Lincoln Life 2013 by Epiphany Creations

Discover Life in Lincoln Parish A publication of the Ruston Newspapers, Inc.

INDEX

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Arts & Entertainment A publication of

Ruston Newspapers, Inc.

Choudrant Outhouse Derby

Lincoln Parish Library Events Center

6-8

North Louisiana Exhibition Center

9-13 Arts Calendar

Festivals P.O. Box 520 • Ruston, LA • 71273 212 W. Park Ave. • Ruston, LA • 71270 www.rustonleader.com • (318) 255-4353 (318) 255-4006, Fax USPS 473-760

Chicken Festival

Juneteenth Festival

Peach Festival

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Museums 17-18

Eddie Robinson Museum

Lincoln Parish Museum

Military Museum

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Recreation

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Lincoln Parish Park

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White lie turns into good fun For the past four years, the Village of Choudrant has been home to the Outhouse Races. These oddly named races were the result a little white lie, according to Choudrant Mayor Bill Sanderson. “We had a new intern in the office, and it was two weeks before we had the first races,” Sanderson said. “We were getting ready for Saturday in the Park, where we clean up the town by picking up trash, mowing and weeding. So we were going over the plans for the day saying we were going to take a break between noon and about 4 or 5 p.m., before we started setting everything up for the band that afternoon when the intern asked what we did in the in between time.” Sanderson said during the time they were planning out the morning of Saturday in the Park, outhouses had been mention. “So I just sort of threw it out there that we raced outhouses during that time,” he said. “The intern said, ‘Do what?’ And with our little white lie it all just started falling together. We told him, ‘Yea, we start at the top of the hill and race to the bottom. Each outhouse is push start and you can’t have a motor.’ He said it sounded like fun.” And so, Sanderson said the Outhouse Races were born because they realized in order to cover up their little white lie they had to create the race. The first year of the races, Sanderson said speeds topped at 18-19 miles per hour. But due to technology and new mechanisms, teams have realized a few ways to amp up their outhouses and speeds topped at about 29 miles per hour in the spring races. “We really encourage anyone who is interested to sign up,” Sanderson said. “The first year we had a few people drop out, and so me and another guy got together the day of the race and made an outhouse. That outhouse placed third that year and has continued to be raced and place every year since. That outhouse was made in two hours.” Those interested can contact Choudrant Town Hall at 768-3235 or stop by and Village Clerk Celeste Butler will provide a copy of the rules and regulations. Entry fee is $25, and races take place during the spring as well as in September. — by Jessica Darden

arts & entertainment

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arts & entertainment

Events Center opens door to entertainment

The Lincoln Parish Library Events Center showcases educational and musical programs, and is also used for special presentations. “We try to find programs to inform, educate, entertain and culturally enrich the lives of people of all ages,” Library Director Vivian McCain said. The facility is connected to the main library, located at 910 N. Trenton St. in Ruston. The Events Center houses multiple rooms, including two food prep areas, three exhibit areas with accent lighting, a dressing area and an auditorium. The auditorium, which can be transformed into three smaller rooms, also features an elevated platform with 325 free-standing seats. Since the facility opened in summer 2010, a variety of artists and entertainers have shared their talents at this venue. Among some of the most notable are Noel Nash, folklore artist Sarah Albritton, pianist Richard Dowling and actor Bill Oberst.

Some of the programs on schedule for the Events Center include a Thomas Jefferson impersonation and dinner theater, a visit from Santa Claus, a “Celtic Christmas” with folklorist and balladeer Danny O’Flaherty, a performance by a soloist and pianist from New York City, a Tony Bennett tribute artist, “Once Upon a Time in the Land of Oz” children’s and family program, one-read program presentation kickoff from “This I Believe” editor Dan Gediman and monthly Historical Happenings and senior education and/or entertainment programs. All of the library’s programs at the Events Center are free of charge. To learn more about upcoming programs at the Events Center, visit www.mylpl.org or call 513-6400. — by T. Scott Boatright

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arts & entertainment

Expo Center rounds up visitors For those who feel they should have been a cowboy, the North Louisiana Exhibition Center spurs up plenty of fun. Located five miles north of Interstate 20 off of Louisiana Highway 33, the arena usually hosts events — many of which are free to the public — a minimum of three weekends out of the month. The facility’s bleachers seat around 1,900 people and there are 42 RV hookups and 260 horse stalls. Restrooms are on-site, and there is a concession area where hamburgers, hotdogs and chicken and spaghetti are usually on the menu. Some of the larger events held each year at the Exhibition Center are as follows: • Run for the Diamond — Always held Labor Day weekend, this three-day barrel racing event draws at least 500 youth and adult riders from all over the United States. “We’ve had people come from as far as Florida and California,” Exhibition Center Director Angela Manning said. “The lady who puts it together works with sponsors to add $10,000 to the jackpot for the weekend.”

• Antique Tractor Show and Pulls — Presented the third weekend in August, tractors made in 1965 and earlier are entered into a competition to see which can pull the most weight. In 2011, the event drew 88 competitors from around the region and other states, and the largest amount of weight pulled was 10,500 pounds. • D’Arbonne Range Riders Ag Kids Benefit — This Memorial Day weekend event showcases barrel racing for all ages. The weekend typically draws about 800 contestants. • LRCA Rodeo — During the Louisiana Rodeo Cowboy Association’s event presented in January or February, attendees may see calf roping, team

continued on page 8

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roping, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, bareback riding, breakaway roping and barrel racing. The rodeo attracts about 200 competitors from all over Louisiana. • Ark-La-Tex-Rodeo — In February, about 200 competitors will come together for another rodeo featuring all the traditional events. • Peach Festival Rodeo — Held in conjunction with the Peach Festival in late June, this rodeo is open to riders from all over the region. Around 200 competitors ride in from Arkansas, Texas and other places to showcase their skills. A crowd-pleaser, the event typically draws a large number of spectators. In 2011, around 1,700 kids and adults filled the arena to watch the summer action. For more information, go online to nlec.lincolnparish.org. — by T. Scott Boatright

A TS

CALENDAR

& GALLERY LISTINGS Event: Exhibition by Jessica Bryan and Rhyan Emery Taylor • Details: photography exhibition at Crescent City Coffee When: September 8 – December 2; Reception September 8 from 2-4pm Time: shop hours all day, every day Where: Crescent City Coffee, 1007 N Trenton Cost: Free Contact: NCLAC office, 255-1450

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A TS

arts & entertainment

C A L E N D A R

& GALLERY LISTINGS

Event: 150 Years of Enterprise curated by Saul Zalesch • Details: A collection of ephemera representing invention and entrepreneurship over the last one hundred fifty years. When: Until Oct. 11 Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Where: Rawle Enterprise Center, 509 W. Alabama Ave. Cost: Free Contact: Hannah Bustamante 257-5281 Event: Art Exhibit by visiting artist Bobby Bridger Date: Oct. 3, 2013 – Nov. 5, 2013 Where: Lobby of the Dixie Center for the Arts Cost: Free Contact: NCLAC Office 255-1450 Event: Ruston Community Theatre presents “Angel in a Pawnshop” When: Oct. 3 – Oct. 6 Where: 7 PM Oct 3-5, 2 p.m. Oct 6, at the Dixie Center for the Arts Cost: $6 Students/Children, $12 Adults Contact: Box Office 255-1450 Event: ARToberfest! NCLAC’s Fourth Annual Beer Tasting Event and Fundraiser When: Oct. 11, 2013 Where: 5-6:30pm for VIP ticket holders, 6:30-9 p.m. for General admission ticket holder, at Ruston’s Historic Fire Station Cost: $35 VIP ticket, includes a light meal and first chance to sample beers, $15 for General Admission, includes beer tasting and the rest of the live music/event Contact: NCLAC Office 255-1450 Event: Lupita Tinnen, Gregory Martin When: Through Oct. 22, 2013 all-day Where: Louisiana Tech School of Art Galleries, open during normal Gallery Hours Cost: Free Contact: LA Tech School of Art 257-3909 Event: Columbus Day Tie-Dye Party! An Arts Academy Class Details: This Arts Academy Class will be taught by Rachel Johnston, and is for 7-12 year olds. Students should bring a white 100 percent cotton shirt (long, short, or no sleeves, their choice), as well as one other item to dye that day. 100 percent cotton items retain the color the best. Students should also bring their own lunch. NCLAC will provide a mid-morning snack, and all the other supplies students will need for the day. When: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. October 14, 2013 Where: Dixie Center for the Arts Cost: $25 for NCLAC Members, $30 for Non-Members Contact: Pre-register by calling the NCLAC office 255-1450

Event: Loud & Live Music Spectacular, 90s Edition When: 7 – 9 p.m. Oct. 17, 2013 Where: DIxie Center for the Arts Cost: $15 Pre-sold tickets, $20 the day of the event Contact: travis@chartreusepear.com Event: American West Experience- Bobby Bridger and John Inmon present “Lakota” When: 7 – 8 p.m. Oct. 24, 2013 Where: Dixie Center for the Arts Cost: $20, or one Season Ticket Contact: John Emory 265-1954 Event: Art & Architecture Professors Emeritus Exhibition When: 6 p.m. Oct. 25 – 8 p.m. Nov 15 Where: Rawle Enterprise Center Cost: Free Contact: Hannah Bustamante, 257-5281

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arts & entertainment

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ARTS CALENDAR CONTINUED

Event: Reels & Chills: Scream! Details: A Halloween pre-party starts at 6 p.m., the movie begins at 7 p.m. Event put on by Troupe Dixie. When: 6 – 9:30 p.m. Oct. 26, 2013 Where: Dixie Center for the Arts Cost: $10, includes food, drinks, and movie Contact: travis@chartreusepear.com Event: How I Learned to Drive, a play by Paula Vogel When: 7 p.m. Nov. 12 – 9 p.m. Nov. 15, 2013 Where: Floyd L. Sandle Theatre, at the Conrad Hutchinson Performing Arts Center in Grambling Cost: $3 Students, $5 General Admission Contact: 274-ARTS (2787) Event: Grassfire, a five-piece acoustic band When: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. Nov. 16, 2013 Where: Dixie Center for the Arts Cost: $20, or one Season Ticket Contact: John Emory 265-1954

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Event: Holiday Arts Tour-Create! When: Nov. 21, 2013 – Nov. 24, 2013 Where: Hours vary each day, in downtown Ruston: more details to come Cost: Free Contact: NCLAC Office 255-1450

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ARTS CALENDAR CONTINUED

Event: “Christmas Belles,” a RCT play by Nancy Wallace When: Dec. 5, 2013 – Dec. 8, 2013 Where: Dixie Center for the Arts Cost: Weekday shows are at 7 p.m., Sunday show is at 2pm. $12 Adults/Seniors, $6 Students Contact: Dixie Box Office 255-1450

Event: G.U.T.S. Show: Grambling ULM, Tech & Shreveport When: Jan. 31, 2014 at 6 p.m. – Feb. 21, 2014 at 8 p.m. Where: Rawle Enterprise Center Cost: Free Contact: Hannah Bustamante, 257-5281

Event: Louisiana Art and Artists’ Guild 44th Annual River Road Show Reception and Awards Presentation When: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Dec. 13, 2013 Where: Louisiana State Archives Gallery Cost: Free

Event: Same Time Next Year, an RTC production When: Feb. 27, 2014 – March 2, 2014 Where: Dixie Center for the Arts Cost: Weekday shows are at 7 p.m., Sunday show is at 2 p.m. $12 Adults/Seniors, $6 Students Contact: Dixie Box Office 255-1450

Event: Patrick Miller & Todd Maggio Exhibition Details: An interactive show incorporating multiple principles of art and design as well as technology. When: 6 p.m. Dec. 13, 2013 – 8 p.m. January 17, 2014 Where: Rawle Enterprise Center Cost: Free Contact: Hannah Bustamante, 257-5281 Event: Russ-Town Band’s Annual “A Christmas Gathering” Concert When: Dec. 13, 2013 @ 7:30 pm – 8:45 pm Where: Dixie Center for the Arts Cost: Free Contact: John Emory 265-1954

Event: MFA Show at LA Tech School of Art When: March 21, 2014 @ 6:00 pm – April 11, 2014 @ 8:00 pm Where: Rawle Enterprise Center Cost: Free Contact: Hannah Bustamante, 257-5281 Event: JAM! A One Act Festival of plays When: April 23 at 7 p.m. – April 24, 2014 at 9:00 p.m. Where: Floyd L. Sandle Theatre, at the Conrad Hutchinson Performing Arts Center in Grambling Cost: Free Contact: 274-ARTS (2787)

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arts & entertainment

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ARTS CALENDAR CONTINUED

Event: All Because of Agatha, an RTC production When: May 1, 2014 – May 4, 2014 Where: Dixie Center for the Arts Cost: Weekday shows are at 7 p.m., Sunday show is at 2 p.m. $12 Adults/Seniors, $6 Students Contact: Dixie Box Office 255-1450 Event: BFA Photography Student Show LA Tech School of Art When: May 2 at 6 p.m. – May 24, 2014 at 8 p.m. Where: Rawle Enterprise Center Cost: Free Contact: Hannah Bustamante, 257-5281 Event: The Sound of Music, an RTC production When: July 10 – July 13, 2014 Where: Dixie Center for the Arts Cost: Weekday shows are at 7 p.m., Sunday show is at 2 p.m. $12 Adults/Seniors, $6 Students Contact: Dixie Box Office 255-1450

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FESTIVALS

Chicken Fest

has something for everyone

If you’re looking to spread your wings, strut your stuff, and have a cackling good time, the Louisiana Chicken Festival is the place to go. The festival, held in Dubach on the last full weekend in September, highlights the economic impact the poultry industry has on the Lincoln Parish area. “The festival is packed full of family fun,” Dubach Restoration and Beautification Organization member Gina Stokes said. “We have a little bit of something for everybody.” Festival events include a talent show, bingo, arts and crafts, parade, games, photo contest, the always-popular Strut, Cackle and Crow contest and a drumstick-eating contest. Though most of the events occur on festival weekend, the Chicken Festival Beauty Pageant and domino tournament are typically the weekend prior to the big event. There’s also a Growers and Sponsors Supper held beforehand. The festival celebrates its 25th year in 2013, and is the official chicken festival of Louisiana. For more information call 777-1964, 777-3482, or 224-0067. — by Nancy Bergeron

NCLAC began as as a non-profit in 1987, North Central LA Arts Council with the purpose Ser ving the 5 parishes of Bienville, Claiborne, Lincoln, Jackson, & Union. of producing and promoting artistic events and educational experiences in north central LA. N C L A C ’S ANNUAL EVENTS INCLUDE: • Peach Art Exhibit, a regular part of Ruston’s Peach Festival in June that displays local talent & awards cash prizes • Summer Arts Camps, for kids 1st-6th kids across the 5 parishes, a fun week or weekend of making art • ARToberfest, a local breer-brewing celebraton & fundraiser for the arts in October • Holiday Arts Tour, a colaboration with Downtown Ruston shops, local artists & musicians to sell artwork & promote the holiday season in November

Go to our website to view our arts events calendar, check out the benefts of being a NCLAC member, and learn more about how to get involved www.nclarts.org and support the arts Love the arts in your community today. in your region today!

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• Stop by the NORTH LOUISIANA FARM FRESH tent for great recipes and information on preserving your fruits and vegetables. • Unique items handcrafted by Louisiana artisans.

JOIN NORTH LOUISIANA FARM FRESH AND WATCH FOR INFORMATION ABOUT SNAP/EBT ACCEPTANCE COMING DURING THE FALL MARKET SEASON For more info visit www.rustonfarmersmarket.org or call John Benschoter 318-232-2535

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FESTIVALS

Juneteenth

The Town of Grambling’s annual Juneteenth commemoration features all of the things anyone could want in a summer festival: food, games, a parade, a pageant, an antique car show and all kinds of contests. But Juneteenth is more than just a fun five-day event. It’s history, too. June 19 — known as Juneteenth, Freedom Day or Emancipation Day — commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Grambling has been officially observing Juneteenth for more than 30 years. Events include information booths, sports contests, a health fair, day in the park, cooking contests, a watermelon eating contest, community fish fry and a prayer meeting. “It’s just a great time for people to be together and have fun,” Grambling Mayor Edward Jones said. Juneteenth celebrations nationwide date back to 1865, when former slaves learned that they were free. Though the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, it took the news over two years to travel to parts of the South. For more information about the festival, call 247-6120. The Call Grambling Town Hall Town of Grambling produces the festival. — by Nancy Bergeron 247-6120

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Peach fun for everyone In search of family fun that rolls around every summer and has a sweet flavor? Every summer Ruston gets a little sweeter, and it’s all because of the Louisiana Peach Festival, hosted by Squire Creek Country Club. Held annually the fourth weekend in June, the family-oriented festival celebrates the role of the sweet, succulent Ruston-grown peach in the local economy. The festival typically draws about 20,000 people to venues across the city for music, food, entertainment, shopping, arts and crafts, and just a good weekend of family fun. Events include a parade, peach-eating contest, antique car show, 5K run, diaper derby — where babies crawl, toddle or scoot to the finish line — and two nights of concerts in Ruston’s historic downtown Railroad Park. Marcia Ball, Percy Sledge, Irma Thomas, Ricky Skaggs and Shenandoah are just some of the well-known performers who’ve entertained festival crowds over the years. Arts and crafts lovers can peruse handmade and resale items from 200 vendors selling everything from artwork to fashion accessories and home decor. “Our vendors tell us the peach festival arts and crafts show is one of the best oneday shows around,” Marlen Waters, show chairman and long-time Louisiana Peach Festival committee member, said. The Louisiana Peach Festival celebrated its 63rd year in 2013, and is the state’s oldest agriculture-based festival. “It’s great to see a family event that has sustained for so long,” Waters said. “That’s just phenomenal.” The festival, produced by the RustonLincoln Chamber of Commerce, historically has a $2 million or greater economic impact on Ruston and Lincoln Parish. For more information about the festival, call the chamber at 255-2031 or visit www.louisianapeachfestival.org — by Nancy Bergeron

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MUSEUMS

Museum highlights career of beloved coach Legendary Grambling State University coach Eddie Robinson scored big in his 57-year career as one of college football’s all-time winningest coaches. Now his namesake museum, Eddie Robinson Museum, is keeping that winning tradition and the late Robinson’s legacy alive. The 18,000-square foot structure on GSU campus held its grand opening in 2010 on Robinson’s birthday — April 13 of 2010 — and was named the Louisiana Museum of the Year after leading all state museums in attendance in 2010.

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MUSEUMS

“We knew the museum would be and other features include photos, popular because of how loved and film clips and audio stations divided respected Coach Eddie Robinson was,” by decades. The 1980s section of the said Wilbert Ellis, president of the museum highlights the September Friends of the Eddie Robinson Muse- 1985 night in Dallas when Grambling um. “But I don’t know if we envisioned defeated Prairie View A&M, resulting the success we had right off the bat. in Robinson’s career victory No. 324, Now we just have to keep the people passing Paul “Bear” Bryant as the coming in and make this the national national leader. Another major exhibit features attraction it’s meant to be. It looks like we scored a touchdown with this plaques honoring the approximately museum, and I know Coach Robinson 300 players who signed pro contracts after playing for or being recruited would be proud because of it.” Robinson served as Grambling’s by Robinson, with some of their NFL head football coach from 1941-97, amass- jerseys displayed. ing a coaching record of 408-165-15. Public Tag AgentThere’s also a re-creation of RobinA life-sized bronze statue of Robin- son’s home office, featuring his actual son greets those entering the museum, desk and books.

“We try to keep rotating some things in and out so that it will be a new experience each time someone comes back to visit the museum again,” Museum manager Jon Moss said. “That’s because we want people to learn something new about Coach Rob every time they come to the museum.” The Robinson Museum is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Tuesdays-Thursdays and from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Fridays. On Grambling home football game weekends, the museum is open on Saturdays, and the Doris Robinson Banquet Hall is also available for Saturday rentals. For more information, call 2742210. — by T. Scott Boatright

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MUSEUMS

Museum home to historic Ruston

Nestled in downtown Ruston is a treasure trove of Lincoln Parish history disguised as a historic residence — the Lincoln Parish Museum. Listed on the National Register for Historic Places, the KiddDavis House was built in Ruston in 1886 by Capt. Milton B. Kidd and consisted of four rooms and a loft. It was the first residence in Ruston to have indoor plumbing and a grass tennis court in the backyard. There was also a garden and several outbuildings. As the Kidd family grew, more rooms were added until the house was sold in 1921 to Robert Wesley Davis. Davis was married to Charlotte Arabella Long, of Winnfield, sister of two of Louisiana’s most famous governors, Huey and Earl Long, who visited the house on several occasions. The Davis’ two daughters, Mary Olive Green and Charlotte Davis Parrott, presented the home in 1975 to Lincoln Parish Museum and Historical Society, and in 1984, the house was listed in the National Register for Historic Places. Inside, soaring 14-foot ceilings and a number of murals depicting events that occurred in Ruston’s early days greet guests. “The murals tell such a great story of (Ruston’s) early history,” museum hostess Margaret Anne Emory said. A Talking Walls guided tour of the murals in which the stories are behind the paintings is one of the highlights of the museum. “The pictures show the story, but having people actually explain the pictures and how they fit into Lincoln Parish history is something special and people, children especially, have really responded to them,” Emory said. Another museum exhibit is a series of 24 primitive paintings done by former area resident DeCinter Farley. The paintings were donated by Farley’s children, Jewette Farley, Yvonne Turner and Morgan Bass. “They’re beautiful folk-life paintings that we’ve put up in the back, and they’ve added a really nice touch to the museum,” Emory said. Upstairs there are sections in the museum devoted to early 20th century farming equipment, music and a corner called “Guess What” that features several unusual items, including a lace-like floral wreath made from human hair. The house-turned-museum also features a number of displays, including dresses, lace-up boots, corsets, crinolines and purses from the turn of the century and 1920s. Other features are Boy Scout memorabilia and toys that date back to 1900, a wooden loom and intricate Colonial and Victorian doll houses.

All displays include a brief written history. A collection of 63 vintage dolls, which belonged to Renna James Burkhalter, daughter of T.L. James, is on display downstairs. “Our children need to know the history of our parish and our town,” Emory said. “A visit to the museum will be a trip your family will remember. Our past is so important for our future and our kids are our future, so we want them to know all about our past.” — by T. Scott Boatright

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MUSEUMS

Exhibits honor those who served The Louisiana Military Museum in Ruston is home to approximately 10,000 artifacts from the Civil War up through the Afghanistan War, with a multitude of items on exhibit for visitors to enjoy. “We have items from both sides of each war,” Museum Director Ernie Stevens said. “We have guns, swords, uniforms, flags, daggers and pretty much anything else you can think of. We are one of the most comprehensive military museums you can find anywhere.” Out of all the artifacts the museum has, Stevens said he cannot select one that is his favorite. “I get asked that all the time, and I can never think of an item that just stands out on its own,” he said. “I always enjoy the newest item the most, and once that is done I am busy looking for more new materials. It takes every artifact to tell the story, and we are always getting new artifacts.” Among some of the items that can be found inside the build-

ing are uniforms of all styles, a diverse collection of weapons, flags, patches, photographs from various eras, posters, pins and other items on display. Outside stands a large replica Civil War cannon and an original jet fighter plane. “This is a museum that honors the service of our veterans that have fought to give us the freedom that we have,” Stevens said. “If it weren’t for museums and groups like ours fighting to keep our history alive, there may come a day when people don’t think about the sacrifices made to get where we are. It is extremely important that this history is never forgotten and is factual. We want the museum to accurately reflect the sacrifices made by so many over the years.” The museum, located at 201 Memorial Drive, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, and admission is free. The phone number is 251-5099, and the after-hours number is 548-0949. — by T. Scott Boatright

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Stop by and see a staff member between 9 AM - 6 PM Monday-Friday to recieve a Free 7 day Pass.

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RECREATION

RECREATIO N Legacy Park: Fun for all

Nestled within Lincoln Parish Park is a place dedicated to making parks accessible to all children. Legacy Park, which is a 25,000 boundless playground, features playground equipment that all children — even those with special needs — can utilize. The park, which is open when Lincoln Parish Park is open, also features handicap accessible bathrooms and columns that feature handprints made by children and other community members. Jana Beck, president of the park, said the park has been made possible by a mixture of community donations and a grant from the Lincoln Health Foundation. Beck, along with other community members, was inspired to create the park by her son, who has Down syndrome and worked for several years to raise the funding for the park so that all children in Lincoln Parish have a place to play together. — by T. Scott Boatright

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HAVE AN OVERWHELMING NEED TO EXPERIENCE THE GREAT OUTDOORS? Allow Lincoln Parish Park to be the catalyst for your adventure! With a 10 mile mountain bike trail, RV & primitive campsite area, lake with beach area & rental pavilion with amenities, you’re sure to have a memorable outdoor experience. Come claim your adventure today. FOR RENTAL RATES AND OTHER INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE.

www.park.lincolnparish.org Winter: 8am-6pm • Spring: 8am-7pm Summer: 8am-8pm • Autumn: 8am-7pm (318) 251-5156 • 211 Parish Park Rd., Ruston, LA

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Park a gateway to outdoors From camping and hiking to biking and swimming, visitors to Lincoln Parish Park have plenty of ways to pass the time no matter what time of the year. “There’s a lot to do here,” Lincoln Parish Park director James Ramsaur said. “There are always groups of people out here doing different activities, whether it’s hiking, bike riding or just having fun with the family. In addition to the traditional activities like camping and hiking, Ramsaur said the park also includes a beach for use to swim and play during the summer. The park features three biking/ hiking trails, a 1.25 mile walk-in trail around the lake, a 3.65 beginner trail and a 9.78 mile advanced trail. The biking trails have received national recognition. The park offers a blend of traditional tight southern single track, double track and fire lanes. A 10-mile trail offers various challenges to entertain advanced riders. Tomac Hill, which features a 120-foot ski jump downhill, is one of the advanced trail’s biggest challenges.

RECREATION

Those looking to experience nature for an extended time can take advantage of the various camping options. The park has options for campers looking to rough it and those looking to hook up an RV. There are also plenty of picnic and pavilion areas available to use. There are also fishing options for those looking to catch a few for dinner. The park’s lake is stocked full of bass, bream, perch and catfish. Ramsaur said those choosing to visit Lincoln Parish Park, instead of other parks in the area, will definitely see how much extra the park has to offer. “The park is always full of people, and there are always activities and things for people to do,” he said. Admission to the park is $2 for children and adults age 3 and up. Season passes are available for $40 for students, $50 for individuals and $75 for a family. Anyone wishing to reserve a pavilion, learn about park prices or learn more about the park can call 251-5156. — by T. Scott Boatright

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RECREATION

Parks offer taste of nature

Those looking for a natural retreat from the bustle of life are in luck as Huckleberry Trails Park, the Ruston Parks and Recreation Department’s most recent park development, is filled with natural terrain. Ed Crawford, parks supervisor for RPAR, said though the park officially opened in 2011, people had access to the natural terrain before that. “We’re trying to leave it a fairly naturalized area,” Crawford said. “The trail system is basically rock and dirt trails that wind through the park property.” The park, located on Magnolia Drive directly next to Cypress Springs Elementary School, is 23-wooded acres. In addition to trails, the area has paved parking, a pavilion, a playground and an outdoor educational facility. But, Huckleberry Trails is just one of the 11 parks and facilities under RPAR’s care. Other parks include walking trails, pavilions, exercise equipment, basketball courts, baseball/ softball fields, soccer fields and more. “It depends on where you want to go on what’s available,” Crawford said. “Most of the parks have playgrounds for children. Just about all of our park facilities have pavilions and shelters for picnics. … Each park has its own unique kind of thing. It’s one of those things that depending on what you’re looking for depends on where you may want to head.”

Throughout the year programs are held at the various locations and individuals can reserve pavilions for their events. Each park is open from dusk to dawn, and Crawford said the parks are typically utilized throughout each day. For more information about the city’s parks — including a map and descriptions of each park — visit www.ruston.org/ rparfacilities or call 255-5800. — by Elizabeth DeGrie

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RECREATION

Ruston Location: 330 East Vaughn Avenue (Before Northern Louisiana Medical Center)

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For Appointments Call: 318-255-4212

| Toll Free: 1-800-488-2672