Discover Life in Lincoln Parish A publication of the Ruston Newspapers, Inc.
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Arts & Entertainment
Lincoln Parish Library Events Center .........................................................................................5 Arts Calendar ......................................................................................................................... 7-8 Choudrant Outhouse Derby ......................................................................................................9 A publication of
Ruston Newspapers, Inc. © 2014 All rights reserved
Festivals
Louisiana Chicken Festival ......................................................................................................11 PLAY Festival............................................................................................................................13 Juneteenth..............................................................................................................................14 Peach Festival ..........................................................................................................................15
Museums
Eddie Robinson Museum .......................................................................................................16 Lincoln Parish Museum...........................................................................................................17 Military Museum ....................................................................................................................19 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
Rick Hohlt - Publisher
Recreation
Legacy Park .............................................................................................................................21 Lincoln Parish Park ..................................................................................................................23 Huckelberry Park .....................................................................................................................23
Nora’s Flowers For All Your Floral Needs Full Service Florist • Fresh Flowers • Balloons • Silks • Baskets Major Credit Cards Accepted Carren Craft, Owner 301 W. Texas
318. 254. 1090 Hrs: M-F, 9am - 4pm Sat, 9am - 12pm
110 North Vienna Ruston, LA (318) 255-3545 Monday-Friday: 10-5:30 • Saturday: 10-5
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Ready.
Skilled medical team. Convenient hours. No appointment needed. When you have a medical need that isn’t quite an emergency but still requires immediate care, we’re here for you seven days a week. Our experienced medical team will see you with no appointment required. You can count on their quality care for everything from sprains and cuts to earaches and the flu. Visit us at our office located behind Portico on Farmerville Hwy. Or for more information, call 318-255-3762.
HOURS: Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.; Sunday, Noon–4 p.m. Walk-ins welcome. • Most insurance plans accepted.
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Louisiana Elementary Teacher of the Year!
The hard work and dedication represented by this superb recognition is yet another example of how the Lincoln Parish District continues to offer the highest levels of instructional excellence in order to provide a quality education for your child.
“A Quality Education for a Quality Life�
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lincoln Parish library events Center
EXCITEMENT FOr tHe WHOle FAMilY!
In Lincoln Parish residents are fortunate to have a place like the Lincoln Parish Library in their backyard. Considered a hidden jewel in the community, this facility has a lot to offer residents. At 2 p.m. Sept. 28, Sunday Stitchers: Crochet will be held. This funfilled event is held on the fourth Sunday of each month. Becky Snow, a local stitcher, teaches new skills and demonstrates new patterns every session to attendees. For the month of October, the library will be hoppin’ with a performance by Master of Soul at 6 p.m. Oct. 21. This free concert will feature the music of MOTOWN. And in November, the library will offer a craft fair just in time for Christmas for those interested. The library is looking for craft vendors and applications can be obtained from www.mylpl.org. Set to be held from 2-5 p.m. Nov. 8 in the Lincoln Parish Library Events Center this event is free to the public. Closing out the 2014 year will be a performance by the Equinox Jazz Orchestra at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9. In addition to this performance, there will also be a Christmas Carol Sing-along and Holiday Follies at 10 a.m. Dec. 19.
DIXIE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
® 2014-2015 Season © The China Circus Acrobats
Saturday, September 27, 2014 at 7pm Featuring the Anhui Troupe Sponsored by: Gnemi Financial Strategies
Jason Coleman and Meagan Taylor Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 7pm The Piano Magic of Floyd Cramer Sponsored by: Bobby Conville, Ron Deal, Earl Smith, Financial Advisors, Wells Fargo Advisors
Mandy Barnett Sunday, February 1, 2015 at 2pm A Special Valentine Show Sponsored by: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes
— by Jessica Darden
Jason Petty and the Swingin’ Cowboys Friday, March 13, 2015 at 7pm Sponsored by: The Sallie and John Emory Community House
Albanie Falletta and the Thrift Set Orchestra
ƒ Saturday, April 4, 2015 at 7pm 20’s, 30’s & 40’s Jazz and Swing Sponsored by: The Ruston Civic Symphony Society
Reserve your season tickets today!
Call now
ƒ
Dixie Center for the Arts 318-255-1450
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Nursing and Rehabilitation Center “Loving Excellence in Senior Care” • State of the art facility • 120 bed, Medicare, Medicaid & VA certified • Semi-private rooms & suites • Private rooms • 20-bed Dementia Unit • Large activity room • In-facility beauty shop • Large chapel • Pharmacy services
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Kathy Hall, RN, Director of Nursing Monica Lewis, Executive Director
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A TS
C A L E N D A R
& GALLERY LISTINGS
Louisiana Tech University 2014-15 Theatre Season Event: Laundry & Bourdon and Lone Star When: Oct. 29-Nov. 1; Nov. 5-8 Time: 7:30 p.m. Where: Stone Theatre Cost: $20 Contact: Tech Box Office, 257-2930 Event: The Last Night of Ballyhoo When: Jan. 28-31, Feb. 4-7, 2015 Time: 7:30 p.m. Where: Stone Theatre Cost: $20 Contact: Tech Box Office, 257-2930 Event: Brighton Beach Memoirs When: April 22-25, April 30May 2, 2015 Time: 7:30 p.m. Where: Stone Theatre Cost: $20 Contact: Tech Box Office, 257-2930
Grambling State University 2014-15 Theatre Season Event: When: Time: Where: Cost: Contact:
R
The Shadow Box Sept. 30-Oct. 3 7 p.m. Floyd L. Sandle Theatre $10 Ms. Modest, 274-2201
Event: Radio Golf When: Nov. 17-20 Time: 7 p.m. Where: Floyd L. Sandle Theatre Cost: $10 Contact: Ms. Modest, 274-2201 Event: The Bad Seed When: Feb. 3-6, 2015 Time: 7 p.m. Where: Floyd L. Sandle Theatre Cost: $10 Contact: Ms. Modest, 274-2201 Event: Crimes of the Heart When: March 17-20, 2015 Time: 7 p.m. Where: Floyd L. Sandle Theatre Cost: $10 Contact: Ms. Modest, 274-2201
Ruston Community Theatre 2014-15 Season Event: When: Time: Where: Cost: Contact:
‘Til Beth Do Us Part Oct. 9-12 7 p.m. Dixie Center for the Arts $12 adults, $6 students Dixie Box Office, 2551450
Event: The Worst/Best Christmas Pageant Ever When: Dec. 4-7 Time: 7 p.m. Where: Dixie Center for the Arts Cost: $12 adults, $6 students Contact: Dixie Box Office, 255-1450
Event: To Kill A Mockingbird When: March 5-8, 2015 Time: 7 p.m. Where: Dixie Center for the Arts Cost: $12 adults, $6 students Contact: Dixie Box Office, 255-1450 Event: Bye Bye Birdie When: July 9-12, 2015 Time: 7 p.m. Where: Dixie Center for the Arts Cost: $12 adults, $6 students Contact: Dixie Box Office, 255-1450
Dixie Center for the Arts 2014-15 Season Event: Jason Coleman and Meagan Taylor - The Piano Magic of Floyd Cramer When: Nov. 15 Time: 7 p.m. Where: Dixie Center for the Arts Cost: $20 Contact: Dixie Box Office, 255-1450
Grace
is a place to know, love, and serve God; to help grow disciples in the grace of Jesus Christ; and to be a part of a loving church family. Our mission is to grow in grace and serve others. Grace United Methodist Church 3401 North Trenton St. (Hwy. 167) 2 miles north of I-20 in Ruston (318) 255-2211 Worship: 8:45am & 11 am Sunday School: 9:45 am Home of Grace Pre-School
www.GraceRuston.org
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ARTS CALENDAR CONTINUED
Event: Mandy Barnett, a special Valentine Show When: Feb. 1, 2015 Time: 2 p.m. Where: Dixie Center for the Arts Cost: $20 Contact: Dixie Box Office, 255-1450 Event: Jason Petty and the Swingin’ Cowboys When: March 13, 2015 Time: 7 p.m. Where: Dixie Center for the Arts Cost: $20 Contact: Dixie Box Office, 255-1450 Event: Albanie Falletta and Thrift Store Orchestra When: April 4 Time: 7 p.m. Where: Dixie Center for the Arts Cost: $20 Contact: Dixie Box Office, 255-1450
Other Events Event: Troupe Dixie Halloween Movie When: Oct. 30 Where: Dixie Center for the Arts Contact: Dixie Box Office, 255-1450 Event: Holiday Arts Tour When: Nov. 20-22 Where: Dixie Center for the Arts Contact: Dixie Box Office, 255-1450
Event: Troupe Dixie Christmas Movie When: Dec. 13 Where: Dixie Center for the Arts Contact: Dixie Box Office, 255-1450
Event: A.E. Phillips Eighth Grade Play When: May 5-7, 2015 Where: Dixie Center for the Arts Contact: Dixie Box Office, 255-1450
Event: Joe Woods Wildwood Express When: April 18, 2015 Where: Dixie Center for the Arts Contact: Dixie Box Office, 255-1450
North Central Louisiana Arts Council Event Event: ARToberfest! When: Oct. 24 Time: 5-7 p.m. Where: The Norton Building Cost: To Be Set Contact: NCLAC, 255-1450
Event: Russ-Town Christmas Concert When: Dec. 12 Where: Dixie Center for the Arts Contact: Dixie Box Office, 255-1450
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Outhouses bring good clean fun The Village of Choudrant is home to a wide array of people, and some of those people like to race outhouses. As the result of a “little white lie” Choudrant has hosted the Outhouse Races for the past five years. “We had a new intern in the office, and it
was two weeks before we had the first ever races,” Mayor Bill 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 races as well as children’s the bottom. Each outhouse is games and a dinner in Choudrant push start and you can’t have a Park. There will be a nominal fee motor.’ He said it sounded like for dinner and the event is free fun.” and open to the Registration fee: $25. public. And so, Late registration: $50. Sanderson Cash prizes Registration deadline is Oct. 8. said, the will be available For more info.: 768-4111 or Outhouse for the winners email: infor@choudrant.org. Races were of the outhouse born because they realized in races. order to cover up their little white Sanderson encourages anyone lie they had to create the race. interested in racing to sign up. Typically held in September, “There are (several) weeks left the 2014 races will be held Oct. before the races and that is plenty 11. of time,” he said. “The first year we had a few people drop out, Anyone can register and and so me and another guy got registration fee is $25. Late together and the day of the race registration will also be accepted made an outhouse. That outhouse and is $50. Registration deadline placed third that year and has is Oct. 8. continued to be raced and place To enter, call town hall at 768every year since. That outhouse 4111 or email infor@choudrant. was made in two hours, so you org. have plenty of time to make your A street dance with live own.” musical entertainment will follow
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, your 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
— by Jessica Darden
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lOUiSiAnA CHiCKen FeStivAl
A Cluckin’ Good Time
Fried chicken is a staple across the South, and a big player in the Louisiana Chicken Festival held each September. The Dubach Restoration and Beautification Society has celebrated the area’s contribution to the chicken industry during the last full weekend of September for 26 years. 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 held in the weeks leading up to the big event. Gina Stokes, DRABO member, said approximately 2,500 typically show up to take
advantage of the various chicken-themed festival events. Among the most popular attractions, Stokes said, are the bingo game, the dog show, and more recently, the “Minute to Win It” event. Other events include musical performances, a cakewalk, a petting zoo, tours of the dogtrot welcome center, a children’s carnival, photography contests and much more. “The talent show has gone over really big, but I’d love to see more entries,” Stokes said. “The first place prize is $200.” Stokes said she encourages residents and local visitors to head out to the festival. “It’s a long-standing family event,” Stokes said. “You see people out with their kids. Its good clean fun, we don’t allow any fussing, fighting and vulgarity. We put a stop to it pretty quick. All shows are geared toward
family entertainment … It’s just good clean community, family fun. And, it’s something that the parents can enjoy with their kids, and to encourage their kids to take part in the community.” Proceeds raised during the festival help fund various projects that DRABO accomplishes throughout the year. Such projects include maintaining the downtown flower beds, providing Christmas gifts for underprivileged children in the community and helping the local school. In the future, Stokes said, the group would like to use funds to do something with the various buildings located in downtown Dubach. “We try to help keep the town up a little bit,” Stokes said. “We would love to have some more younger members. We want to make this a good safe community to retire and come back to or raise our children and grandchildren.” For more information about the festival or DRABO, call the DRABO office at 777-1964. — by Elizabeth DeGrie
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Alternative
PLAY in store
Louisiana Yoga and Paddle will play host to their community service project with the second annual PLAY Festival in October. Courtney Thibault, owner of Louisiana Yoga and Paddle, said the idea for the Peace Love Art and Yoga Festival came from an idea for a community service project for her teacher training students. “The purpose of the festival was to do something for our community that was free and educational, a way to give back to those who already support us by coming to our classes and a way to educate others who haven’t tried yoga before,” she said. The first year for the festival was in 2013 and since there was a great turnout, Thibault decided to host it again this year. “We have 25 vendors signed up so far and expect more,” she said. “The vendors range from food vendors, artists and craft vendors, clothing, soap and jewelry vendors to yoga studios and teachers with their studio and class information.” Thibault said the day of the festival will be fun for everyone. “People should come because the PLAY Festival is going to be fun, free and exciting for children and adults,” she said. “Aside for the vendors there will be over 40 yoga classes, fitness classes, presentations and talks. We will have stand up paddle boarding, slack lining and live music.” The festival will be held Oct. 11 at Louisiana Yoga and Paddle, located at 3458 Highway 818. It is free for everyone to attend and participate in all of the festivities. The first class starts at 9 a.m. and the last event will be at 7 p.m. A schedule of events and more details about the event and vendors participating can be found online at yogaandpaddle.com or on Facebook at PeaceLoveArtYoga. — by Jessica Darden
101 E. Reynolds Drive Ruston, LA 71270
318.255.3906
nationaljewelrycompany.com
NCLAC began as a non-profit in 1987, North Central LA Arts Council Ser ving the 5 parishes of Bienville, with the purpose Claiborne, Lincoln, Jackson, & Union. of producing and promoting artistic events and educational experiences in north central LA. NCLAC’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, a fun week for kids 1st-6th grade, making art & practicing drama • ARToberfest, a local beer-brewing celebration & fundraiser for the arts in October • Holiday Arts Tour, a collaboration with 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 benefits of being a NCLAC member, and learn more about how to get involved www .n c l a r t s . org and support the arts Love the arts in your in your region today! c o m m u n i t y t o d a y .
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JUNETEENTH
Each June, the Town of Grambling throws a week-long party to celebrate freedom. Mayor Ed Jones explained that Juneteenth, which is officially June 19, 1865, was the day that slaves across the country found out that they were free. Officially, the Emancipation Proclamation was signed Jan. 1, 1863, but slaves weren’t told until Juneteenth. So, as it is has done for more than 30 years, Grambling celebrates this freedom with the annual Juneteenth Festival. Approximately 2,500 people head out to enjoy food, children’s activities, music and more. “(Attendees) certainly enjoy the parade and the entertainment and the children’s activities,” Jones said. “After the parade, we have a blues shows or an R&B show. During that same time we have play equipment for the kids so they’re able to get on the jumpers and playground equipment. We also have the Juneteenth pageant that goes over really well.” But, rather than just provide a good time, Jones said the festival is designed to be a “wholesome experience,” focusing on education, cultural and entertaining experiences. “If you ask me, the most important event would be the health fair because it’s so educational for the citizens,” Jones said. “What we try to emphasize is that African-Americans have a high rate of diabetes. We try to inform attendees about how to live a longer and healthier life.” In the past, additional events have included vendors, information booths, sports contests, a day in the park, cooking contests, a watermelon eating contest, a community fish fry and a prayer meeting. The 2015 festival, Jones said, will be an especially grand affair because it coincides with the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth. Jones said he encourages area
residents and visitors to come out “because of the historical nature and purpose of Juneteenth.” “Just as people come out for July Fourth,” Jones said, “(Juneteenth is a chance to) recognize freedom. Freedom is one of the most important things. You can’t put a price on freedom.” For more information about the festival, call the City of Grambling at 247-6120. — by Elizabeth DeGrie
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PEACH FESTIVAL
Family fun that rolls around every summer and has a sweet flavor
Your Friends and Neighbors.
Ruston residents and area visitors hoping for sweet relief during the hot summer months are in luck when the Louisiana Peach Festival rolls into town the fourth weekend of June. The festival, sponsored by Squire Creek Country Club, has been celebrating the contributions of the sweet summer fruit to the local economy for 65 years. Approximately 15,000-19,000 people typically make their way downtown to enjoy the variety of music, food, entertainment, shopping and more. Popular events include a parade, peach-eating contest, diaper derby, two full nights of concerts, food booths, peachy treats, kids activities and more. Throughout the years, such big names as Marcia Ball, Percy Sledge, The Molly Ringwalds, Chubby Charrier, Dylan Scott and others have taken the stage to entertain festival-goers. Those who love cooking can enter their peach-themed cuisine into the annual cookery contest, and young girls can vie for the title of Princess Peach. Individuals can view – or enter – classic cars at the annual car show, and residents and visitors alike can participate in a variety of athletic competitions throughout the weekend. “Ruston is a beautiful place to visit and our people are excellent hosts,” Judy Copeland, president of the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, said. “The festival is fun and has something for just about everyone to enjoy, from a kids fishing tournament to a night bass tournament, 5K or fun run, night tennis tournament, arts and crafts, music, antique car show, parade, rodeo, peaches, peaches, peaches and ice cream. We plan on growing even more
so you can plan on seeing more daytime entertainment.” This festival, which is produced by the chamber, is one of the biggest events in Lincoln Parish and funnels at least $2.5 million into the local economy each year. For more information about the Louisiana Peach Festival, call the chamber at 255-2013 or visit www.louisianapeachfestival.org. - by Elizabeth DeGrie
People who care about our community.
Directors of First National Bank Gloria S. Bramlet, Russell Woodard FRONT: LEFT TO RIGHT
Kerry J. Banks, Brian H. Woodard, John M. Hood, Trott Hunt, G. Scott Hill, John Belton Back: Left to Right
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relive the life of a legendary Coach Legendary Grambling State University Eddie Robinson was one of college football’s all-time winningest coaches during his 57-year career heading up the GSU football program. Now, years after his passing in 2007, his namesake museum, the 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 on Robinson’s birthday — February 13 of 2010 — and was named the Louisiana Museum of the Year after leading all state museums in attendance in 2010. Every year a party is held at the Museum on Feb. 13 to honor Coach Rob and the museum, and it also hosts a yearly birthday in May for Robinson’s 95-year-old widow, Doris. “We knew the museum would be popular because of how loved and respected Coach Eddie Robinson was,” said Wilbert Ellis, president of the Friends of the Eddie Robinson Museum. “But I don’t know if we envisioned the success we had right
off the bat. Now we just have to keep the people coming in and make this the national attraction it’s meant to be. It looks like we scored a touchdown with this museum, and I know Coach Robinson would be proud because of it.” Robinson served as Grambling’s head football coach from 1941-97, amassing a coaching record of 408-165-15. A life-sized bronze statue of Robinson greets those entering the museum, and other features include photos, film clips and audio stations divided by decades. The 1980s section of the museum highlights the September 1985 night in Dallas when Grambling defeated Prairie View A&M, resulting in Robinson’s career victory No. 324, passing Paul “Bear” Bryant as the national leader. Another major exhibit features plaques honoring
the approximately 300 players who signed pro contracts after playing for or being recruited by Robinson, with some of their NFL jerseys displayed. There’s also a re-creation of Robinson’s home office, featuring his actual 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 274-2210. — by T. Scott Boatright
1001 Cooktown Rd, Ruston, LA * 1611 Park Loop Dr. Bastrop, LA
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lincoln Parish Museum: An adventure to yesteryear To find a treasure trove of Lincoln Parish history that is a piece of history itself, you have to look no further than the Lincoln Parish Museum. Listed on the National Register for Historic Places, the Kidd-Davis House was built in Ruston in 1886 by Captain 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 popular 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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Travel back in time with the Military Museum 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 building 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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Legacy Park: Where Fun Never ends
Legacy Park has its name for a reason. Its legacy is that it provides a safe, friendly environment for all children — including those with special needs and conditions. Settled within Lincoln Parish Park, it features handicap accessible bathrooms and columns that feature handprints where children, residents and visitors have left their own legacies. Jana Beck, park president, said she was inspired to create the park by her son, who has Down syndrome. Beck said through fundraising, community efforts and other provisions, she and her fellow supporters were able to create something she felt would be beneficial to other children with similar conditions to her son’s. Now all children in Lincoln Parish have a place to play together.
Experience the wonders of Lincoln Parish Park The park has the same hours as Lincoln Parish Park, which begin at 8 a.m. everyday and close at 5, 6, 7 or 8 p.m. depending on the season. 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.
Visitors of Lincoln Parish Park can visit a beach, fish in a lake or hike in the woods all in a day. The initial opening of the park was in December of 1987 and construction continued through 1988. Since, thousands have visited to enjoy the park’s many attractions. “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.”
— by Briana Arrington
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Camping, hiking, biking, swimming and picnicking are just some of the activities Ramsaur helps to coordinate year round. 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 trails have 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. One of the park’s biggest draws are the bike races held each year. Hundreds of athletes come from all over the country to participate in the races hosted by Lincoln Parish Park including the Xterra event, the
Piney Hills Classic, the Gulf Coast Mountain bike Championship and the annual Big Dog Ultra trail run. There are also a lot of options for naturelovers and R.V. runners. There are plenty of R.V. sites nestled against a lake with a one-mile round track around it for anyone looking to get some exercise accompanied by beautiful scenery. The lake is chock-full of bass, bream, perch and catfish and features a sandy beach where families can have some fun in the sun. 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 picnic and pavilion areas available to use. 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. Park hours vary depending on the season. Summer hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fall hours are from 8 a.m. to 6-7 p.m. Winter hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Spring hours are from 8 a.m. to 6-7 p.m. Anyone wishing to reserve a pavilion, learn about park prices or learn more about the park can call 251-5156. For more information visit park.lincolnparish.org. — by Briana Arrington
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Wonders never cease in ruston’s Parks
Lincoln Parish offers a variety of choices for recreation and the parks in particular are a true treasure to the community. There are numerous parks in the area featuring all kinds of fun activities, with the crown jewel being Lincoln Parish Park, but there are a number of other places families can go to enjoy a little rest, relaxation and recreation. Ruston’s newest park — Huckleberry Park — is located on Magnolia Drive adjacent to Cypress Springs Elementary School. The truly beautiful park features 23 wooded acres, including a one-of-a-kind learning center. The nature trails are a treat for those who love the outdoors, and the park also features a playground as well as a pavilion. Then there is Cook Park, situated on the north side of town just off of Kavanaugh Road. Cook Park consists of 28 acres of wooded areas and open terrain. This park features an all-weather paved walking trail, an exercise course with equipment, a pavilion with restrooms, a sheltered single table and a gazebo. Roberts Park is sometimes referred to as “Ruston’s lost jewel.” Located at 1000 E. Mississippi Ave., Roberts Park is a quiet, wooded park with a pavilion, paved parking and
assorted outdoor picnic areas. There is also the Regional Sports Complex for those who might want to try flying a kite or looking for more open space. The complex is located at 1501 S. Farmerville St. at the old Ruston airport. It features two flag football fields and six youth soccer fields, meaning there’s plenty of room to let the kids run. It also has portable restrooms. Greenwood Park, located at 1306 Cornell Ave., consists of approximately 10 acres of mostly open play area with various clusters of trees. This was the previous site of the Greenwood School, although all that now remains is the gymnasium, known locally as “the Blue Building,” and used as a modified recreation center. It features a playground and youth football and baseball fields an indoor basketball court. Nearby Greenwood Park sits Woodland Park,
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located at 1701 Martin Luther King Drive. The city’s largest park at 66 acres, Woodland Park offers a spring-fed lake tucked among a rolling and wooded terrain. The facility includes both athletic and natural facilities, truly offering a variety of amenities for all ages, including two basketball courts and a baseball/softball field. Another place to get in some R&R is Sidney Smith Park, located at 600 Lee Ave. Kids can live out their “hoop dreams” on the two basketball courts at this facility. The home of the Ruston Parks and Recreation Department office — the James Street Complex located at 605 James Street — offers five tennis courts for those who enjoy the sport. And Duncan Park, located at 1311 Arlington St., consists of 12 acres containing two pavilions, five single-table shelters, two playgrounds, two basketball courts, a baseball/ softball field and portable restrooms. Lastly, Memorial Park, located at 400 E. Georgia Ave. next to the Municipal Swimming Pool, features a playground and pavilion. Lincoln Parish has many attractive features, and it is surely not lacking in recreational amenities. Take the kids on a picnic. Visit one today. — Leader News Service
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