Art Show: Artists Jim Huckaby and Dave Ivey greeted friends and family Dec. 16 at the opening reception of their exhibition "Beyond The Desktop" at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum in Shreveport. The reception was held between 2 to 4 p.m. in the museum’s West Wing Gallery.

I-Bowl: Despite cold temperatures and intermittent rain showers, nearly 40,000 people attended this year's Duck Commander Independence Bowl on Dec. 27. The 38th annual bowl was a game between The University of South Carolina and the University of Miami. Members of the Duck Dynasty family were on hand on the Club Level to meet and greet guests watching the game from the suite level. The South Carolina Gamecocks beat the Miami Hurricanes, 24 to 21.

Mayor’s Inauguration: Ollie Spearman Tyler was sworn in as the mayor of Shreveport on Dec. 27 at the Shreveport Convention Center. The crowd of several hundred cheered upon the completion of her swearing in. Also taking place during the ceremony was the swearing-in of the new City Council members, which included Willie Bradford, Jeff Everson, Michael Corbin, Oliver Jenkins, Stephanie Lynch, James Flurry and Jerry Bowman Jr. The inauguration ceremony was followed by a customary City Council meeting at Government Plaza.

Wedding Party: Lennis and Richard Elston celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends Dec. 28 at St. Mark’s Cathedral Parish Hall. Their children and their spouses, Ashley and John Prince, and Dean and Ashley Elston and six grandchildren hosted the party. Photos from 50 years ago decorated the table.

Rose Society: In honor and celebration of the American Rose Society’s 40th anniversary of moving its National Headquarters to Louisiana, Gov. Bobby Jindal became an official member of the prestigious American Rose Society on Dec. 1. To learn more about the American Rose Society, go to www.ROSE.org

Krewe Party: The Krewe of Aesclepius held its Christmas party Dec. 13 at the home of Dr. Tom and Tracy Pressly. Guests mixed and mingled over cocktails. The dinner buffet included smoked brisket and honey ham, complete with multiple side dishes as well as appetizers and desserts. After dinner, members and their guests played “Dirty Santa.”

Banquet: The Sons of Italy held its 32nd annual Christmas banquet Dec. 13 at Eldorado Casino. A live band performed, a buffet was served, door prizes were given out, and guests posed around a large Christmas tree.

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