Republican state Rep. Gabe Firment has advanced to a Dec. 12 runoff against Democratic state Rep. Patricia “Pat” Moore for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District seat following Tuesday’s Nov. 3 election.
According to unofficial results from the Louisiana Secretary of State, Moore led the nine-candidate field with 40,789 votes (18%), followed by Firment with 39,131 votes (17%).
The two candidates finished just 1,658 votes apart in a contest that drew 227,917 votes across the 24 parishes reporting results in the district.
With no candidate receiving more than 50% of the vote, Moore and Firment advance to a runoff election scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026.
Firment, a Republican from Pollock who represents District 22 in the Louisiana House of Representatives, finished ahead of several other Republican candidates, including Misti Cordell, who received 33,366 votes (15%), and state Rep. Michael Echols, who received 32,902 votes (14%).
Stewart Cathey Jr. followed with 28,160 votes (12%), while Democrat Antonio Wilson received 27,364 votes (12%).
The election was held to fill the congressional seat previously held by Julia Letlow, who pursued the U.S. Senate seat.
Unofficial 5th Congressional District Election Results
Reporting: Early and absentee complete — 24 of 24 parishes | Election Day — 791 of 791 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Patricia “Pat” Moore (DEM)
40,789
18%
“Gabe” Firment (REP)
39,131
17%
Misti Cordell (REP)
33,366
15%
Michael Echols (REP)
32,902
14%
Stewart Cathey, Jr. (REP)
28,160
12%
Antonio Wilson (DEM)
27,364
12%
Dan McKay (DEM)
16,047
7%
Austin Magee (REP)
7,920
3%
Oscar “Omar” Dantzler (REP)
2,238
1%
Total
227,917
Unofficial Turnout: 47.1%
The two candidates advancing to the December runoff are shown in bold. Percentages are those reported by the Louisiana Secretary of State and may not total exactly 100% because of rounding.
December Runoff Will Decide Congressional Seat
The runoff will place Moore and Firment in a two-candidate contest to determine who represents Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Both candidates currently serve in the Louisiana House of Representatives, with Moore representing District 17 and Firment representing District 22.
The district includes portions of Northeast and Central Louisiana, along with additional parishes extending into the southeastern part of the state.
The runoff election is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026.
All results from the Nov. 3 election remain unofficial and subject to certification.
Source: Louisiana Secretary of State — Unofficial Election Results, Nov. 3, 2026.
Voters across LaSalle Parish went to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, to decide several local elections, including school board, justice of the peace, mayoral, police chief and municipal council races, along with two fire protection district tax propositions.
According to unofficial results from the Louisiana Secretary of State, all Election Day precincts and early and absentee voting returns have been reported for the contests listed below.
In the Town of Jena mayor’s race, Mandy Sandifer received 53% of the vote against Wayne Chapman, who received 47%. In Urania, Donna Lindsey received 57% of the vote against Lucas Ledbetter, who received 43%.
Several LaSalle Parish School Board seats were also decided, including District 5, where Glen “Slick” Joiner received 55% of the vote against Ethel Smith, who received 45%.
Voters also supported both Whitehall Fire District tax renewal propositions, with 71% voting in favor of Proposition No. 1 and 70% supporting Proposition No. 2.
The following results are UNOFFICIAL and remain subject to certification.
LaSalle Parish Local Election Results
Member of School Board — District 2
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 1 of 1 precinct reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Cory Bermea (REP)
252
79%
Evelyn Smith (NOPTY)
65
21%
Total
317
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 40.5%
Member of School Board — District 5
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 1 of 1 precinct reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Glen “Slick” Joiner (REP)
296
55%
Ethel Smith (REP)
239
45%
Total
535
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 58.4%
Member of School Board — District 6
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 1 of 1 precinct reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Michael “Mike” Adams (REP)
285
71%
Kendra Webster Taylor (DEM)
114
29%
Total
399
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 50.1%
Member of School Board — District 7
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 2 of 2 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Deborah B. Mayo (REP)
325
62%
Laura Gifford Raborn (REP)
199
38%
Total
524
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 54.0%
Member of School Board — District 8
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 4 of 4 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Lanny Webb (REP)
323
69%
Jesse Hailey (NOPTY)
148
31%
Total
471
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 51.6%
Member of School Board — District 9
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 4 of 4 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Judd “Seth” Corley (REP)
421
89%
Brandon Rowton (REP)
50
11%
Total
471
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 49.0%
Member of School Board — District 10
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 2 of 2 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Kimberly Purvis (DEM)
201
65%
“Jimmy” Horton (REP)
109
35%
Total
310
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 45.6%
Justice of the Peace — District 3
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 6 of 6 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Candace Decker Hudnall (REP)
617
63%
Justin Vickers (REP)
358
37%
Total
975
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 50.9%
Mayor — Town of Jena
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 4 of 4 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Mandy Sandifer (REP)
529
53%
Wayne Chapman (REP)
462
47%
Total
991
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 54.7%
Mayor — Town of Urania
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 1 of 1 precinct reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Donna Lindsey (REP)
108
57%
Lucas Ledbetter (REP)
80
43%
Total
188
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 46.7%
Chief of Police — Town of Tullos
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 1 of 1 precinct reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Scott Cockerham (REP)
82
77%
Gary W. McDaniel (NOPTY)
25
23%
Total
107
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 50.0%
Aldermen — Town of Olla
Five to be elected
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 2 of 2 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Joel Sims (REP)
233
20%
Emily Emfinger (REP)
220
19%
Michael Duke (NOPTY)
208
18%
“Mike” McDougald (REP)
206
18%
Anita Masoner (REP)
172
15%
Brandon Slade Martin (NOPTY)
134
11%
Total
1,173
Unofficial Turnout: 29.3%
The five highest vote recipients in the Olla aldermen race were Joel Sims, Emily Emfinger, Michael Duke, “Mike” McDougald and Anita Masoner.
Aldermen — Town of Tullos
Five to be elected
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 1 of 1 precinct reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Tracy Ponds (REP)
67
19%
“Jim” Oliveaux (NOPTY)
61
18%
Sonya Oliveaux (REP)
61
18%
Shelby Loe (NOPTY)
60
17%
Billie Jo Bird (REP)
53
15%
Samantha Sweeten (NOPTY)
43
12%
Total
345
Unofficial Turnout: 32.2%
The five highest vote recipients in the Tullos aldermen race were Tracy Ponds, “Jim” Oliveaux, Sonya Oliveaux, Shelby Loe and Billie Jo Bird.
Aldermen — Town of Urania
Five to be elected
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 1 of 1 precinct reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Stacie P. Strain (REP)
156
21%
“Mike” E. Russell (REP)
130
18%
Carl “Tom” Douglas (REP)
129
18%
“Clay” Hutto (NOPTY)
115
16%
Teresa Sanders Corley (REP)
113
15%
“Trish” Cook Taylor (NOPTY)
87
12%
Total
730
Unofficial Turnout: 36.2%
The five highest vote recipients in the Urania aldermen race were Stacie P. Strain, “Mike” E. Russell, Carl “Tom” Douglas, “Clay” Hutto and Teresa Sanders Corley.
Council Members — Town of Jena
Five to be elected
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 4 of 4 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Russell Dorton (REP)
722
17%
Tommy D. Sandifer (REP)
671
16%
“Donny” Richardson (REP)
635
15%
Lester Francis (REP)
611
14%
Clint Masters (REP)
501
12%
“Cindy” White (REP)
489
11%
Brian Allison (REP)
456
11%
Timmy Renz (REP)
182
4%
Total
4,267
Unofficial Turnout: 47.1%
The five highest vote recipients in the Jena Town Council race were Russell Dorton, Tommy D. Sandifer, “Donny” Richardson, Lester Francis and Clint Masters.
Masters received 501 votes, finishing 12 votes ahead of sixth-place “Cindy” White, who received 489.
Whitehall Fire District — Proposition No. 1 of 2 — 10.05 Mills Renewal (BOC) — 10 Years
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 5 of 5 precincts reporting
Proposition
Votes
Percent
YES
326
71%
NO
132
29%
Total
458
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 54.4%
The proposed 10-year, 10.05-mill tax renewal for Whitehall Fire District Proposition No. 1 received majority support, with 326 votes in favor (71%) and 132 votes against (29%).
Whitehall Fire District — Proposition No. 2 of 2 — 10.05 Mills Renewal (BOC) — 10 Years
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 5 of 5 precincts reporting
Proposition
Votes
Percent
YES
322
70%
NO
136
30%
Total
458
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 54.4%
The proposed 10-year, 10.05-mill tax renewal for Whitehall Fire District Proposition No. 2 also received majority support, with 322 votes in favor (70%) and 136 votes against (30%).
Both Whitehall Fire District propositions received majority support, according to the unofficial results, with all five precincts reporting.
About These Results
All contests listed above have reported 100% of their Election Day precincts, along with early and absentee voting results.
Candidates are listed in order of votes received, with the leading candidates shown in bold. In multi-seat races, the candidates receiving the highest vote totals are identified based on the number of positions to be filled.
The percentages shown are those reported by the Louisiana Secretary of State and may not total exactly 100% because of rounding.
All results are unofficial and subject to certification.
Source: Louisiana Secretary of State — Unofficial Election Results, Nov. 3, 2026.
Local voters head to the ballot box today, with neighborhood precincts open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. State law ensures that anyone waiting in line by 8 p.m. is permitted to vote.
Area residents should verify their designated polling precinct and review a sample ballot before heading out by using the GeauxVote mobile app or visiting GeauxVote.com.
When checking in at your precinct, election commissioners will request an approved photo ID, such as a Louisiana driver’s license, a state special identification card, the LA Wallet app, or a U.S. military ID. Voters who do not have an approved photo ID can still cast their ballot by completing a standard voter identification affidavit with election workers.
Local election officials ask voters to show patience and respect toward our community’s poll workers and commissioners. With multiple local and state candidate races alongside ballot measures, selections may take longer to complete, which can cause lines at peak hours.
Louisiana voters head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, with precincts opening at 6 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m. statewide. Under state law, any voter waiting in line by 8 p.m. is permitted to cast a ballot.
The Louisiana Secretary of State’s office urges voters to check their precinct locations and review a sample ballot before arriving at the polls by using the GeauxVote mobile app or visiting GeauxVote.com.
Voters are also asked to practice patience and show courtesy toward election commissioners and precinct workers. Because ballots feature numerous candidate races and proposed constitutional amendments, voters may need extra time to complete their selections, potentially extending wait times at polling locations.
At 2:00 am on Sunday, November 1st, Louisiana residents must set their clocks back one hour as Daylight Saving Time ends. Known as the time to “Fall Back” it is the second clock adjustment made each year to shift an hour of sunlight from the morning to the evening, aligning natural daylight with normal human waking and working. On March 8, residents “Spring Forward” and set their clocks ahead one hour.
While the United States implemented temporary daylight saving measures during World War I and World War II, and Congress passed the Uniform Time Act in 1966, records show that the first time that started recognizing Daylight Saving Time was in 1970. Louisiana passed Act 133 in 2020 to make Daylight Saving Time permanent year-round, but the change cannot take effect until Congress amends the federal Uniform Time Act
Early voting for the Nov. 3, 2026, election officially closed in LaSalle Parish on Tuesday, Oct. 27, with 1,560 ballots cast during the seven-day early voting period.
According to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s final early voting statistical report, 1,401 voters cast their ballots in person, while 159 absentee ballots were recorded.
With early voting now closed, voters who have not yet cast their ballots may vote on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at their assigned polling locations.
Voter Demographics
The demographic breakdown for LaSalle Parish’s seven-day early voting period is as follows:
Race:1,439 White voters, 101 Black voters, and 20 voters identified as Other.
Sex:861 Female voters and 699 Male voters.
Party Affiliation
Republicans represented the largest turnout group during the early voting period:
Republicans:1,140
Democrats:219
Other/Other Parties:201 (200 No Party/Independent voters and 1 affiliated with another party)
Final Seven-Day Early Voting Recap
With the seven-day early voting period complete, a total of 1,560 ballots were recorded in LaSalle Parish.
Category
Total
Total Votes
1,560
In-Person
1,401
Absentee
159
Republicans
1,140
Democrats
219
Other Parties
201
Note: The Other Parties category combines voters registered with no party affiliation and those registered with other political parties.
Election Day Information
Although early voting has ended, the election is not over.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Voters who have not already voted should report to their assigned Election Day polling locations, which may differ from early voting locations.
For eligible absentee voters, the deadline to request an absentee ballot is Friday, Oct. 30, at 4:30 p.m. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the parish registrar of voters by Monday, Nov. 2, at 4:30 p.m., except for certain military, overseas and other qualifying voters.
The 1,560 ballots reported represent LaSalle Parish’s recorded turnout through the close of early voting. Additional eligible absentee ballots may still be received before Election Day.
Local readership creates opportunities for businesses, organizations and community events across Louisiana
Every day, residents throughout Northwest and Central Louisiana turn to their Parish Journals to find out what’s happening in their communities.
They read about local government, schools, high school sports, community activities, public announcements and the people who make their hometowns special.
Some arrive through their free email subscriptions. Others have bookmarked their favorite Journal and visit directly. Still others discover articles through internet searches or social media.
Regardless of how they arrive, these readers share something important: An interest in the communities their Parish Journals serve.
And among those readers are business owners, managers, professionals, nonprofit leaders and people responsible for promoting local events.
Many may not have considered that the same Parish Journal they read for local news can also help introduce their business or organization to potential customers and supporters.
Local Readers Are an Important Audience
The Parish Journals of Louisiana operate 16 digital publications serving 17 parishes across Northwest and Central Louisiana.
During the seven weeks ending Sept. 30, 2026, the network recorded more than 2.3 million articles read, averaging approximately 333,000 article reads each week.
Those numbers represent actual reading activity, not simply the number of times a social media post appeared on someone’s screen.
More importantly, each Journal serves readers interested in a particular Louisiana community.
For a local business, that distinction matters.
A business in Winn Parish may want to reach people interested in Winn Parish. A business serving several neighboring parishes may benefit from advertising across multiple Journals.
The Parish Journals provide opportunities for both.
No Paywall. No Paygate.
Readers never have to pay to open an article in the Parish Journals.
There are no paywalls or paygates, and email subscriptions are free.
That means an article can be shared with a friend, neighbor, customer or family member without requiring the recipient to purchase access.
Local advertising helps support this free and accessible approach to community news.
An Opportunity Worth Considering
Businesses have always needed ways to introduce their products and services to prospective customers.
Nonprofit organizations need to communicate their missions and programs. Community events need attendance. Public organizations need to reach the people they serve.
The Parish Journals offer advertising opportunities designed around the communities those organizations want to reach.
And for many business owners, the introduction to the Parish Journals has already happened.
They are readers themselves.
The next time you open your Parish Journal to catch up on local news, consider something else:
The publication helping you stay connected to your community may also be able to help your community discover your business.
The Parish Journals of Louisiana are operated by Journal Services LLC. To learn more about local and regional advertising opportunities, visitwww.journalservicesllc.com or text: 318-500-3366.
Gather your bravest friends and head to Timber Ridge Adventure Park in Natchitoches for two haunting experiences in one location. Venture into the sinister Louisiana woods of Deadfall Trail, then step into Alice’s Madhouse in 3D, where Wonderland takes a terrifying turn.
Make it a night out with friends, a date night with a little more screaming, or the Halloween tradition your crew looks forward to all year. Just decide who’s going first before you arrive.
Dark Woods opens select Friday and Saturday nights in October 2026 at Timber Ridge Adventure Park, 4343 University Parkway in Natchitoches.
The last scream you hear may be your own.
Choose your night and buy tickets at DarkWoodsHaunt.com.
Early voting for Louisiana’s November 3, 2026 election continues giving registered voters statewide the opportunity to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day.
In nearly all Louisiana parishes, early voting takes place at the local Registrar of Voters office, which is typically located inside the parish courthouse. Some larger parishes may also operate additional branch sites to accommodate local turnout.
Polling locations statewide are open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily throughout the early voting period, excluding Sundays and state-recognized holidays.
Election officials urge voters to review their sample ballots in advance. Because ballots frequently feature a combination of candidate races, constitutional amendments, and local propositions, preparing ahead of time helps keep lines moving smoothly. Louisiana law limits voters to six minutes inside the voting booth, unless assistance has been authorized in advance.
To cast a ballot in person, voters must present a valid photo identification—such as a Louisiana driver’s license, a Louisiana Special ID card, LA Wallet digital ID, or another generally recognized picture identification card containing the voter’s name and signature. Those without a photo ID may still vote by signing an official voter affidavit.
Voters can check their registration status, review customized sample ballots, and confirm their designated polling places through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Voter Portal at voterportal.sos.la.gov or via the free GeauxVote Mobile smartphone app.
Early voting for Louisiana’s upcoming election officially opens next week, giving registered voters statewide the opportunity to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day.
In nearly all Louisiana parishes, early voting takes place at the local Registrar of Voters office, which is typically located inside the parish courthouse. Some larger parishes may also operate additional branch sites to accommodate local turnout.
Polling locations statewide are open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily throughout the early voting period, excluding Sundays and state-recognized holidays.
Election officials urge voters to review their sample ballots in advance. Because ballots frequently feature a combination of candidate races, constitutional amendments, and local propositions, preparing ahead of time helps keep lines moving smoothly. Louisiana law limits voters to six minutes inside the voting booth, unless assistance has been authorized in advance.
To cast a ballot in person, voters must present a valid photo identification—such as a Louisiana driver’s license, a Louisiana Special ID card, LA Wallet digital ID, or another generally recognized picture identification card containing the voter’s name and signature. Those without a photo ID may still vote by signing an official voter affidavit.
Voters can check their registration status, review customized sample ballots, and confirm their designated polling places through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Voter Portal at voterportal.sos.la.gov or via the free GeauxVote Mobile smartphone app.
BATON ROUGE, La. — The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana has released its comprehensive guide analyzing the 10 proposed constitutional amendments scheduled for the fall statewide ballot.
The independent, nonpartisan review is designed to explain the legal background, arguments for and against, and practical effects of each measure so voters can make informed decisions at the polls.
Seven of the 10 proposed changes address Article VII of the Louisiana Constitution, focusing on state and local tax policy, assessment rules, and public finance:
Amendment 1: Permits the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran who qualified for a special property tax exemption to transfer that exemption to a new home in a one-time move.
Amendment 2: Grants local taxing bodies greater flexibility and time to determine whether to roll forward to their maximum authorized property tax millage or retain a lower rate.
Amendment 3: Prohibits bail for individuals convicted of certain aggravated offenses against children under state law.
Amendment 4: Establishes a lifetime limit of two four-year terms for Louisiana governors, replacing the current consecutive-term limit.
Amendment 5: Gives the Louisiana Legislature and state retirement systems discretion over the order in which state surplus funds are applied toward retirement debt.
Amendment 6: Authorizes parishes and municipalities to increase property tax exemption levels for qualifying senior homeowners ages 65 to 81.
Amendment 7: Clarifies that public funds can be used to identify and replace lead drinking water service lines extending from public mains onto private residential property.
Amendment 8: Prohibits private corporations affiliated with designated foreign adversaries from exercising expropriation powers over private property.
Amendment 9: Increases the household income eligibility ceiling for property tax assessment freezes from $100,000 to $150,000.
Amendment 10: Authorizes parishes to create optional property tax exemption programs for the rehabilitation of blighted or derelict properties.
BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana hunters using firearm suppressors will not face state penalties for lacking federal tax stamps or registration papers following recent changes to federal law, wildlife officials announced Monday.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries issued guidance clarifying how enforcement agents will address suppressors in the field after major federal shifts removed long-standing registration mandates.
Congress recently reduced the federal tax on suppressors to $0, and a federal court in Texas ruled in August that the federal government could no longer enforce specific registration requirements. On Oct. 9, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced it would no longer require agency approval or registration to possess a suppressor.
While Louisiana state law permits hunters to use suppressors, state statutes previously relied on the federal tax stamp as proof that the device was possessed legally.
LDWF officials said enforcement agents will adjust their field inspections accordingly. Agents will not cite hunters or seize equipment simply because an individual does not possess an ATF tax stamp or registration paperwork, provided the suppressor is legally owned and attached to a firearm permitted for the active hunting season.
Officials emphasized that standard hunting regulations and restrictions remain in effect. Agents will continue checking licenses, harvest tags, season dates, legal hunting hours, bag limits and approved methods of take.
Key rules that remain unchanged include:
Suppressors remain legal for taking game birds, wild quadrupeds, outlaw quadrupeds, nutria and beaver.
Firearms must still meet legal specifications for the specific season and game pursued; attaching a suppressor does not make an otherwise illegal firearm lawful.
Individuals legally prohibited from possessing firearms may not possess suppressors.
Anyone convicted of a class four or greater hunting violation remains barred from hunting with a suppressor for five years following the conviction date.
Machine guns remain fully regulated under federal law.
There is something truly magical about bringing Louisiana communities together to celebrate what makes our state so vibrant, welcoming and unique.
Over the past few weeks, the Parish Journals of Louisiana had the privilege of partnering with Paige Alost and the Natchitoches Parish Tourist and Convention Commission, alongside Rebecca Blankenbaker and the Cane River National Heritage Area, to help promote a one-of-a-kind regional celebration: Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend: Natchitoches Celebrates Dolly Parton.
From the moment planning began, our mission was simple: rally readers from across North and Central Louisiana and share the charm, history, and warmth of Natchitoches.
Today, we could not be prouder of the overwhelming response.
Throughout the multi-week promotional campaign, our readers answered the call in record numbers:
Over 1.29 million total impressions were delivered across our 16 digital Parish Journals, connecting community members to the spirit and schedule of the festival.
More than 1 million views greeted readers on topboard banners across every single news article published in our network.
Nearly 300,000 in-depth reads were logged on our dedicated feature advertorials exploring the weekend’s itinerary and the rich heritage of Cane River country.
More than 4,400 verified, non-duplicated entries were submitted by readers eager to win the exclusive $600 Dolly Parton Weekend Getaway package.
Beyond the numbers, what stood out most was the enthusiasm of our neighbors. Whether reading in Lincoln, Webster, Rapides, Jackson, Shreveport-Bossier, or right at home in Natchitoches Parish, readers embraced the chance to support and visit a premier Louisiana destination.
Events like Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend demonstrate the enduring spirit of local community. Partnering with dedicated leaders like Paige Alost and Rebecca Blankenbaker reminds us of the power of collaboration between local tourism organizations and local community journalism.
To the Natchitoches Parish Tourist and Convention Commission and the Cane River National Heritage Area: thank you for trusting us to help tell your story. And to our readers across Louisiana: thank you for supporting community events and continuing to make our parish news network your daily home.
We were honored to play a part in this unforgettable celebration—and we look forward to many more to come.
The inaugural festival brings 10 artists and two nights of country music to Natchitoches as Northwestern State University launches an annual event with ambitions to become North Louisiana’s premier music festival. Get your tickets now at topofthebootmusicfest.com.
By Cole Gentry, Chief Marketing Officer at Northwestern State University
On Oct. 16 and 17, Northwestern State University will welcome country music fans, alumni, students, families and visitors to Natchitoches for the inaugural Top of the Boot Music Festival. The two-day event will bring established country stars, rising artists and Louisiana talent to the NSU campus for a fall weekend centered on live music, good times and the people you want beside you.
Friday, Oct. 16, opens with co-headliners Lee Brice and Louisiana native Dylan Scott.
Brice brings a catalog that includes eight No. 1 country singles and songs such as “I Drive Your Truck,” “I Don’t Dance,” “Hard to Love” and “One of Them Girls.” Scott returns to his home state with four No. 1 songs on the U.S. Country Airplay charts, including “My Girl,” “New Truck,” “Can’t Have Mine” and “This Town’s Been Too Good to Us.”
Lanie Gardner, Jackson Wendell and Clay LaBeff complete Friday’s lineup.
Saturday, Oct. 17, features Flatland Cavalry as the night’s headliner. The Texas Country and Americana group has earned three ACM Group of the Year nominations from 2024 through 2026. Ian Munsick, Rodney Atkins, Laine Hardy and Bottomland round out Saturday’s lineup.
Across two nights, 10 artists will take the stage at Northwestern State.
The reach of Top of the Boot extends well beyond Natchitoches. Marketing for the festival stretches across a multi-state region from Little Rock, Arkansas, to Jackson, Mississippi, south to New Orleans, Louisiana and west to Houston and Dallas, Texas.
That reach reflects the scale of the vision. Top of the Boot is being built as an annual destination event with the goal of becoming North Louisiana’s premier music festival, bringing country music fans from across Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas to Natchitoches each fall.
The festival will take place behind the NSU Soccer Complex along Tarleton Drive. Food trucks, vendors and two nights of performances will create a place for friends, families and loved ones to spend a fall weekend together.
For alumni, it is a reason to come home. For prospective students and families, it is another way to experience Northwestern State. For visitors, it is an invitation to spend time on campus and in Natchitoches while enjoying one of North Louisiana’s largest new entertainment events.
Northwestern State Athletics also has a direct stake in the festival’s success. The event was created to benefit NSU student-athletes while showcasing the university and Natchitoches to visitors from across the region.
Every annual tradition has a first year. For Top of the Boot, that year is 2026. Bring your friends. Bring your family. Come back to NSU or experience our campus for the first time. Spend two nights with some of country music’s biggest names and be there at the beginning of something built to return year after year.
Top of the Boot Music Festival Oct. 16-17, 2026 Northwestern State University Natchitoches, Louisiana
Donna Arender of Webster Parish has been named the grand prize winner of the Dolly Parton Weekend Getaway to Natchitoches, organizers announced Monday.
The $600 getaway package includes $300 in food cards, $200 in travel cash, and a $100 gas card to fund a weekend trip to Louisiana’s oldest city.
The popular promotion drew more than 4,400 entries from residents across Louisiana. Participating entries represented 27 parishes statewide: Acadia, Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Caldwell, Claiborne, De Soto, East Baton Rouge, Evangeline, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, LaSalle, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Rapides, Red River, Sabine, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Terrebonne, Union, Vernon, Webster, and Winn.
Organizers expressed appreciation to the thousands of readers who participated and congratulated Donna Arender of Webster Parish on winning the weekend retreat.
There’s no better place to celebrate Dolly Parton than the Louisiana town where one of her most beloved characters came to life.
This October 9–11, Natchitoches invites visitors to spend a weekend celebrating Dolly with Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend: A Dolly Parton Celebration. Inspired by Dolly’s unforgettable role as Truvy Jones in Steel Magnolias, the three-day celebration brings together music, movies, local businesses and plenty of pink for a weekend in the heart of Louisiana’s oldest city.
Natchitoches has long held a special connection to Steel Magnolias. The beloved film was shot in and around the city, and decades later, visitors still come to Natchitoches to experience the places that made the movie so memorable. This October, that connection takes center stage as the community celebrates Dolly’s legacy in true Natchitoches fashion.
The celebration begins Friday, October 9, with Dolly Bingo at the LSHOF at 5:30 p.m. Later that evening, channel your inner Dolly and head to Mama’s Blues Room for karaoke beginning at 8:30 p.m.
On Saturday, October 10, start the morning with Books & Butterflies from 8 a.m. to noon at the Natchitoches Farmers Market. The celebration continues throughout the day with Truvy’s Downtown Traipse, inviting visitors to explore Natchitoches’ historic downtown and experience Truvy’s Specials offered by participating businesses.
Saturday evening, tease up your hair and get ready for Truvy’s Big Hair Affair at Parkway Cinema 6 at 7 p.m. It’s a fitting way to celebrate a character, a movie and a little bit of Southern style that have become part of Natchitoches history.
The weekend wraps up Sunday, October 11, with a Blush & Bashful Brunch at Flying Heart Brewery beginning at 9 a.m.
While you’re here, make a weekend of it. Stroll the brick streets of the Natchitoches Historic District, shop local boutiques, enjoy Louisiana flavors, take in the beauty of Cane River and discover the filming locations that helped bring Steel Magnolias to the big screen. As Louisiana’s oldest city, Natchitoches offers the perfect backdrop for a weekend filled with history, Southern charm and plenty to explore.
Whether you’ve loved Dolly for decades, can quote Steel Magnolias from beginning to end, or simply need an excuse for a girls’ weekend in Natchitoches, Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend is your invitation to celebrate friendship, Southern charm and the legacy of a woman whose talent and spirit have touched generations.
Pack something pink, bring your best big hair and join us October 9–11, 2026, in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
For complete event information, updates and weekend details, visit Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend: A Dolly Parton Celebration at Natchitoches.com. Visitors can also explore Natchitoches.com for lodging, dining, attractions and everything needed to plan a weekend getaway.
The Parish Journals of Louisiana are giving one statewide reader the opportunity to enjoy a special weekend in Natchitoches Parish during the Dolly Parton Celebration.
One qualifying reader will receive a $600 travel package to help make the trip possible.
The prize package includes:
$300 Food Card
$200 Travel Cash
$100 Gas Card
The winner will be selected from the statewide pool of eligible qualifiers on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.
The getaway is intended for the winner to visit Natchitoches Parish during the Dolly Parton Celebration weekend, Friday, Oct. 9 through Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026.
Events being planned for the weekend include Dolly Bingo at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, Dolly Karaoke, downtown dining and drink specials, the Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival, the Creole Festival at St. Augustine Church, Butterflies and Books at the Natchitoches Farmers Market, Steel Magnolias-themed activities, shopping and entertainment along Front Street, Truvy’s Big Hair Affair on the riverbank and a Blush & Bashful Brunch.
Some celebration events remain tentative and individual schedules, locations and activities may change.
Each participating Journal will have its own signup link, but all eligible qualifiers will be combined into one statewide pool from which the winner will be selected.
There is no cost to participate.
Every eligible qualifier who completes the registration process will also receive a Lifetime Free Subscription to the Journal through which the reader qualified, delivered directly to the email address provided during registration.
There’s no better place to celebrate Dolly Parton than the Louisiana town where one of her most beloved characters came to life.
This October 9–11, Natchitoches invites visitors to spend a weekend celebrating Dolly with Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend: A Dolly Parton Celebration. Inspired by Dolly’s unforgettable role as Truvy Jones in Steel Magnolias, the three-day celebration brings together music, movies, local businesses and plenty of pink for a weekend in the heart of Louisiana’s oldest city.
Natchitoches has long held a special connection to Steel Magnolias. The beloved film was shot in and around the city, and decades later, visitors still come to Natchitoches to experience the places that made the movie so memorable. This October, that connection takes center stage as the community celebrates Dolly’s legacy in true Natchitoches fashion.
The celebration begins Friday, October 9, with Dolly Bingo at the LSHOF at 5:30 p.m. Later that evening, channel your inner Dolly and head to Mama’s Blues Room for karaoke beginning at 8:30 p.m.
On Saturday, October 10, start the morning with Books & Butterflies from 8 a.m. to noon at the Natchitoches Farmers Market. The celebration continues throughout the day with Truvy’s Downtown Traipse, inviting visitors to explore Natchitoches’ historic downtown and experience Truvy’s Specials offered by participating businesses.
Saturday evening, tease up your hair and get ready for Truvy’s Big Hair Affair at Parkway Cinema 6 at 7 p.m. It’s a fitting way to celebrate a character, a movie and a little bit of Southern style that have become part of Natchitoches history.
The weekend wraps up Sunday, October 11, with a Blush & Bashful Brunch at Flying Heart Brewery beginning at 9 a.m.
While you’re here, make a weekend of it. Stroll the brick streets of the Natchitoches Historic District, shop local boutiques, enjoy Louisiana flavors, take in the beauty of Cane River and discover the filming locations that helped bring Steel Magnolias to the big screen. As Louisiana’s oldest city, Natchitoches offers the perfect backdrop for a weekend filled with history, Southern charm and plenty to explore.
Whether you’ve loved Dolly for decades, can quote Steel Magnolias from beginning to end, or simply need an excuse for a girls’ weekend in Natchitoches, Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend is your invitation to celebrate friendship, Southern charm and the legacy of a woman whose talent and spirit have touched generations.
Pack something pink, bring your best big hair and join us October 9–11, 2026, in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
For complete event information, updates and weekend details, visit Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend: A Dolly Parton Celebration at Natchitoches.com. Visitors can also explore Natchitoches.com for lodging, dining, attractions and everything needed to plan a weekend getaway.
