Law Day: The DeSoto Parish Bar Association hosted the annual Law Day program May 2 in the large courtroom at the DeSoto Parish Courthouse in Mansfield. The speaker for the annual program was the Honorable Scott J. Crichton, judge of the First Judicial District Court in Caddo Parish. In addition to the legal community, the annual Law Day program attendees included various public officials, members of the community (including students from DeSoto Parish high schools) and the media. A reception immediately followed in the jury room at the courthouse.

Bar Association: State Treasurer John Kennedy spoke to the Shreveport Bar Association on June 25 at the Petroleum Club about the state budget. He discussed costs for higher education, Medicaid, and public and hospital contracts.

Line Dance: The Northwest Louisiana Line Dance Convention was held June 28 in various venues around Shreveport- Bossier City. Participants danced and attended workshops. They also had a T-shirt cutting class. Events included a rooftop party at Sam’s Town Casino, shopping at the Louisiana Boardwalk and a praise and worship service. Cochairmen were LaTonya Greene and James “Ninja” Alex III.

Fundraiser: Friends of Eric Hatfield gathered to raise funds for the re-election of Hatfield. The event was held at Hill Country Village south of Shreveport. The buffet included fried catfish, hush puppies, french fries and meat pies along with fruits and cheeses. Special guest was Kix Brooks and his wife, Barbara. He entertained along with Attorney General Buddy Caldwell. Hatfield said, “I am so grateful to have been surrounded by so many loyal friends. The saying is true. Life is not about the breaths we take but the moments that take our breath away. This outpouring of support took my breath away.”

Sara Evans: Sara Evans, fresh from performing at the U.S. Capitol Fourth Concert, took the stage July 5 at Margaritaville. She mentioned meeting Frankie Valli, Jordin Sparks, Michael McDonald and Phillip Phillips at that performance. Her brother plays bass in her band. Besides her music and cuts from her new album, she ended the show with songs from Pink and Bruno Mars.

Beach: Bayou to Bay Watershed Education Project hosted Hamel’s Better Beach Bash on July 5 with River Rocks Life, the Rainforest Art Foundation and Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center. The family-friendly event included water and art-related activities to improve Hamel’s beach, located at Charles and Marie Hamel Memorial Park. Trash that has been collected from past cleanups and cleaned was used for children to create animal art that will be turned into a themed collage led by Rebekah White of the Rainforest Art Foundation. Other events were standup paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking.

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