The Livingston-Tangipahoa Advocate 10-22-2025

Celebrate a decade of literary magic

Community news report

10th annual Livingston Parish Book Festival set

Celebrate a decade of literary magic at the 10th annual Livingston Parish Book Festival, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Livingston Parish Library’s Main Branch in the Town of Livingston. This event is open to all ages, and there is no cost to attend.

The Livingston Parish Book Festival is the library’s largest annual event, drawing thousands of visitors for a daylong celebration of books, literature, art and community, according to a news release. Attendees can look forward to

French Settlement Creole Festival on Oct. 25

Celebrate the Creole culture from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m Oct 25 at the French Settlement Town Hall Pavilion on La. 16 at the Creole Festival The free community celebration of Creole culture features authentic food like jambalaya, gumbo, sauce, and homemade desserts; live entertainment from Whiskey Bent, Justin Cornett and The Stone Envie Band; family fun with face painting, permanent jewelry, driftwood art, engraving, and more; plus plenty of shopping, cold drinks, and local vendors.

RKM hosts Loranger’s Trunk-or-Treat

RKM is hosting a Trunkor-Treat event from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday Oct. 24, at 54016 La. 1062, Loranger

Enjoy a costume contest, games, music, inflatables, food, candy and more for kids of all ages. Interested vendors can email outreach@rkmcare.org to get involved.

Denham Springs Book Swap

It’s time for the third Denham Springs Book Swap, set for 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 23 with a night of books, community and connection.

This event is all about bringing people together who share a love for reading. Stop by the Mustard Seed Creamery for the event and visit Cavalier House Books, across the street The Livingston Parish Library will be joining in the fun

Bring a gently used book

(kids, adult, fiction, nonfiction,

ä See AROUND, page 2G

engaging author discussions, book signings, live music, food trucks and a host of family-friendly attractions that include face painting, balloon twisting, games, crafts, escape rooms and more. In honor of the festival’s milestone anniversary, this year’s theme embraces the spirit of the Renaissance. The library encourages guests to wear their finest knight or princess attire and immerse themselves in a world of creativity complete with Renaissance-themed games, crafts and decorations.

Featured authors, performers

Headlining this year’s lineup is Mari Mancusi, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Mancusi is the author of more than 30 science fiction/fantasy books and has also written tie-in novels for Disney and Netflix.

In addition to Mancusi, this year’s Book Festival will showcase an array of literary voices. Other featured authors will be Shannon Kelley Atwater, a New Orleansbased children’s book author/illustrator; Baptiste Paul, a Caribbeanborn award-winning children’s book author; and Rachel M Marsh, a Louisiana native and critically acclaimed middle grade author

for Saturday

For live music, Grammy Awardwinner Louis Michot and his band Swamp Magic will perform on an outdoor stage during an hourlong set.

After his band’s set, Michot will join Atwater for a performance of “Fais Do-Do” from her new children’s book.

Additionally, actors from Boomerang Comedy Theatre, a Baton Rouge-based troupe, will perform in a live open-world escape room in which they will team up with visitors to solve puzzles.

Groups gathered to compare notes on their favorite

on Saturday in the

Cooks use ground beef, spices, beans, elk, to make winning chili

BY RICHARD MEEK Contributing writer

What goes into a good chili?

Although the answer depends on one’s individual palate, most the traditional staples of beef, beans, the trinity — because this is south Louisiana, after all — and five-alarm spices.

And don’t forget the elk. Elk? A word in this area that is typically followed by lodge? In chili?

“Elk is known as the best wild game meat, so that is why I went after it,” said Jacob Roark, one of 22 contestants in the Denham Springs Main Street Chili Cookoff Saturday in the Antique Village.

“I wanted to be different than other people,” the Central resident said Mission accomplished. Roark, who runs a catering

ä See CHILI, page 2G

This year’s Book Festival will feature more than 50 local authors and community organizations, the most ever

All-day activities

All-day activities include an I Spy room, balloon twisting, crafts, temporary tattoos, face painting, jump houses, games, jousting, concessions, and food trucks, among other activities. There will also be free books available to visitors while supplies last.

Authors Row, Community Row Meet local authors on Authors’ Row and learn about the work of local nonprofit organizations on Community Row

SPORTS ROUNDUP

Football is often described as a turf war, and that was no different last week when Denham Springs scored an important 42–24 District 5-5A win over Dutchtown. Still, in an interesting twist, one of the game’s key factors was not field position. Denham Springs churned out plenty of yardage and more than enough touchdowns, all while choosing not to kick off deep after each of its scores. It didn’t matter Four times following Denham Springs touchdowns, Dutchtown started its ensuing series at midfield. The result of those possessions was two turnovers, a punt and one field goal. The Yellow Jackets scored five touchdowns with three coming at the end of drives that were longer than 60 yards. Denham Springs was so good in every other phase of the game that field position was a non-factor Jackets coach Brett Beard knows that will not always be the case.

“There’s some things we’ve got to work on,” Beard said after the game. “We’ve got to do a better job covering kicks, and we’ve got to do a better job getting our squibs downfield. We don’t want (the opponent) to start on our side of the field, but sometimes shortening the field is not a terrible thing. We cover a little better on a short field so we knew it was going to be okay.”

What is also OK is Denham Springs’ chances of winning a district title. After opening league play with a 26-20 loss at East Ascension, the win over Dutchtown has the Jackets tied with two other teams for

Denham Springs still in title hunt thanks to win over Dutchtown ä See SALZER, page 2G

Livingston, Tangipahoa, St. Helena Parish attorney Christopher Moody dies at 71

BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD

Staff writer

Christopher Moody, who served as general counsel for multiple local municipal governments in the Florida Parishes, died Oct. 10 Moody was 71 years old.

The Hammond attorney represented Livingston, Tangipahoa and St. Helena parish municipal governments and the Tangipahoa Parish School Board.

As general counsel for parishes, Moody would provide legal advice during government meetings and represent parishes during legal proceedings.

In one of his most notable recent cases, Moody served as legal counsel for Livingston Parish’s lawsuit against Deer Run, a controversial 2,000-lot subdivision.

Assistant District Attorney Brad Cascio, who also worked with Moody, described him as a friend, a longtime professional mentor and a “respected legal giant in our community.”

“In the beginning, I’d wear the

floor out walking back and forth to his office. I’ve been able to learn an incredible amount from him over the years,” Cascio wrote

Moody was involved in the Tangipahoa Parish community He had served as president of the Hammond Chamber of Commerce, chairman for the Tangipahoa United Way board and chairman of the Louisiana Special Olympics board.

Moody practiced law for over 40 years as a trial lawyer and was a senior partner at Moody Law Firm, which practiced across southeast Louisiana and focused on representing local governments.

Moody Law Firm shared a statement that said it was heartbroken and that “Moody passed away unexpectedly at his home.”

The firm said it was grateful for the love and support from the community

There was a visitation Thursday at the Brandon Thompson Funeral Home in Hammond. A funeral service followed Friday at Grace Memorial Episcopal Church.

Denham Springs quarterback Da’Jean Golmond throws a pass during the game against East Ascension on Sept. 26.

SALZER

Continued from page 1G

first place at 2-1. There are three district games remaining, and Denham Springs will play two of them at home.

“We dropped the first one, but you can kind of dig out of that hole,” Beard said. “To do that you’ve got to keep winning and you pull for different teams. Now we’re right back where we want to be.”

For the Jackets to finish where they want to be, they will want more fast starts according to quarterback Da’Jean Golmond,

AROUND

Continued from page 1G

who threw for three touchdowns and ran for another against the Griffins, will also have a say

“Coach Beard preaches about fast starts,” he said. “In the past, we’ve had slow starts come back to bite us. When we start fast, we can go to the sideline and celebrate for a moment. Then we have to get ready to do it again.”

If the Jackets do it again three more times they will have a piece of the district championship.

Charles Salzer covers Livingston sports for the LivingstonTangipahoa Advocate. To reach Salzer, email livingston@ theadvocate.com.

Waste collection day in Livingston Parish Livingston Parish Waste Collection Day is set for 8 a.m. to noon, Nov 1 at Livingston Parish Fairgrounds.

All hazardous materials must be clearly labeled in the original container Items to be collected for recycling include electronics, household batteries, lamps, bulbs and tires. For more information,

Brews Arts Festival returns to Hammond

Community news report

The Hammond Regional Arts Center’s 15th Brews Arts Festival is set for Oct. 25 in downtown Hammond behind the Arts Center at 217 E. Thomas St.

The fundraiser combines craft beer tastings, music, food and art.

Festivalgoers will enjoy samples from regional and national breweries, including Abita Brewing, Chafunkta Brewing, Gnarly Barley, Deadbeat Brewing, Parish Brewing, Rogue, Urban South, St. Arnold, Kona Brewing Co., Golden Road Brewing, Goose Island Beer Co., New Belgium Brewing, Founders Brewing and Paulaner Brewery

More than a beer festival

In addition to craft beer and music, guests can explore local food vendors and artisan booths.

Proceeds from the festival support the group’s mission to provide exhibitions, arts programming and educational opportunities for the Tangipahoa Parish community and the surrounding parishes.

This year, the event includes a live painting by Southeast Louisiana artist TJ Black. The HRAC will conduct a silent auction during the event, and one guest will go home with Black’s new creation at the end of the night.

Live music will kick off at 4 p.m. with Phaze Band, known for their high-energy funk, rock and R&B, followed at 6 p.m. by headliner Byron Daniel and the Five Dead Dogs. Music is sponsored by the Rocker Family Foundation.

The VIP Experience runs from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and includes early admission, complimentary appetizers at the Fidelity Bank food tent, prize drawings, and a special gift from LoopX Construction. General admission runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. VIP tickets are $65 and general admission tickets are $40, with dis-

The Hammond Regional Arts Center will host its 15th Brews Arts Festival on Saturday in downtown Hammond behind the Arts Center at 217 East Thomas Street.

counts available to Hammond Regional Arts Center members.

Tickets are available online at www.hammondarts org. All ticket prices increase at the gate.

Proceeds support local arts

Proceeds from the festival support the Hammond Regional Arts Center’s mission to provide exhibitions, arts programming, and educational opportunities in Tangipahoa Parish and the surrounding parishes.

Tickets and more information are available at www.hammondarts.org/brews-arts-festival or by calling the Hammond Regional Arts Center at (985) 542-7113.

CHILI

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company, said he mentioned to a friend at a recent party that, perhaps not surprisingly, he was experiencing difficulty locating elk for the cookoff. As it happened, Roark’s brother’s finance’s dad was within earshot and he had recently returned from on his annual hunt to Mexico with an abundance of elk. Elk, meet Cajun.

Because elk is a lean meat, Roark cooked bacon down in a pot and then put in the elk in the hot grease.

“So far everyone has loved it,” he said.

Apparently so did the judges as Roark’s chili was voted overall winner

Most of the contestants took the more traditional routes, opting for ground meat, chuck roast, bean or no beans, varying degrees of spice and that little bit of unspoken lagniappe.

“My secret ingredient is love,” said Steven Campo of Cajun

visit livingstonparishgovernment. com.

Play cornhole in Walker

Play cornhole every Friday at the Walker Community Center

The weekly tournaments are $10 for the lower division and $20 for the upper division. For information, call (225) 305-7183.

Disc Golf Park opens

The city of Walker Disc Golf

Cookers. “You make it with love and it tastes good.”

He might be on to something as the judges agreed with him and Campo’s chili was voted a winner in the event’s second year

Campo, a crane operator by trade, admits he is not a chef but “I wish I could have been,” adding he has no hobbies and cooking is his passion.

Edward Riley, of Baton Rouge, said he was enjoying the chili, saying it’s good “if it makes you sweat.”

“It has put me in the mood to go home and make some chili,” he said after sampling many of the variations of the popular dish.

For Richard Miller, the cookoff is a family event, surrounded by his son, daughter, and future son-in-law His chili is more traditional, consisting of onions and other spices but admits it is not overly spicy And definitely no tomatoes.

“I don’t like heartburn,” Miller, whose chili topped the charts a year ago and placed third this year, said. He used a mixture of ground

Park is open daily at 13620 Aydell Lane, next to City Hall. Parking is at City Hall. To download the city’s disc golf app, visit walker la.us/sites/default/files//Disc%20 Golf%20app.jpg.

Bluegrass Gospel Festival

meat and chuck roast.

“It’s fun for us to be here because it is family-oriented,” he said.

“It has to have spice but not on fire,” Denham Springs resident Nicole Williams said of her chili preference.

And please don’t forget the beans.

Elizabeth Baudoin, who helps direct the event, said the 22 teams represented a two-team increase from the inaugural cookoff a year ago. And there was also an uptick in vendors.

“We love having the vendors here to give it a farmers market feel,” she said. “It breaks it up instead of just trying the chili.”

She said the proceeds go to the preservation of the old buildings, including old City Hall, in downtown Denham Springs

“This hear we are dong pretty good,” she said, the scent of 22 pots of chili filling the air tugging at one’s hunger

“We are satisfied at this point,” Baudoin said.

Email Richard Meek at livingston@theadvocate.com.

The city of Walker’s Bluegrass Gospel Festival is from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 25 in Sidney Hutchinson Park. Performances are planned by Cooksey Family Legacy, Greg Sullivan, Spring Chickens, Charles Pierre, Bo Hinson and chronicle.

An open mic session is from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Concert starts at 3:30 p.m.

Send news and events for Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes to livingston@ theadvocate.com by 4 p.m. Friday or call (225) 388-0731.

Livingston Parish wins KLB Healthy Communities grant

Community news report

Livingston Parish will enhance its waste management practices through the implementation of a weekly litter abatement schedule with the Department of Public Works and host a Tire Recycle Day and a Household Hazard Waste Disposal Day thanks to a Keep Louisiana Beautiful grant.

The parish’s project is being funded through the KLB Healthy Communities Grants program. KLB awarded $174,509 in grant funding to 20 organizations in 17 parishes for projects focused on reducing litter and waste, educating citizens, increasing recycling and/

St. Francis Episcopal Church announces Pumpkin Patch

Community news report

St. Francis Episcopal Church’s annual Pumpkin Patch is open through Nov 1

The pumpkin truck arrived on Oct 11 and sales run through Nov 1 from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays.

St. Francis Episcopal Church in Denham Springs has been affectionately called the “Pumpkin Patch Church” because, for 17 years, from 1996 through 2013, fall festivals, field trips and community activities were set in a field of pumpkins on the church campus. After a hiatus of 10 years, in 2023, the group was ready to bring the Pumpkin Patch back. While the patch does not have the cheerleading expos, dunking booths and choir performances that it once had, it still offer pumpkins, decorative gourds and delicious pumpkin bread for sale.

There is an area set up for fall photos.

Visitors can stroll through the display of pumpkins ranging from tiny decorative gourds to large carving pumpkins. All funds raised from pumpkin sales support St. Francis Episcopal Church’s mission and ministry

The pumpkin patch is at 726 Maple St., Denham Springs. Admission is free Field Trips can be arranged through the church office, with volunteers entertaining with stories and songs and pumpkin picking. For more information, contact the church office at (225) 665-2707, secretary@stfrands org or visit our website at www.stfrands. org.

or strengthening litter enforcement

“The people of Louisiana take great pride in where they live, and they deserve communities that are clean, safe, and welcoming,” said Lt. Gov Billy Nungesser “These Healthy Communities Grants not only support local efforts to reduce litter, expand recycling, and educate citizens, but they also strengthen our economy and tourism industry When we keep Louisiana beautiful, we create places where residents thrive, businesses grow, and visitors want to return again and again.”

“Thanks to the hard work of our grant recipients, communities throughout the

state are experiencing a reduction in litter improved recycling, and increased public awareness around the issues of litter and waste. Let’s keep up the momentum and continue to prioritize keeping Louisiana beautiful,” said Susan Russell, KLB executive director

The HCG program provides funding for local projects and programs bringing about behavioral changes needed to improve the appearance of communities in Louisiana. Organizations are awarded up to $10,000 in reimbursement grant funds.

In 2025, KLB awarded $1.12 million in grant funding. Grant opportunities include

the Greener Grounds Grant, Healthy Communities Grant, Community Affiliate Grant, University Affiliate Grant, Trash Receptacle Grant, Beautification Grant, Sheriff’s Grant, and Surveillance Camera Grant. Information on these grants can be found at KeepLouisianaBeautiful.org.

During the KLB State Conference from Sept. 23-24 at the Crowne Plaza Executive Center in Baton Rouge, KLB Grants Director Jan Windhorst will lead a session on KLB’s grant opportunities. Other beautification and community improvement topics are included in the agenda which can be viewed on the KLB State Conference webpage.

Louisiana Main Street awards $80,000 in redevelopment grants to eight communities

Community news report

Lt. Gov Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Main Street program announced the awarding of $80,000 in Redevelopment Incentive Grants to eight property owners across designated Main Street districts. These grants support historic preservation, economic revitalization, and cultural tourism in Louisiana’s downtowns. Among the $10,000 recipients are the city of Hammond, which received a grant for the Levy Building – Hammond Regional Arts Center, and Austin Heine, The Back Porch 24 LLC, for 11937 Ferdinand St., St. Francisville. The other recipients are from DeRidder, Winnfield, Minden, Springhill, Natchitoches and Columbia.

The Louisiana Main Street Redevelopment Incentive Grant Program provides

Community news report

The Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts presents an evening of Pink Floyd’s music performed live by the Pink Budz, featuring Louisiana musicians.

matching funds for the restoration of historic commercial properties in designated Main Street districts. The program is designed to encourage economic growth, community revitalization and cultural tourism through historic preservation.

“These grants breathe new life into Louisiana’s historic downtowns by helping restore the buildings that anchor our communities,” said Nungesser. “Every dollar invested not only preserves our unique architectural heritage but also creates opportunities for small businesses, boosts tourism and strengthens local economies.”

Projects must comply with the secretary of the interior’s standards for rehabilitation to ensure the historic integrity of Louisiana’s Main Street buildings is preserved.

For information on the Louisiana Main Street program visit www.louisianamainstreet.org.

Community news report

Deer season on Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area has reopened, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced. The season was closed as a flood benchmark was reached on the WMA last week. The gauge used to determine the benchmark is currently offline due to malfunction. However, an on-site assessment has confirmed that water has fallen to a level sufficient for the season to be reopened.

Once repaired and operational, the gauge will again be used for the determining the benchmark closure. The Airline Canal at Blind River gauge height can be found at tinyurl.com/2krsxm6w The water height at that gauge for the benchmark closure is 2.25 feet and the reopening water level is 1.75 feet.

Maurepas Swamp WMA, which consists of 112,615 acres is located approximately 25 miles west of New Orleans and along the south shore of Lake Maurepas west to near Sorrento The WMA includes property in Ascension, Livingston, St. John the Baptist and St. James parishes. All visitors to Maurepas Swamp WMA and all LDWF WMAs 18 and older must have either a WMA Access Permit, Senior Hunting/Fishing License, Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License, or Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License. Go to www.wlf. louisiana.gov/page/wmarefugeconservation-area-licenses-and-permits for more information For additional information on Maurepas Swamp WMA go to www wlf.louisiana.gov/page/maurepasswamp or contact the LDWF Hammond Field Office at (985) 543-4777. Deer season on Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area opens

The group will perform the “Dark Side of the Moon” album in its entirety at 8 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 220 East Thomas St., Hammond. The concert will also feature other Pink Floyd hit songs and deep cuts, as well as a multiprojector liquid light show Tickets for “Budz on the Wing: A Pink Floyd Experience” are $35 general admission. Tickets are available and can be purchased through the website columbiatheatre.org or by calling (985) 549-2787.

‘Psycho’ set for Oct. 30 at Columbia Theatre

Budz on the Wing: A Pink Floyd Experience Community news report

the

The Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts presents a screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Columbia The-

SENIOR

QUEEN, INTERVIEW AND BEST DRESSED: Sara Mae Duke, of

Holden

BEST DRESSED AND PHOTOGENIC: Payzlee Jaydan

ALTERNATE: Mabrey

ALTERNATE: Micahlyn

Berklie Kerrigan Blount FIRST ALTERNATE AND PHOTOGENIC: Emma Leigh Thornton SECOND ALTERNATE AND BEST DRESSED: Katie Carmouche THIRD ALTERNATE: Kambree Blayne Delatte

FIRST ALTERNATE AND PHO-

TOGENIC: Montana Patrice

Vince

SECOND ALTERNATE: Da’Shae

Mack THIRD ALTERNATE: Madelyn

Mae Nicole Ridgedell

FOURTH ALTERNATE: Samantha Lynn Davis

MRS./MS. LIVINGSTON

PARISH FAIR

Kelsey Overland McCallister

0-5 MONTH OLDS

QUEEN AND BEST DRESSED: Hadley Kay Coombes

FIRST ALTERNATE AND PHOTOGENIC: Denver Audrey

Smith

SECOND ALTERNATE: Kataleya

Gianna Licona Sibley

THIRD ALTERNATE: Charlee Sue Lewis

6-11 MONTH OLDS

QUEEN AND PHOTOGENIC: Lydia Grace Richert

FIRST ALTERNATE: Harper

Wren Borras

SECOND ALTERNATE: Saige

Amelia Dorrell

THIRD ALTERNATE: Andi-Kate

Marie Keating

BEST DRESSED: Amelia Lynn Balfantz

12-17-MONTH OLDS

QUEEN, BEST DRESSED, PHO-

TOGENIC: Kol Claire Decoteau

FIRST ALTERNATE: Livy Grey

Dore

PHOTOGENIC:

SECOND ALTERNATE: Leddy Lynn Watson

THIRD ALTERNATE: ScottieKate Stelly

18-23 MONTH OLDS

QUEEN AND PHOTOGENIC: Collins Marshall FIRST ALTERNATE AND BEST DRESSED: Parker Claire Forbes

SECOND ALTERNATE: Oaklynn Mae Lewis

THIRD ALTERNATE: Enzo Jones

2-YEAR OLDS

QUEEN: Remi Bae Haynes FIRST: Annslee Kathrine Balfantz SECOND ALTERNATE AND BEST DRESSED: Charlie Duffy

THIRD ALTERNATE: Lollie Marchan