For many of us, the Fourth of July means backyard barbecues, family gatherings and fireworks lighting up the sky
For many pets, however, it is one of the most stressful days of the year
While we may enjoy the show that comes with Independence Day celebrations, our pets often have a very different take on it. What sounds festive to us can sound terrifying to them. In fact, animal shelters consistently report an increase in lost pets around the Fourth of July The days surrounding the holiday are among the busiest of the year for lost animals, as frightened pets bolt from yards, slip out doors or escape from homes to flee the noise.
If you’ve ever spent the evening comforting a trembling pet, you know exactly how overwhelming fireworks can be for some animals.
Why are fireworks so frightening?
Dogs hear the world very differently from us. Their hearing is significantly more sensitive, allowing them to detect sounds at frequencies humans can’t hear To us, fireworks may be loud. To dogs, they’re often deafening. Unlike thunderstorms, which usually build gradually and provide some warning, fireworks are unpredictable. The explosions can happen suddenly from multiple directions and for hours at a time. Add in the bright flashes and unusual smells from fireworks, and it’s easy to understand why some pets become overwhelmed. Signs of anxiety can include: n Panting or drooling n Pacing or restlessness n Trembling or shaking n Barking or whining n Hiding under furniture or in closets
n Refusing food or treats n Potty accidents indoors
n Dilated pupils or wide eyes
n Attempts to escape through doors, windows or fences In severe cases, pets can injure themselves while trying to escape the noise.
I’ve owned dogs on both ends of the spectrum. Some were completely unfazed by fireworks, while others treated every boom like the end of the world. I certainly remember those anxious holidays with my previous pets. Create a safe retreat
This year’s Fourth of July marks the United States of America’s 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Organizations have been marking the occasion with a multitude of America
250 celebrations — throwing America
250 socks at the Bacchus parade, picking up 250 pieces for Love the Boot Week, and admiring tall ships
gathered on the Mississippi River for Sail250, to name a few
And while the semiquincentennial celebration of the country’s independence has had several events to mark its significance, there are still a few more in the days leading up to the holiday. Here is a look at events in the New Orleans area.
JULY 2
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION: The annual celebration will be held 6-9 p.m. on July 2 at St. Peter Catholic Church, 1550 La. 44 in Reserve and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2349 La 18 in Edgard. The evening will conclude with a 9 p.m. fireworks show.
JULY 3
UNCLE SAM JAM: Jefferson Parish and Jefferson Convention & Visitors Bureau will host the 31st free concert and festival, starting at 3 p.m. on July 3 at the Al Copeland Concert & Meadow Stage in Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Blvd. in Metairie. Music acts include
One of the best things owners can do is provide a quiet, secure place for pets to ride out the festivities. This may be a bedroom, closet, covered crate, or another area where the pet already feels comfortable. Many dogs naturally seek out small, enclosed spaces when frightened.
If hosting guests, make sure everyone knows to keep doors and gates closed. A distracted visitor opening a door for even a few seconds can give a
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
People watch fireworks at Crescent Park during Go 4th on the River in New Orleans in 2023
Education events for teens, other July programming at multiple sites
BY JANE LEGROS Contributing writer
The New Orleans Public Library is hosting a number of educational and fun events in July
But
first, it’s not too late to sign up for the New Orleans Public Library’s Summer Fun & Reading Challenge.
Participants have until Aug. 14 to read a total of 800 minutes and do four library-related activities to complete the challenge. Once done, readers will get a completion prize: a limited-edition canvas tote bag, featuring illustrations by local artist Lionel Milton.
Getting started is easy and free, and everyone who registers for the challenge gets a prize just for signing up.
Kids get a free book of their choosing at registration, and adults can pick between a ceramic mug, a magnetic bookmark, and a pair of sunglasses Teens have their choice between a book and any of the three adult prize options.
Libraries host summer reading programs to combat students’ tendency to lose the gains they made during the school year With two months packed full of events, activities, prizes and more for children, teens and adults of all ages, the beloved tradition is a fun way to keep reading skills sharp and make new discoveries. Visit summerfun.nolalibrary.org to sign up.
Library events
In addition to the reading challenge, summers at the New Orleans Public Library feature dozens of free events for people of all ages and interests at Library locations across the city
See below for a sample of upcoming programs, or visit events.nolalibrary.org to explore the library’s calendar
July 1
The Magical Poodles Show, Milton H. Latter Memorial, 5120 St Charles Ave., 11 a.m. to noon, and Main Li-
250TH
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Wilson Phillips and John Waite. A fireworks salute will take place at 9 p.m. VIP packages are available for $100. www.unclesamjamjefferson.com.
36TH INDEPENDENCE DAY CEL-
EBRATION: St. Charles Parish will celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary during its annual celebration on July 3, at the West Bank Bridge Park, 13825 River Road in Luling. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with festivities from 5-9 p.m., ending with a fireworks display. Family-friendly activities include face painting, a caricature artist, interactive photo booths located throughout the venue, food trucks and a flag ceremony featuring a local Boy Scout troop. www.stcharlesparish.gov/Home/Components/ News/News/15797/26.
HAPPY THIRD OF JULY: City Park Conservancy’s free community concert and fireworks display will start at 6 p.m. on July 3 at the Goldring/Woldenberg Great Lawn, 6 Victory Ave. in New Orleans. The Marine Forces Reserve Rock Band will provide music. The evening will include a fireworks display at 9 p.m. at the Peristyle. https://neworleanscitypark.org/ event/happy-3rd-of-july/.
JULY 4
FEED THE MULTITUDES: Victory Church Assemblies of God, 5708 Airline Drive in Metairie, will host a free food festival, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on July 4. The menu includes jambalaya, barbecue chicken red beans and rice, watermelon, desserts, drinks and sno-balls. Free groceries and shoes will be distributed. Free haircuts and manicures will also be available. The event will also feature the finals for NOLA’s Got Talent www. victorychurchnola.com/ministries/feed-the-multitudes/. FOURTH OF JULY AT THE MUSEUM: Saturday, July 4. The National WWII Museum commemorates the country’s 250th anniversary with a day filled with activities and honors for the generation that fought and won the war that changed the world. Included are Storytime: “Happy Birthday to You” by Dr. Seuss at 10 a.m.; the
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Mugs and sunglasses are options for summer reading sign-up prizes.
brary, 219 Loyola Ave., 2 to 3 p.m.
n Witness exciting tricks, learn interesting facts about dogs and their jobs, get in on the show and have a doggone good time. For ages 6-12 and caregivers.
My First Book Club, Norman Mayer Library, 3001 Gentilly Blvd., 2 to 3 p.m
n Perfect for little hands and big imaginations, this beginner’s book club features a group reading, a themed craft and a free book for your home library For ages 2-5.
July 2 Lil Robots, Mid-City, 4140 Canal St., 4 to 5 p.m.
n Program a robot or play a variety of board and card games at the Library For ages 6-12.
July 6
Yarn Arts Circle, Milton H Latter Memorial, 5120 St. Charles Ave., noon to 1:30 p.m.
n Work on a personal yarn arts project while enjoying tea and cookies with other local knitters, crocheters, tatters and more. For ages 18 and up.
Victory Belles at 1 p.m. in the U.S Freedom Pavilion; custom dog tag stations; food and beverage specials at The American Sector in the museum from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Rosie’s on the Roof at the Higgins Hotel at 3 p.m. and stay to watch the fireworks. nationalww2museum.org.
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION: Saturday, July 4. Ogden Museum of Southern Art opens at 12:30 p.m. for a 1 p.m. performance by the New Orleans Concert Band, featuring patriotic favorites, a salute to the armed forces and surprises. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. ogdenmuseum.org.
WEINER WARS: The hot dogeating competition, sponsored by New Orleans Hot Dog Safari, will be held at 2 p.m. on July 4 at Carrollton Station, 8140 Willow St., in New Orleans. The winner receives a trophy, a T-shirt and a $100 bar tab. All proceeds from merchandise sales support Nola Cans for Food. This is a 21-and-over event. www.carrolltonstationbar.com.
HOT DOG EATING CONTEST: Dat Dog’s Third annual Fourth of July Fest will be held 4-6 p.m. on July 4 at the 3336 Magazine St. location in New Orleans. The person eating the most hot dogs in 10 minutes wins $500. www.datdog com/hot-dog-eating-contest.
GO 4TH ON THE RIVER: The annual Independence Day celebration will take place on July 4 along the New Orleans riverfront on the east and west banks of the river from Hilton New Orleans Riverside, 2 Poydras St., to the Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park, 1 Canal St. Activities include patriotic calliope concerts from the Steamboat Natchez, a pool party at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, an appearance by the General Roy S. Kelley fireboat with a water show at 6:30 p.m. and the free fireworks display at 9 p.m. Go4thontheRiver.com.
ST. BERNARD SALUTES AMERICA: The St. Bernard Tourism Commission will host a 4th of July celebration, 5:30-10 p.m. on July 4, at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center Grounds, 8245 W. Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette. Activities include live entertainment, food booth, drinks and a fireworks display at 10 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. https:// visitstbernard.com/event/stbernard-salutes-america/.
July 7
Family Cooking Workshop with
Chef Anh, Rosa F. Keller Library and Community Center, 4300 S. Broad St., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
n Learn the basics of Vietnamese cooking while making cold vermicelli noodle bowls (bún) and vegetarian spring rolls For families with children between the ages of 6 and 12. Space is limited; sign up at events nolalibrary.org.
July 8
Climate and Creations Workshop for Teens with Grow Dat Youth Farm at the East New Orleans Regional Library, 5641 Read Blvd., 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
n Explore water and climate change in Louisiana through handson art creation and discussion. Make dried-flower key chains and a curated painting of Earth. For ages 11-18. Registration is required. Visit events.nolalibrary.org to sign up.
Jane LeGros is the director of marketing and communications for the New Orleans Public Library
THE FOURTH IN HISTORY
Ahead of the 250th celebration of America’s Independence, let’s look back at more than 20 notable events that happened on July 4 since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
1796: The first Independence Day celebration is held. 1803: The Louisiana Purchase is announced to the American people by President Thomas Jefferson.
1826: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson die. 1831: “America (My Country ‘Tis of Thee)” with lyrics by Samuel Francis Smith has its first public performance at Park Street Church in Boston.
1863: Confederates surrender at Vicksburg.
1867: The Republican Party of Texas is founded in Houston to regain admittance to the union after the U.S. Civil War.
1881: The Tuskegee Institute opens in Alabama. 1884: The Statue of Liberty was presented to the U.S. in Paris.
1888: The first organized rodeo competition was held in Prescott, Arizona.
1895: Katherine Lee Bates publishes “America the Beautiful.”
1939: Lou Gehrig delivers farewell speech and becomes the first MLB player to have his number retired.
1940: A bomb explodes at the New York World’s Fair.
1942: America goes on its first bombing missions over Nazi Germany-occupied Europe in World War II.
1944: U.S. has a 4th of July gun salute at German lines in Normandy
1960: The current American flag is adopted with the unfurling of the 50-star flag honoring Hawaiian statehood.
1964: The Beach Boys’ “I Get Around” reaches No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
1966: President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Freedom of Information Act
1970: Casey Kasem’s countdown radio program “American Top 40” debuts on Los Angeles radio.
1996: Hotmail begins as the first free internet email service.
1997: NASA’s Pathfinder space probe lands on the surface of Mars.
2004: The cornerstone of the Freedom Tower is laid on the site of the World Trade Center in New York City
2009: The Statue of Liberty’s crown reopens to the public after eight years, due to security reasons following the World Trade Center attacks.
2019: President Donald Trump holds a “Salute to America” Fourth of July celebration in Washington, D.C., with an emphasis on the military, including the presence of tanks.
2025: President Trump signs his ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ into law, narrowly passed by the Senate, 5150, and by the House of Representatives, 218-214.
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Moose is a sweet 6-year-old, 22-pound boy who came from a difficult past and needs a foster home to help him make it to the next level — a forever home. He was found locked in a dark garage in a wire kennel with other dogs. Moose walks great on a leash, loves a good sniff adventure, and is always down for a cuddle or a quiet hangout. To learn more about fostering or adopting, email adoptionteam@ animalrescueneworleans.org or submit an application at https://animalrescueneworleans.org/adoptfoster/.
PETS
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chance to run for it.
Don’t bring pets to fireworks displays
As tempting as it may be to include the dog in holiday festivities, fireworks shows are not pet-friendly events. Even well-behaved dogs can panic unexpectedly when fireworks begin. A startled pet can pull free from a collar, break a leash, or run into traffic before an owner has time to react. The safest place for pets during fireworks is indoors at home. Background noise can help soften the impact of fireworks. Televisions, fans, white-noise machines, or calming music playlists may help mask outdoor sounds. Many streaming services offer pet-calming music designed specifically for anxious animals.
Food puzzles, stuffed Kongs, lick mats and favorite chew treats can also provide a positive distraction. For some dogs, keeping their minds occupied can make a noticeable difference.
Take care of potty breaks early
One mistake many pet owners make is waiting until bedtime for the final trip outside. If a dog is fearful of fireworks, schedule walks and potty breaks early, before neighborhood celebrations begin.
Once fireworks start,
Staff report
NOLA Public Schools’ Early Learning & Child Care will host in-person open enrollment events in the summer to provide families with hands-on assistance for signing up for Early Learning & Child Care programs, starting or completing applications, exploring available learning centers, checking application status and addressing any enrollment questions.
Families and caregivers interested in enrolling children ages 4 and under in Early Learning & Child Care programs should attend and bring a parent or guardian’s photo ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID, visa, or passport, and a birth certificate,
even dogs that normally love being outdoors may refuse to go outside. If a latenight potty trip becomes necessary use a leash, even in a fenced yard. A frightened dog can jump, climb, or dig under a fence far more quickly than most owners realize.
Double-check identification
Make sure collars fit properly and that ID tags list current phone numbers. Verify that microchip information is registered and up to date. Many pets that go missing during holiday celebrations are reunited with their families because of a collar tag or microchip. When the celebrations are over, take a walk around the yard before letting pets outside. Firework debris, spent casings, unexploded fireworks and food scraps can all pose hazards to curious animals. Dogs seem to have a special talent for finding things they shouldn’t eat. A quick inspection can prevent an unnecessary emergency vet visit. With a little preparation and a few extra precautions, pet owners can ensure this Fourth of July weekend ends with happy memories instead of a frantic search for a missing pet.
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager for Animal Rescue New Orleans, a nonprofit, volunteer-based, nokill shelter. For more information, visit www animalrescueneworleans. org.
visa, or passport for all children in the household under 18. Proof of residence (current lease, light bill, or cable bill) and proof of income for all members of the household contributing to household income (four recent check stubs and/or other documentation) will also be required. Events will be held in July at Dorothy Height Charter School, 3501 Seine
Pianist David Bradley to perform in Metairie
Pianist David Bradley will accompany the silent film The Gold Rush, starring Charlie Chaplin, at 7 p.m. July 9 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. Bradley will perform on the library’s eight-foot Baldwin grand piano. He says that silentfilm accompaniment adds emotion, masks projector noise and guides the audience’s mood. Today it remains a vibrant live performance art form
Chris Smith LIBRARY LAGNIAPPE
The Gold Rush is a 1925 American silent comedy film written, produced, and directed by Charlie Chaplin. It was critically acclaimed upon its release and continues to be one of Chaplin’s most celebrated works. Chaplin himself cited it several times as the film for which he most wanted to be remembered.
Born in Jackson, David Bradley started out playing keyboards in Mississippi blues bands, including International Blues Challenge winner Grady Champion. He moved to New Orleans in 2012, at age 26, and played with the Jeb Rault Band, Krazy Korner house band, Famous Door, and Ticklers on Bourbon. He accompanies silent movies every Sunday at 4 p.m. at Zeitgeist Theatre in Arabi.
Taiping rebellion
Cyril M. Lagvanec, Ph.D., the curator of the American-Italian Research Library on the second floor of the East Bank Regional Library will lecture on the Taiping Rebellion at 7 p.m. on July 14 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
The Taiping Rebellion was a vast Civil War fueled by religious conviction, social grievance ethnic tension and the weakening of Qing imperial authority In Chinese history, few conflicts match its scale,
destructiveness or longterm consequences.
Lagvanec earned his undergraduate degree in history from Baylor University, his master’s degree in British and European History from Tulane University and his doctoral degree in American History from Texas A&M University
Throughout his long career, Lagvanec has taught at Jesuit High School, Tulane, Loyola, Delgado, Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, East Carolina University and Texas A&M.
Archaeology society
Charles “Chip” McGimsey, Ph.D., will present “Mounting Evidence — Research on the LSU Campus Mounds,” at 7 p.m. July 7 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. This event is part of the Louisiana Archaeology Society’s regularly scheduled monthly meeting.
WWII discussion group
David Bergeron, a docent at the World War II Museum and holder of a master’s degree in military history, will discuss the USS Tang submarine at 7 p.m. July 2, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. The USS Tang was one of the most effective submarines to serve in the Pacific Theater during the Second World War.
One more music event
The American Legion Post 350 Band performs classical American music in honor of the 250th anniversary of the country at 7 p.m July 13, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
Chris Smith is manager of adult programming at the Jefferson Parish Public Library
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Jefferson Parish Councilman Hans Liljeberg addresses the community at a groundbreaking ceremony for the Bonnabel Shore Walking Trail.
Jefferson Parish officials break ground on walking trail
Staff report
Jefferson Parish officials celebrated the groundbreaking for the Bonnabel Shore Walking Trail on May 19.
District 5 Councilman Hans Liljeberg and other Jefferson Parish officials attended the event for the new walking trail a recreational and pedestrian enhancement project along the Lake Pontchartrain shoreline designed to promote connectivity, outdoor activity and environmental appreciation.
The May event marked the start of the trail’s creation which
aims to transform an underutilized section of the lakeshore into a walking corridor featuring improved pedestrian access, landscaping, native vegetation, shade trees and educational elements highlighting the history and ecology of the Lake Pontchartrain shoreline.
The recreational and pedestrian enhancement project along the Lake Pontchartrain shoreline is located at 1599 Bonnabel Blvd. in Metairie, offering residents and visitors a safe and inviting space for walking, jogging and exercise, as well as for enjoying lakefront views.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
ESSENCE FESTIVAL OF CULTURE:
Tickets are on sale for the annual festival of evening concerts and daytime experiences, July 3-5, at locations around the city. Tickets are available for individual events and packages. General admission to daytime events at the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd., is free. www essence.com/essencefestival2026/. NEW ORLEANS BEATLES FESTIVAL:
Tickets are on sale for the 24th celebration of the Beatles, starting at 7:30 p.m. on July 11 at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline Drive in Metairie. Newspaper Taxi will serve as the house band. The 2026 festival will highlight the albums Rubber Soul and Revolver Tickets start at $40.15 via Ticketmaster. www.jeffersonpac.com/ events/detail/new-orleans-beatlesfest-1. COMMUNITY EVENTS
BASTILLE DAY FETE 2026: The Al-
liance Française de La NouvelleOrléans will host the annual tribute to freedom, the Revolutionary spirit, and the French language, 6-10 p.m. on July 10, at 1519 Jackson Ave., New Orleans. Guests can enjoy a curated selection of local food vendors, live music and DJs, a French/Bastille Day costume contest, and family-friendly activities for all ages. Admission starts at $10. www.af-neworleans. org/bastille-day-fete/.
SOUL-SIP AT NOMA: The after-hours program featuring art, meditation and wine will be held at the New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, New Orleans, 6-8 p.m. on July 1. The program includes a seated meditation, a threepart wine tasting, and gallery tours highlighting wine-related objects from the permanent collection. General admission is $65, and members pay $55. https://noma.org/event/ soul-sip-at-noma-2/2026-06-03/ FRENCH QUARTER MUSEUM NIGHT: The French Quarter Museum Association will host a free, after-hours experience along the French Quarter cultural corridor, featuring museums, exhibitions, performances, and activities that reflect the stories that shaped the United States, many of which unfolded in New Orleans, 5—8 p.m. on July 2, at 520 Royal St. and throughout the French Quarter Museums will be open until 7 p.m. The closing reception will be held 7-8 p.m. at the Historic New Orleans Collection, 520 Royal St., New Orleans, with an after-party, 8-10 p.m., at Le Spectacle at Preservation Hall, 726 St. Peter St. Preservation All-Stars will perform at 8:45 p.m. https://neworleanslocal.com/event/ french-quarter-museum-nightwhere-history-never-sleeps/.
RUNNING OF THE BULLS NEW OR-
LEANS: The 20th annual San Fermin celebration in New Orleans will take place from 6:30 a.m. to noon on July 11 at Gallier Hall, 545 St. Charles Ave. Neutral Snap will provide entertainment. Tickets start at $41. Tickets are required for ages 10 and up. Children under 10 may be admitted with a parent or guardian. https:// nolabulls.com/.
FUNDRAISERS & GALAS
WYES SEASON OF GOOD TASTES: The wine-pairing dinner series
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For 15 consecutive summers, members of the Topcats and guitarist Chuck Credo IV have assembled an all-star roster of local musicians for a tribute to the music of the Beatles. The 15th annual New Orleans Beatles Festival coincides with the 50th anniversary of ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.’ That landmark 1967 album will be performed in its entirety at this year’s Beatles Fest at the House of Blues, along with other favorites from the Fab Four In addition to the Topcats and Credo, scheduled performers include ‘Deacon’ John Moore, Rockin’ Dopsie and the 504 Horns. 9 p.m. Saturday, House of Blues (225 Decatur St.), $22
returns for its 33rd year, running from May through July. Each of the nine dinners is crafted by the host chef, with every course designed to complement the wines served that evening. Dinner prices range from $135 to $200 and include tax and gratuity. All dinners begin at 6:30 p.m. and benefit WYES. Reservations are available online. www wyes.org/tv/wyes-originals/seasonof-good-tastes.
THEATER & CONCERTS
“MACBETH”: Shakespeare’s famous “Scottish play” runs through July 12 as part of the New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane. Performances will be held at the Lupin Theatre on the campus of Tulane University, 69 Newcomb Circle, New Orleans. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m., with matinees at 1:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25. https://neworleansshakespeare. org/.
TIPITINA’S FREE FRIDAYS: Tipitina’s, 501 Napoleon Ave. in New Orleans, will continue its free summer concert series for ages 21 and older on July 3 with Brass-a-Holics + Vegas Cola. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the show begins at 9 p.m. for all series concerts. https://tipitinas.com/ freefridays/.
“LA CAGE AUX FOLLES”: Summer Lyric Theatre will present the 1983 Tony Award-winning musical by Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein July 9-12 at 104 Dixon Hall on the campus of Tulane University, 6823 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. for evening performances and 2 p.m. for the matinee. Tickets start at $57. https://liberalarts. tulane.edu/summer-lyric-theatre/ tickets/la-cage-aux-folles.
“LEGALLY BLONDE”: The Tony Award-nominated musical following Elle Woods to Harvard Law School will be presented by Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts, 325 Minor St. in Kenner. The show runs July 9-19, with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. and matinees at varying times. Tickets start at $52.19. www.rivertowntheaters. com/event/legally-blonde.
CULINARY EXPERIENCES
NATIONAL PIMM’S CUP DAY: The third annual celebration will take place on July 1 at the Napoleon House, 500 Chartres St., in New Orleans. Activities begin at 11:30 a.m. with a ceremonial Champagne sabering. A guided history tour, The Emperor’s Elixir: Mastering the Napoleon House Pimm’s Cup, will run from 4-5 p.m. It includes a live Pimm’s cocktail demonstration and a recipe card takeaway. Tickets are $25. Pimm’s O’Clock Happy Hour will run from 4-6 p.m. in the Courtyard. It will feature a pop-up Pimm’s Bar, a buy-one-get-one Pimm’s Cup special, and a photo wall. Summer chic attire or Wimbledon whites are encouraged. www.napoleonhouse. com/national-pimms-cup-day/ DOOK CHASE: A CHEF’S JOURNEY TASTING & LAUNCH PARTY: WYES will host a party to celebrate the launch of its new cooking series.
The event begins at 11 a.m. on July 11 at the WYES-TV studios, 916 Navarre Ave., New Orleans. Activities include tastings of dishes featured in the 26-part cooking series, a live cooking demonstration by Chef Chase, and conversations about the program and the companion cookbook. Tickets are $45. Proceeds from the event support WYES’ future local cooking series and documentary programming. www.wyes.org/ dookchase.
BOOKS & LITERARY EVENT
STORYLAND STORYTIME: City Park Conservancy will host story time in Storyland through July, 10:3011:30 a.m. on Thursdays at City Park, 1 Palm Drive in New Orleans. CPC team members will read the story of the day at the Storyland Castle, followed by activities such as crafting, freeze dances, scavenger hunts, and more. Storytime is included with admission to Storyland. The story for July 2 is “Tortoise and the Hare,” and for July 9 is “Walt Disney’s Alice in Wonderland.” Friends of City Park members are free. Children under 36” are free. Admission for 36” and over is $8. NewOrleansCityPark.org/ Storyland.
“THE HANDS THAT TREAT”: Kristen Casey will celebrate the release of her book at 6 p.m. on July 10 at Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St., New Orleans. General admission is free. Reserved books start at $18.83 on Eventbrite. www gardendistrictbookshop.com/upcomingevents.
MEETINGS
NATIONAL ACTIVE AND RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES: The Vernon L. Landry Chapter 1398 of NARFE will hold its monthly meeting and luncheon, beginning at 11 a.m. on July 8, in the Sicilian Room at Rocky and Carlo’s Restaurant & Bar, 613 W St. Bernard Highway in Chalmette. It will celebrate the chapter’s 15th anniversary of reforming after Hurricane Katrina with cake and ice cream. All active and retired federal and postal employees interested in learning more about how NARFE advocates for legislation and regulations beneficial to federal civilian employees and annuitants under any federal civilian retirement are invited to attend. Attendees are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue in honor of America 250. Pamela.e.mark1953@gmail.com.
CLASSES & LECTURES
LEARNING BEFORE LUNCH: The July 9 presentation, “Digital Trust: Scams, AI and Safety,” will be led by Vassil Roussev, an endowed professor in cybersecurity and chair of the Department of Computer Science at LSU New Orleans. The program will be held at UNO’s Homer L. Hitt Alumni Center, 2000 Lakeshore Drive in New Orleans, beginning at 9:30 a.m. with coffee and pastry. The presentation begins at 10 a.m. Annual membership is $20 per person, or a $5 donation for an event. www learningbeforelunch.com.
A reveler enjoys Bastille Day Fete 2013.
West Bank Art Guild names artists of the month
Algiers Kiwanis Club awards scholarship
The Algiers Kiwanis Club recently presented more than $10,000 in college scholarships to senior Key Club members from Edna Karr and Academy of Our Lady high schools Marty Bruce, Key Club adviser, and Patricia Bruce, Kiwanis club president, made the presentations Pictured from left are Marty Bruce, Tegan McGinnis, Hiliana Adamis, Kameron McGinnis, Malcom Leon, Danae Singleton, Derrick Singleton, Sanii Williams and Patricia Bruce.
PROVIDED PHOTO
The winners in the West Bank Art Guild’s Artist of the Month competition for June are, from left Darlene Johnson, ‘Wash Day,’ first place; Jude Trafficano, ‘Chinese Junk’ and Wayne Himel, ‘Morning Glory,’ tied for second place; and Regina Roubion, ‘Water Lily,’ third place.
PROVIDED PHOTO
The Harvey Golden Age Club members recently attended the Hoe Down Social given by the Bridge City Golden Age Club at the Pard Gymnasium in Marrero. Seated, from left, are Jane Marchese, Rosalie Brown, Julie Hernandez, Tammy Anderson and Elda Olsen; standing, Gerri Palisi, Barbara Hoffman, Barbara Bieber, Susan Hitzman, John Hitzman, Steven Brown, Dave Brown, Barbara Beeson, Henry Rodriguez Jr., Sue Richard, Janel Brown, Comila Overby, Elva Habisreitinger, JPRD Golden Age West Bank Special Programs Supervisor Garry Vedros, June Olano, Marie Trosclair, Lelia Bernard and Ted Matherne
Harvey Golden Age Club attends Hoe Down Social
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