In 1984, New Orleans hosted the Louisiana World’s Exposition, known more simply as the world’s fair. Through the years the evaluations have been similar – the fair was financially challenging but the locals loved it. Peggy Scott Laborde, a producer for public TV station WYES, was at the time a co-host and producer for WDSU TV Ch. 6’s coverage from the fair. She has since done a documentary on the event, as well as a follow-up featuring some of the people involved with the event. She joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with producer Kelly Massicot, to recall t ..read more

BATON ROUGE, La (press release) – Louisiana Women Lead is hosting their 3rd Annual Spring Training. The training will be held on May 11. Louisiana Women Lead is committed to helping women in Louisiana find the proper resources and skills-based training to run for Federal, State, or Local political office.  Women are the primary decision-makers in most families. From health insurance to vacations, women are deciding big and small details for their families. Therefore, we have proposed the question: “Why are more women not running for political office to make important decisions for current ..read more

Secretive Men’s organizations – such as the Free Masons, Elks, Odd Fellows and many more – did not originate just for the sake of privacy. In many cases they had a social purposes such as providing health and security benefits for themselves at a time when neither government nor private enterprise provided much of either. Some groups were also a source of business and social connections. Jari Honora, an historian and genealogist who curated an exhibit for the Historic New Orleans Collection entitled Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art, joins Louisiana Life Executive Edi ..read more

LOUISIANA (press release) – On the 40th anniversary of Chef Paul’s seminal “Louisiana Kitchen” cookbook, Magic Seasoning Blends is offering a special one-day promotion that commemorates the book’s original release date. On Wednesday, April 17, “Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Louisiana Kitchen” can be purchased for just $19.84. The online purchase includes a complimentary copy of “Louisiana Tastes,” Chef Paul’s follow up cookbook exploring the new flavors of the state. Published on April 17, 1984, “Louisiana Kitchen” presented recipes for the food of So ..read more

Louisiana’s longest running weekly news TV program celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. During that time topics have included the Katrina recovery; the David Duke vs. Edwin Edwards gubernatorial runoff; a World’s Fair; the ups and downs of the economy; crime and even the Saints magical season. Marcia Kavanaugh, the WYES TV show’s longtime host, joins Errol Laborde, the program’s producer as well as “Louisiana Insider” host and executive editor of Louisiana Life, to discuss 40 years of big stories as well as top newsmakers.   Categories: Louisiana Insider ..read more

Words are for reading, but sometimes it is good to pause and have a word or two about words themselves: how they are used; where they have taken us. Louisiana Life magazine Editor Reine Dugas joins Louisiana Life’s Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with producer Kelly Massicot, to discuss Southern literature and who have been some of the best practitioners. They also discuss the art of writing, as well as the future of the book industry and some of their own writing tips. (They might have added a list of cliches that should be avoided “like the plague.”) Categories: Louisiana Insider ..read more

KEITHVILLE, La (press release) – Chimp Haven is opening its doors this spring to the public for a rare glimpse inside the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary, and tickets are going fast! Chimpanzee Discovery Day – an event that happens only twice a year — will be held on Saturday, April 13, from 9 a.m. to noon. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the sanctuary and witness the lush, forested habitats where the chimpanzees live and play. Animal sanctuaries, focused on providing animal care in a natural setting, are seldomly open to the public. “Welcoming the community into Chimp Haven’s ..read more

BELLE CHASSE, La (press release) – The Plaquemines Parish Seafood Festival takes place April 26-28 at the festival grounds at 333 F Edward Hebert Blvd. in Belle Chasse. The festival celebrates the parish’s unique seafood and culture by offering a variety of delicious cuisine prepared by local restaurants and organizations, including the Croatian American Society’s famous chargrilled oysters. There will also be live music, carnival rides, crafts from local artisans and an oyster drop raffle.  A 5k race will be held on Friday at 5:30 p.m., and there will be a kids’ tent on Sa ..read more

PONCHATOULA, La (press release) – Get ready to savor the sweetness of spring at the 52nd Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, happening from April 12th to April 14th, 2024, in Memorial Park. This beloved annual event celebrates the delicious Louisiana state fruit, the vibrant culture and rich agricultural heritage of Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Festival attendees can expect a weekend filled with family-friendly fun, live entertainment, and, of course, an abundance of delicious strawberries. From strawberry-themed treats to carnival rides, non-profit food vendors, and live music performances featuring ..read more

LAKE CHARLES, La (press release) – The Louisiana Food & Wine Festival, a world-class culinary and beverage celebration, presented by Rouses Markets and hosted by Visit Lake Charles takes place in Lake Charles, Louisiana Sept. 19 – 22. The festival is a showcase of culinary, beverage, and music that highlights Louisiana’s unique culture and heritage, celebrity guest chefs, local chefs, celebrity winemakers/proprietors, artisans, farmers, musicians, local craft spirits and beers, along with renowned wine, spirits, and beer brands from around the world. A wide variety of events are available ..read more