Christmas in the Sky: The Shreveport Regional Arts Council hosted a kickoff party July 8 for the opening of the Christmas in the Sky Work Space at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs. Christmas in the Sky, which is SRAC’s biennial fundraising event, is Dec. 13, and all of the props and decorations are created in the Work Space. To volunteer, contact the SRAC office at 673-6500.

Bastille Day: Wine Country Bistro and Bottle Shop hosted a Bastille Day Celebration on July 14 with wines and cheeses from the most popular regions in France. More than 15 bottles and half a dozen tasty cheeses were sampled. Wine Country hosts a variety of wine tastings year-round. Check out their Facebook page for details.

LSU: LSU Coach Les Miles arrived a little later than expected, but the crowd was still riled up at the Caddo-Bossier Alumni and Fans annual football kickoff party July 16 at Sam’s Town Casino. The chapter funds scholarships and this year’s is in honor of Jane and Ryan Bicknell.

Lake Street: Rain did not dampen the attendance or spirits of those who attended a downtown block party July 17 in the 400 block of Lake Street. New businesses celebrated their grand openings. They included iArchitecture, Vintage Design Group, Agora Borealis, Aidan’s Place Granola and Nicole Spikes Photography. Food trucks, live music, street performers and other festivities welcomed attendees.

BizCamp: The James K. Elrod BizCamp Recognition Banquet was held July 24 at Horseshoe’s Riverdome in Bossier City. The evening started with a meetand-greet reception, an art exhibit and Total Choice providing live music entertainment before the dinner. This year’s theme is “Imitation of Life – BizCamp Honors Digital Media in the Arts.” The evening’s keynote speaker was Shreveport Regional Arts Council’s Executive Director Pam Atchison. The JKE Recognition Banquet honored the emerging market of film production, art and digital media, in Shreveport- Bossier City by presenting awards to Lampton Enoch of Moonbot Studios – ICE Award, Diego Martinez of Millennium Studios – President Award, and Gregory Kallenberg of Louisiana Film Prize – Board Award. In addition, the exceptional Community Award was given to Henry Price of Caddo Parish Schools and Brady Blade of Blade’s Studio. This is the 14th anniversary year for the BizCamp Summer Entrepreneurship Training Program. The JKE BizCamp Recognition Banquet honors community members who have had a positive impact on the social and business aspects of our community and its residents, especially youth.

Baron’s Ball: A kickoff party was held at Cavendar’s on July 15 for the Baron’s Ball. A group of cancer survivors modeled Western clothes provided by Cavendar’s. Ten percent of all purchases the night of the kickoff went to Baron’s Ball. The late Suzy Ryan is the honorary chair. Last year, she lost her battle with lung and bone cancer after being diagnosed 83 days before. In its seventh year, the money raised stays in the local community, $560,000 thus far.

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