Latin, pays homage to this original occasion, accompanied by a star on every bottle.

So next time you see a bottle of Stella Artois, take note of the rich history paired with the rich flavor on and in every bottle.

HOW TO POUR PERFECTION

Pouring the perfect Stella Artois® is key to enjoying the perfect Stella Artois®. The brand’s time-honored nine-step ritual helps ensure that consumers everywhere are served as they would be in Belgium. After hundreds of years of brewing experience, there is only one way to pour a Stella Artois® and it is important that all those who serve Leuven’s gold standard lager pay as much attention to serving Stella Artois® as we do to brewing it.

Not only has it been proven that correctlypoured Stella Artois® results in satisfied consumers and increased brand loyalty, but bartenders, too, become true brand ambassadors once they have mastered the art of serving Stella Artois®. The annual Stella Artois® World Draught Master Competition – established in 1997 - heralds the importance of this pouring ritual. Bartenders from around the world compete to demonstrate their beer-serving prowess before a panel of distinguished judges who carefully scrutinize each and every step.

STELLA MIDNIGHT LAGER

A brewery with a history that dates back nearly 100 years has ventured out from its popular Pilsner with a limited-edition dark lager. In time for the holidays, Stella Artois has introduced Midnight Lager, a 5.4% ABV beer that’s available in 12oz bottle, 6-packs. Midnight Lager pours a dark, jet black with a brown frothy head from a 12oz bottle. This appearance is the result of the beer’s use of roasted dark malts that are quite evident in the aroma of the dark lager. The beer’s roasty qualities bring forth dark chocolate and coffee notes on the palate that is balanced by the use of Herkules and Saaz hops

STELLA SOLSTICE

Stella Artois, a brand of Anheuser-Busch, released Solstice Lager, the brand’s first-ever limited-edition golden lager. Inspired by the summer solstice, the lager contains notes of citrus essences and is triple-filtered for a smooth, crisp finish, the company says. It also has a malty sweetness, has an alcohol by volume of 4.5 percent, and is 105 calories for a 11.2-ounce bottle. The limited-edition imported beer is available in six-packs and 12-packs.

Locally, Marsala Beverage employs about 100 full-time employees. Marsala Beverage, LP is the largest malt beverage, wine/spirits and non-alcoholic distributor in Northeast Louisiana. Their success is based on the fact that they never lose sight of delivering what is really important – quality products, timely service and a genuine concern for our customers’ needs. Annually, they deliver over 2.4 million cases of beverages to over 700 retail accounts.

Please find us at www.marsalabeverage. com or follow us on social media: Facebook: Marsala Beverage Twitter: @marsalabeverage1 Instagram: @marsalabeverage

The Kips Bay Decorator Show house in Dallas, an inaugural event, was breathtaking to say the least. Only the third city in the US to host this charitable collaboration, over twenty-seven esteemed interior designers participated and each used their personal style and art form to transform one of Dallas’ most prestigious French Provencal estates into a visual feast. Every room had its individual design crafted with intention and delivered with precision. Favorite moments included:

Our intimate dinner hosted by Michelle and Bernard Nussbaumer that included our lifelong friends, Gavin Smith and Mark Ashby.

THE bottom stairwell nook featured Gracie Studio emerald green wallpaper. It was a combination of elegant chinoiserie hand painted flowers, birds and delicate tree branches. This background cocooned the periwinkle custom settee, a leopard French chair, soft lamp lighting and glass/ gold coffee table with blossoming white petals. Off the master suite, the dressing room salon was exquisite. The liquid

velvet French blue sofa was showcased beneath wall covering by DeGournay custom color way - “Moon Wisteria.” A floating array of diaphanous vintage 1940’s dressing gowns caught the eye. A lacquered constellation of low Italian drink tables were home to a Cire Trudon candle, a raw crystal sphere and a bouquet of black calla lilies and aubergine dahlias. Interior Designer and Wanderlust author Michelle Nussbaumer’s vision was inspired by a 19th Century English traveler, who lived many months in Turkey and Morocco. This fictitious person brought the dream back and created a private oasis. Michelle used her own fabrics and trims with Clarence House and her new Paul Montgomery wallpaper to create the exotic layer throughout the “Turkish Writer’s Lair.” To experience the aura of all five senses this interior designer subtly orchestrated was absolutely overwhelming.

LASTING TAKEAWAYS:

Lacquered finishes | Layered linens | Creative placement Sophisticated lighting | Mixed patterns | Textured surfaces

PhD LOADING

Meredith’s Musings

article by MEREDITH MCKINNIE

Ayear ago I wrote about being accepted into a PhD program, a dream of mine since I first knew I wanted to teach college English. I thrive in an academic environment. I crave the company of the smartest people in the room, and I always find my way into positions of authority, and the college classroom affords me both. Honestly, I’ve always felt I worked my way in, as if going to school in the same place I’m now employed gave me more leverage. I’ve never had to prove myself in any other academic setting. That changed in August of last year.

My first class began three weeks after I gave birth to my daughter Fable. Every bump along the three-hour car ride one way caused slight pains from my lower abdomen, as the stitches from my C-section were still dissolving. Postpartum existence can be cave-like, as if the world is revolving all around you while you’re sheltered in one place, recovering and keeping someone alive. I don’t thrive in isolation and relished the first day of class, the distraction a welcome reprieve from new motherhood. I was more excited than afraid, more anxious than apprehensive.

A colleague of mine is pursuing a degree in the same area, and we shared a mandatory class for incoming graduate students. Having someone to pass the time on the drives down made the transition easier. We were both teaching full time and pursuing the terminal degree we knew we needed to advance our careers. Together it seemed more possible. The first day driving on campus was surreal. It looked like the college campuses on TV, massive trees and traditional old buildings, limited parking, and thousands of people milling about with earbuds and distant looks on their faces. I didn’t feel like the old student on campus, but I probably looked like it. More importantly, other than my colleague, I knew no one. I had no reputation on which to stand a little bit taller.

Fall semester was a blur. I was already busy with the classes I was teaching, adjusting to life with a newborn, managing campus committees, and now I had two classes that required no less than 15 hours of my time each a week, minus the six hours spent in the car. I joked to my Mom that you earn a PhD by reading everything. Late nights were spent reading academic journals and creating professional writing projects. I naively thought there were enough hours in the day. And while we can manage to get it all done, it comes at a cost. I’ve cried more this last year than ever before. I momentarily crumble under pressure before I push through. But I’ve learned I can and will push through.

On the first day of each semester, I often tell my students that college is all about personal responsibility, that getting a degree depends on perseverance. Some students have to study more than others, some have to work full time, that Zoology test may seem like an impossible mountain, but soon it’s all over, and no feeling of accomplishment is more satisfying that one worked for. I had to remind myself of this constantly this last year. Yes, this season of life means juggling multiple responsibilities, all of which require my full attention. Letting any of them slip meant letting other people down, and I refused to shortcut myself or those who depend on me.

In the spring semester, I made the Tuesday trips alone, as my colleague’s and my paths diverged. I dreaded the hours alone in the car, arriving home late at night without having seen my girls’ smiling faces. Every minute that clicked past in the car was time I could have devoted to studying and writing papers. But this was my path. This was the hard part. And I don’t shy away from hard. When the weight becomes too much, I let it all out in a good cry, complain to those beloved souls still willing to listen, then pick myself up and get it done. More times than not, my girls want to play when mommy has to work. When my daughter sees me heading to the home office she pouts and asks me not to go. She calls it my room, as so many of my waking hours are spent there. But like I tell my students, soon it will all be over. I will have a terminal degree to prove my efforts, and my girls will watch their mother fulfill a personal goal.

When times get tough, my colleague and I encourage one another, as no one else can fully appreciate the experience and struggle. We sometimes end messages with #phdloading, a reminder that the process is worth it, that the struggle is temporary, that what we’re doing is meant to be hard. I came to enjoy my solo trips down south, as I would catch up on podcasts, still my mind, and just focus on the road. The drive forced me to just be; there was nothing to chase but pavement. I’ve learned more in the past year than I ever expected, and I feel strong in my knowledge, more confident in my capabilities. I can do this. It occurred to me a few weeks back that I had been so focused on getting into a program that I never imagined actually finishing one. Now I know that is inevitable. I have years of work ahead of me, but it’s closer than ever before.

Calendar of Events

For a full list of event happenings in Northeast Louisiana, see our website at www.bayoulifemag.com

October 30 – November 1

SYAA presents Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka, Jr.

Don't miss out on a performance of Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka, Jr at Kiroli Park! The delicious adventures of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl's fantastical tale. Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film, in addition to a host of fun new songs, Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Jr. is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone's sweet tooth. Venue: Kiroli Park 820 Kiroli Road, West Monroe Hours: Friday: 5:00 PM, Saturday: 2:00 PM, Sunday: 2:00 PM Cost: Adults: $20, College Students (with ID) & Children ages 3-18: $15 Phone: 318-396-4016

Evil Visions Haunted House

You've heard the stories, you've felt the fear, now join the scare for 2020 as Evil Visions brings you SilverScream! Venue: Evil Visions Haunted House 501 DeSiard St., Monroe Hours: Friday-Saturday: 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM, Sunday: 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

November 1

Antique Alley Open House

Stroll the Alley on a beautiful fall afternoon. Shop antiques, boutiques, specialty shops, & more. Antique Alley has something for everyone! Venue: Antique Alley 100-400 blocks of Trenton Street, West Monroe Hours: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

November 2-6

Ouachita Youth Summit

The Ouachita Youth Summit is an opportunity for youth ages 1217 across Ouachita Parish to come together to hear from experts about issues that matter to youth, develop their leadership skills and get the tools to create an action plan so they can make their community a better place. Venue: ULM Student Union Building Mitchell Street, Monroe Hours: All Day Cost: Free Phone: 318-323-8775

November 5

Holiday Shop & Stroll

Enjoy refreshments, special promotions, and extended hours from participating downtown stores. Ruston's walkable downtown makes holiday shopping painless and fun! Venue: Downtown Ruston Hours: 5-8PM Cost: Free Phone: 318-251-8647

November 6-7

ULM Volleyball vs Little Rock

Join in on the fun and watch the ULM Volleyball team take on Little Rock! Venue: ULM Fant-Ewing Coliseum 4099 Northeast Dr, Monroe Hours: 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM on Friday, 1:00 PM on Saturday Phone: 318-342-1000

Evil Visions Haunted House You've heard the stories, you've felt the fear, now join the scare for 2020 as Evil Visions brings you SilverScream! Venue: Evil Visions Haunted House 501 DeSiard St., Monroe Hours: Friday-Saturday: 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM, Sunday: 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

November 6-8

Big Creek Trade Days

Big Creek Trade Days are held monthly on the weekend before the second Monday with over 100 indoor and outdoor vendors, food trucks, and fun for all ages! Venue: 327 California Plant Rd., Dubach, LA Hours: Friday & Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM, Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM Cost: $5 per vehicle for the weekend Phone: 318-680-1304

November 7

NELA Master Gardeners Fall Bulb and Plant Sale

Don't miss out on NELA Master Gardeners annual fall bulb sale featuring a great selection of daffodil and other bulbs selected for our area! Trees and shrubs, too! Masks and social distancing will be required under the pavilion. Venue: Pavilion at Seventh Square 1700 N 7th St # B, West Monroe Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Phone: 318-396-4016

Children's Funday at the Biedenharn

Join the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens once a month from 10am-12pm for their Children's Fundays at the Biedenharn! They will have crafts and fun for ages 3-16, so bring the kids and enjoy the gardens. Tickets can be purchased in the Museum Store on the morning of the event. Cost is $5 per child; accompanying adults enter free. *All children MUST be accompanied by an adult.* Venue: Biedenharn Museum and Gardens 2006 Riverside Drive, Monroe Hours: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Cost: $5/child Phone: 318-387-5281

Ainsley's Angels 5th Annual Rollin On The River

Don't miss out on the the 5th Annual Rollin on the River 5K! Ainsley's Angels events are unique in that their courses always include assisted athletes competing in race chairs AND able-bodied athletes. Venue: Ike Hamilton Expo Center Arena 501 Mane Street, West Monroe Hours: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Cost: $30 Phone: 318-325-9160

November 8

Twin City Marathon

The Monroe-West Monroe Convention and Visitors Bureau along with the cities of Monroe and West Monroe, Louisiana are excited to bring you a tour of our two cities via the Twin City Half and Full Marathon race. The terrain of the course will start off a little on the hilly side and wrap up as flat as possible. The event will start and finish at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe, LA. The course is certified USA Track & Field. All profits of this half/full marathon will be awarded to non-profit(s) selected by the race planning committee local to the Monroe/West Monroe, LA area. Venue: Ike Hamilton Expo Center Arena 501 Mane Street, West Monroe Phone: 318-325-9160

November 11

Louisiana’s First Viking Feast

Spend Veteran's Day at 2Dudes Brew & Que with Two Warriors Meadery. Celebrate Two Warriors Meadery's first anniversary. There will be a silent auction and John Farmer will be providing music. Don't miss out! Venue: 2Dudes Brew & Que 436 Desiard St, Monroe Hours: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Cost: $100 Phone: 318-855-5808

November 11-January 1

Freedom Trees

The Freedom Christmas Trees are 5 lighted trees at the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum set to honor the service of men and women of the 5 branches of the US military. The trees will be lit November 11th and stay lit until January 1st. Venue: Chennault Aviation and Military Museum 701 Kansas Lanes, Monroe Phone: 318-362-5540

November 12-15 Tuna Does Vegas

Strauss Little Theatre presents Tuna Does Vegas at Kiroli Park on November 12th-15th. Tuna Does Vegas reunites the lovable and eccentric characters from the 'third

smallest town in Texas' as they take a rambling romp in Sin City. The hilarity begins when oddball-conservative radio host Arles Struvie announces on air that he and his wife Bertha Bumiller are heading to Vegas to renew their wedding vows. But everyone in Tuna, Texas goes along for the ride! Don't miss out! Venue: Kiroli Park 820 Kiroli Road, West Monroe Phone: 318-396-4016

November 13-January 2

Candy Cane Lane Drive Thru Christmas Lights

Candy Cane Lane is a mile-long wooded drive decorated with over one million lights. Open nightly November 13th-January 2nd. No trailers. No vehicles over 30 ft. in length without prior approval. Venue: Candy Cane Lane 170 Highway 151 North, Calhoun Hours: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Cost: $20 per vehicle - cash only Phone: 318-801-2935

November 14

Delta Veterans' Expo & Celebration 2020

It's time for the third annual Delta Veterans' Expo & Celebration! Chennault Aviation and Military Museum is excited to bring together resources for veterans and their families all under one roof! Celebrate the service of our veterans with music, good food, giveaways, and kids' activities! Venue: West Monroe Convention Center 901 Ridge Avenue, West Monroe Hours: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Phone: 318-396-5000

Brontë Fall and Cal Presley Live at Miro's

Join Nashville based singer/ songwriter Brontë Fall and Monroe local Cal Presley for a night of socially distanced live music at Miro's! Venue: Miro's 201 Walnut St., Monroe Hours: 6:30 PM Cost: Free Phone: 318-855-6234

November 19

Paint & Sip

Join Bless Your Art for a night of fun and crafty Christmas cheer at The Hub Music Hall and paint your own ceramic lighted Christmas tree or another one of their lighted holiday ceramics! Cash bar provided! Sip, paint and enjoy a night making memories with your favorite people, your family, a girl’s night or for your work Christmas party. Venue: The Hub 201 Washington St., Monroe Hours: 6:30 PM

Stroll on the Alley

Stroll on the Alley on November 19th! Shop over 40 locally owned antique shops, boutiques, and specialty stores on Trenton Street in West Monroe. Venue: Antique Alley 100-400 blocks of Trenton St., West Monroe Hours: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

November 21

Christmas Market

Don't miss out on a day of shopping, food, and live music at the Christmas Market. Venue: Monroe Civic Center 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Cost: $5 Entry Phone: 318-807-1735

November 21-22

NCLAC's Holiday Arts Market

Shop a variety of handmade, unique items from local artists and artisans that are sure to make the perfect holiday gift. Venue: Ruston Farmers Market, 220 E Mississippi Ave, Ruston, LA Hours: Saturday 5-9 PM, Sunday 12-4 PM Cost: Free Phone: 318-255-1450

November 21-December 23

Santa’s Christmas Village

Santa’s Christmas Village includes cookie decorating, visits with Santa, a model train village, make and take holiday ornaments, snow shows, festive light displays, photo ops, and more! Venue: Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum 323 Walnut Street, Monroe Phone: 318-361-9611

November 27

Children’s Christmas Parade

A night-time parade featuring children in costume on decorated bikes, floats, and wagons! The parade is open to all pre-school and elementary age children. Parents must be present. Venue: Antique Alley 100-400 blocks of Trenton St., West Monroe Hours: 6:00 PM

November 28

Kickoff to Christmas

Come experience the magic of Christmas with holiday activities, music, shopping, visiting with Santa, the annual lighting ceremony, and carriage rides! Venue: Railroad Park, 101 W. Park Ave. Ruston, LA Hours: 4-6 PM Cost: Free Phone: 318-255-8647

Shop Small Saturday

Historic Downtown West Monroe’s holiday wonderland is your home for shopping small and loving local on Shop Small Saturday and throughout the holidays! Shops open until 7 PM every Friday and Saturday from Thanksgiving until Christmas. Not just antiques, their boutiques are brimming with the latest fashions, modern décor, art, and spa products. Venue: Antique Alley 100-400 blocks of Trenton St., West Monroe Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Holiday Outdoor Movie

What could be better than watching one of your favorite Christmas movies in Antique Alley under the magical Christmas Lights? The Holiday Outdoor Movie is free for everyone! Venue: Antique Ally 100-400 blocks

November 28-29

Open Wagon Rides Through the Lights

Landry Vineyards is once again providing its wonderful wagon so everyone can take a ride through the festive lights in Monroe and West Monroe. The 30-minute rides begin at 5 PM. The ride begins at Alley Park. Rides are $5 per person. Venue: Alley Park 200 Natchitoches, West Monroe Hours: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Cost: $5 per person

November 7, 14, 21, 28

Ruston Farmers Market

Shop, eat and support local at the Ruston Farmers Market. Choose from a wide selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs, honey, jams, salsa, and other locally produced goods. Venue: Ruston Farmers Market 220 E Mississippi Ave, Ruston, LA Hours: 9 AM – 1 PM Cost: Free to attend Phone: 318-957-1305