Commander Christmas Community Event Guide

Duck CommanderDuck Derby

Stars Of Duck Dynasty Flotilla

Commander ChristmasLaser Show

Commu!i"y Ch#i$"ma$ Guid% • D%c%mb%# 2013 -Ja!ua#y 2014

presents

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DowntownMonroeAlliance.com

Executive Editor: Myra Gatling-AkersAssistant Editor: John Bivens

Assistant: Katie BurkeContributing Writers: John Bivens, Tejal Patel, Mark Sanders

Robertson Family Photos: Eric Adkins, Compliments of Universal Music Group NashvillePhotography: Patty Stewart Photography, The News-Star

Graphic Design: Teresa Sanderson

Commander Christmas CommitteeChristie Messinger, ChairmanErnest Finch, Flotilla Chairman

Kelsea McCrary, Graphic DesignBrook Sebren, Duck Derby Chairman

Thomas Reeves, Parking & TransportationMyra Gatling-Akers, Downtown Monroe Alliance Program Director

Matt WestKristy StathamMac OliverAlise OliverKatie Burke

Belinda CarverBilly HaddadLinda O’NealNatalie Ingle

Downtown Economic Development DistrictLarry Bratton, Chairman

Earl Davis, Vice ChairmanRick Saulsberry, Secretary

Doug WaltersButch TolbertRay Patron

Dr. Anthony NelsonMatthew Cameron

The Downtown Monroe Alliance invites you to come celebrate thisholiday and Christmas season with a month full of exciting festivitiesin downtown Monroe. We encourage you and your family to exploreand enjoy everything our community has to offer. We have many ac-tivities and events planned that you’re sure to love. Spending time withthe people you love is an important part of the holidays. This is whywe strive to make activities and events family-friendly.

Don’t forget to add the Downtown RiverMarket, presented by Commu-nity Trust Bank, to your list of go-to places for all of your holiday shop-ping. The RiverMarket is a great place to shop for unique gifts. Bringyour family and friends out Saturday, December 14 for CommanderChristmas. The RiverMarket will host Commander Christmas with aStars of Duck Dynasty Look- A-Like Contest and the Duck CommanderDuck Derby as feature entertainment for daytime festivities. There willbe a laser show, flotilla, and concert alongside the scenic OuachitaRiver to round out a lineup of exhilarating night time activities. Wehope you join us during this event-filled night to enjoy all the new andold traditions we have planned.

The Downtown Monroe Alliance works to revitalize the downtownarea and assist the Downtown Economic Development District Boardwith its development goals. Our goal is to stimulate developmentthroughout the downtown by providing locals with fun and entertain-ing events and attractions. We have proudly hosted the DowntownRiver Jam, The Downtown Duel: Dueling Pianos, Cochon de Lait,Virtual Tours, Downtown Christmas Market, Downtown Christmas Tour,and Business After Hours. We have completed several beautificationprojects, including Bry Park, Anna GrayNoe Park, and Art Alley. We also workto provide retailers with promotional op-portunities in downtown Monroe in aneffort to stimulate local commerce. Sev-eral companies have recently relocatedto the downtown area, and we lookforward to welcoming many more.

Friends of the RiverMarket work to as-sist with marketing of the RiverMarket,

aid in the development of educational workshops, assist in securingentertainment, and lead efforts in fundraising for the enhancement ofthe market. It’s with the leadership of this committee that CommanderChristmas is coming to the community. Commander Christmas willbenefit the Food Bank of NELA, which helps countless people in ourcommunity by providing food to those in need.

Join us as we celebrate Christmas on the River in our community. Wewish you a HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY Christmas season!

Downtown Monroe AllianceKathy Czeschin, PresidentDenise Smith, Vice-PresidentSecretary, Debbie RainwaterTreasurer, Byron AveryCole McEacharn, Director of Downtown River JamChristie Messinger, Director of Friends of the RiverMarketMyra Gatling-Akers, Program Director

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CommanderChristmas.com

Tis The Season To BeHappy Happy Happy!

The Downtown RiverMarket will kick off the Christmas seasonwith a day of entertainment and fun on December 7, allleading up to The Downtown Monroe Alliance and Commu-nity Trust Bank’s a VERY MERRY COMMANDER CHRISTMASFEATURING THE STARS OF DUCK DYNASTY on December 14,2013.

On December 7, the RiverMarket will be open from 10:00a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 88.7 The Cross Radio Station will presentFamily Christmas entertainment featuring LA Legecy Jazz Bandfeaturing Lisa Lee Phifer, Naomi Holder and more. You canhave lunch with Santa at 11:00 a.m. Children are invited tocome meet, eat, and greet with jolly St. Nick. The ChristmasPet Parade will begin at 1:00 p.m. Bring your pets dressed incheery Christmas gear and join in on the fun! The RiverMar-ket will host a variety of vendors that day, serving up deli-cious eats such as funnel cakes, burgers, fish, cajun sausage,

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Downtown RivermarketPresents

red beans and rice, chili dogs,chicken on a stick, and other greatfoods. And be sure to add theRiverMarket on your list of go-toplaces for that perfect Christmasgift! There will be unique craftslike handmade holiday décor, facepainting, and a spacewalk activityfor the children.

On December 14, a day of HappyHappy Happy Christmas events will begin with a live, acousticperformance by musical sensation Tony Pasko at 10:00 a.m.

from Tejal Patel

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For more than 25 years, Tony’s performing background andknowledge of musical products, sounds, and styles has set himapart and given him the opportunity to work and perform withsome of the greatest musicians in the industry. Tony currentlywrites music for hit T.V. shows on A&E, Spike TV, & Syfy. Hismusic is featured on A&E’s No.1 rated TV show Duck Dynasty,Season 2. Following Pasko’s performance will be a live showby Avery Michaels and the Exit 209 Band. While incorporat-ing an underlying tone of 80’s country and still keeping thestyle current, Avery Michaels and Exit 209 are real showmen.They will have a special Duck Dynasty tribute, “That’s A FactJack”, will be performed. The talented students from the MissyCrain Dance Studio will also be making an appearance at11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m, performing a special Duck Dynastyensemble to “Sharp Dressed Man”.

88.7 The Cross will present Kids Christmas Caroling. CommanderChristmas attendees will be seeing double at the Stars of DuckDynasty Look-A-Like contest at 2:00 p.m. Community TrustBank will present the Duck Commander Duck Derby and it willbegin at 3:30 p.m. near the Endom Bridge, where thousandsof rubber ducks will be released to float freely past the marketarea. To get competitors in the spirit of the race, Charles Mar-tindale will provide “Music on a Duck Call”. This unique andtalented entertainer will be playing the sounds and songs ofthe race, to be enjoyed by all that are cheering on the ducksand enjoying the beautiful riverside. Ducks can be purchasedat any Community Trust Bank location, the Northeast Louisiana

Food Bank, or at www.CommanderChristmas.com

The Flotilla line up will start at 4:30 p.m. at Forsythe Park, andthe parade will begin at 5:30 p.m., making its way to TheDowntown RiverMarket. Floats will be covered in twinklinglights, featuring different themes and characters for the audi-ence’s enjoyment. The Flotilla will be followed by a Laser Lightshow by Daystar International. The exciting, 30-minute laserevent will feature a colorful array of beams, upbeat music, highgraphic video art, and attention grabbing sound effects. Thelight show will lead into a live musical performance by the TreyHawkins Band.

Thanks to our RiverMarket Sponsors:

The Commander Christmas crowd will see double at the CommunityTrust Bank and Downtown Monroe Alliance sponsored Stars of DuckDynasty Look-A-Like Contest on Saturday, December 14, 2013. Thisevent takes place at 2:00 p.m. on the center stage at theDowntown RiverMarket.

Grow out your beards, grab your camouflage, and getHappy, Happy, Happy. Participants can dress up likeUncle Si, Jase, Mrs. Kay, or any of their other favoritecast members to compete for the prize. Duck Dynasty’sSadie and John Luke Robertson will judge the contest.Winners will be chosen from all age groups. Prizeswill come from the Robertson’s official Duck Com-mander store.

Entering is easy! Just make a donation, or bringsome canned goods to the Food Bank of NELA.The Northeast Louisiana Food Bank works to aid a12-parish community of 39,000 with 42% of thosehelped being children. Official entry forms for the

look-a-like contest can be found at www.CommanderChristmas.com orat the RiverMarket on the day of the event. For more information call318-329-4947.

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Stars of DuckDynasty Look-A-Like Contest

Thanks to our Commodore Sponsors:

Presents

from Tejal Patel

Thousands of rubber ducks will hit theOuachita River during the Duck Com-mander Duck Derby presented byCommunity Trust Bank. The fun begins at3:30 p.m. near Endom Bridge on Satur-day, December 14, 2013. The ducks willfloat freely to the end of the DowntownRiverMarket, where the winners will beannounced and prizes will be awarded.The first place winner will receive a tourof the Duck Commander facility, whilethe second place winner gets to meetwith Luke Bryan.

Those wishing to participate in thisevent can enter by adopting a duck atany Community Trust Bank location andreceive an 8x10 photo of the Stars ofDuck Dynasty, or at the Food Bank forNortheast Louisiana office on CentralAvenue in Monroe, La. The goal is tosell and release 30,000 ducks. Moneyraised from duck purchases will benefit the Northeast Louisiana FoodBank this Christmas season.

Single ducks will be sold for $5. The Quacker package, which in-cludes six ducks will be $25, while the Big Quacker package contain-ing 100 ducks will be $400.

Duck Derby will be a great opportunity for families to participatein Christmas activities for a great cause. For additional informationregarding this or other Commander Christmas events, please visitwww.CommanderChristmas.com or contact Belinda Carver at318-322-3567 Ext. 307.

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The Duck Commander DuckDerby

Thanks to our Captain Sponsors:

Presents

from Tejal Patel

After a day of fun filled events, Commander Christmas will bring backan old family tradition, kicking off its finale at 5:30 p.m. with A Nighton the River Christmas Flotilla. The Flotilla begins at Forsythe Parkand will make its way to the Downtown River Market, where it willopen the Laser Light Show. The stars of Duck Dynasty will serve as thegrand marshals from their Universal Music Group Nashville spon-sored float. Set designers are already busy designing the spectacularStars of Duck Dynasty boat to make a grand entrance at the flotilla!

Our judges and you will determine a winner for the best decoratedfloat. You can vote at the

Downtown Monroe Alliance’s Facebook page. Prizes include $1,000for first place, $500 for second and $250 for third place. The brightand colorful decorations will surely be a sight! Floats will be coveredin twinkling lights, featuring different themes and characters for theaudience’s enjoyment. Entry fee is $25 and will benefit the FoodBank of NELA.

Music from the Robertson’s album “Duck the Halls: A Robertson Fam-ily Christmas” will play during the flotilla. The holiday album featuresthe voices of our very own Stars of Duck Dynasty and special guests

like George Strait, Alison Krauss, Luke Bryan andJosh Turner. The album can be purchased at theRiverMarket on Saturday, December 14 during theCommander Christmas events.

A Night on the River Christmas Flotilla will sailright into a colorful Laser Light show by DaystarLasers International. Daystar Lasers Internationalis an award-winning, full service laser productioncompany that has put on magnificent light showsenjoyed and remembered worldwide. The exciting25-minute laser event will feature a colorful arrayof beams, upbeat music, high graphic video art,and attention grabbing sound effects. The Com-munity Trust Bank sponsored presentation beginsimmediately following the flotilla and can be seenfrom both sides of the Ouachita River.

For Flotilla entry forms and information regardingthe laser light show, please visit www.Command-erChristmas.com. For questions about the Flotilla,contact Ernest Finch at 318-516-3585. For moreinformation about “Duck the Halls: A RobertsonFamily Christmas,” please visit www.Duckthe-Halls.com.

float. You can vote at the like George Strait, Alison Krauss, Luke Bryan andJosh Turner. The album can be purchased at theRiverMarket on Saturday, December 14 during theCommander Christmas events.

A Night on the River Christmas Flotillaright into a colorful Laser Light show byLasers International.is an award-winning, full service laser productioncompany that has put on magnificent light showsenjoyed and remembered worldwide. The exciting25-minute laser event will feature a colorful arrayof beams, upbeat music, high graphic video art,and attention grabbing sound effects. The Com-

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ANight on the RiverChristmas F lotilla and Laser Light Show

Presents

from Tejal Patel

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Community Trust Bank and the Downtown Monroe Alliance aresponsoring a live performance by the Trey Hawkins Band followingthe Laser Light show. The Trey Hawkins Band is one of the hottest andmost recognized groups in the world of up and coming musicians.Trey Hawkins, along with guitarists Aaron Murphy and AndrewBreedlove, drummer Jonathan Breedlove, and bassist Mark Bolin,are sure to be a crowd pleaser with their heart wrenching hits aboutbreakups, love, pain, growing old and growing up, and living in thesouth. Performing a unique mix of blues, soul, and grassroots country,the Trey Hawkins Band will present an interesting and new take ongreat, southern music. The Downtown Monroe Alliance and Com-munity Trust Bank hopes to make this an exciting and memorableexperience for all who attend. For information regarding this or anyother A Very Merry Commander Christmas event, please visit www.CommanderChristmas.com or call 318-329-4947.

Trey Hawkins BandConcert

Thanks to our Commander Sponsors:


Thanks to our Lieutenant Sponsors:

Presents

from Tejal Patel

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1101 Hudson Ln. 1-C | Monroe, LA | 318.325.2363

1221 Farmerville Hwy | Ruston, LA | 318.251.1272

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Christmas dinner at mom’s house. All the family that can make it is there and mostof the time is spent reminiscing. – Byron Avery

When I was a child, my family & I would go to my grandmother’s pasture &pick out a Christmas tree…she would keep a lookout all year long for trees withgood potential. After my family & I made our selection, we would cut it down,take it home and decorate it. We lived in the country, and sometimes our treeselection would have rivaled Charlie Brown’s tree ,minus a branch or two, butwe had such fun & were so excited to pick out our tree straight from the woodsin “mamaw’s pasture”. – Cindy McKinney

Sitting before the Christmas meal telling how God has blessed me in the pastyear and then praying over the meal. – L Konrad

When I was a child “many years ago” our church would buy oranges, apples,and the netted boot Christmas stocking and they would give them out to all of thekids in church and the community. We would go sing carols to the neighbors andit would be so cold!. As an adult I just love getting together with my 5 siblingsand their families with eating, playing games and watching the children opentheir gifts and the adult play Chinese Christmas! – Linda O’Neal

After Christmas Eve service, my and my wife’s families gather for dinner at oneof our houses. – Matt West

The quiet time on Christmas morning, before the house awakens to presents, ex-citement and celebration...the time I give thanks to God for sending His Son Jesusto us, and silently sing happy birthday to my Savior. – Pollyanna Burt-Elton

Picking a name off of the Salvation Army Christmas tree! It’s the season for shar-ing and giving and I appreciate the opportunity to help others! – Heather MorrisMoore

The arrival of the camels and wise men at First Christian Church. – Mark Sand-ers

Singing Christmas carols with family and friends... at church or at home. –Woods Watson

The fireworks “spectacle” at my mom’s house when the Janes Gang gets togetheris one of my favorites. It’s all about family time for us. The prayer before we eat,when more than 50 of us hold hands and remember those we’ve lost throughoutthe year, those we’ve added and give thanks to our soldiers at home and awayfrom us. And my uncle ALWAYS says in Jesus name we pray. – Kristi Kirkham

Decorating the tree with my daughter and her husband. I try to acquire a newand unique ornament every year. When we get them out, we always associatethem with the memories we got them with.... like the glass pears from a chande-lier that someone had thrown away, or the small carved gourd from the museumin Norman, OK, or the unicorn ornament my sister sent to my daughter yearsago, or the dumb Oscar Weinermobile we’ve had since Mabry was 6. No themeto our tree, just good memories. – Sunny Meriwether

Going with a group to the nursing homes singing Christmas carols to all thefolks. – Travis Whitehead

rustico

‘Tis the season for shopping

clothing & accessories607 North 5th Monroe, LA 71201 318.325.9888

TRADITIONSChristmas Traditions

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W� "#�a$Yo%&"#oth�s 'otYo%&Wa##�t(((

1214 N 18th St.230 Old Bastrop Rd.

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3010 Cypress St.Monroe West Monroe

Pat Thomas318. 410. 1712

For positive, exciting things in our community, visitfacebook.com/loveyourcommunitynela

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Celebrity chef and judge of Food Network’s Chopped, Maneet Chauhan, has selected two recipes submitted by Mark Sanders to be includedin a collection of Thanksgiving recipes. Divided by regions and traditions, Sanders’ Oyster Dressing and Roasted Sweet Potatoes with RosemaryPecans will be featured as part of Southern favorites and Autumn-inspired dishes.


RECIPESfrom Mark Sanders

Recipes for the Christmas Holiday

Oyster Dressing

6 slices bacon, cut into a small pieces1/2 cup butter1 cup celery, chopped1 small bell pepper, diced1 medium onion, diced3 cloves garlic, minced1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper6 cups crumbled cornbread6 cups day-old French bread, cubed4-6 green onions, chopped1 pint oysters, cut in half and drained2 to 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)5 large eggs1 teaspoon kosher salt1 teaspoon fresh black pepperTabasco, to taste

Preheat the oven to 350°. In a large skillet,cook the bacon over moderate heat until crisp,about 5 minutes. Add the butter and let melt,then add the celery, green pepper, onion,minced garlic and red pepper and cook untilsoftened, 7- 8 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine cornbread andFrench bread cubes. Add bacon andvegetable mixture, along with oysters. Stirto combine. Add chicken broth to moisten(start with two cups, then gradually add moreuntil bread mixture is moistened. In a smallbowl, lightly whisk eggs with salt, pepperand Tabasco. Stir into bread & oyster mixture.Pour the dressing into a well buttered 9 x 13casserole. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, stirringoccasionally. Serve hot with turkey or withroasted pork loin.

Roasted Sweet Potatoeswith Rosemary Pecans

2 to 3 pounds Louisiana sweet potatoes,peeled and cubed (1” cubes)

Olive oil cooking spray2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil1 teaspoon kosher salt1 teaspoon black pepper1 cup pecan halves1 Tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely minced2 Tablespoons brown sugar4 Tablespoons melted butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Using oliveoil cooking spray, grease a shallow roast-ing pan (you can line it with aluminum foilto help with clean-up). Combine cubedsweet potatoes with olive oil, kosher salt andpepper. Bake for 30 minutes. Meanwhile,combine pecan halves, rosemary, brownsugar and melted butter. Add pecan mixtureto the sweet potatoes and toss to combine.Bake an additional 15 minutes, until sweetpotatoes are lightly browned and tender andpecans are toasted.

Hashbrown Casserole

1 (2pound) package frozen hash brownpotatoes, thawed

! cup butter 1 small onion, diced! red bell pepper, diced1 clove garlic, minced1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed

cream of celery soup1 (8 ounce) container sour cream1 ! cups shredded Cheddar" cup shredded Pepper Jack1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon ground black pepper# teaspoon cayenne Additional# cup finely chopped Italian parsley4 oz. cheese or 1 cup breadcrumbs(with 4 Tbsp melted butter) to top, if desired

Cooking InstructionsPreheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large,deep skillet, melt butter. Sauté onions,pepper and garlic until softened, but notbrowned. Add soup, sour cream, salt andpepper. Remove from heat. Add thawedhashbrowns and cheeses. Pour into a lightlygreased 8 x 12 casserole. Bake coveredfor 30 minutes. Remove cover. You canadd additional cheese, paprika and/orbreadcrumbs. Bake uncovered an additional10-15 minutes. Allow to rest 10 minutes. Topwith finely chopped parsley before serving.

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December 1-December 22 – Santa’s Christmas Village at the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum

For more info 318-361-9611 or www.nelcm.org

December 1-December 31 – Dancing Lights in Downtown Monroe

For more info 800-843-1872 Check map at www.monroe-westmonroe.org

December 5 – Downtown Gallery Crawl, 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., Info 318-387-5691, www.downtowngallerycrawl.com

December 5 – Christmas Tree School Art Project Ceremony, 100 Desiard Street, 7:00 p.m. For more info 318-387-5691.

December 7 – Enjoy shopping at the Downtown RiverMarket, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., www. DowntownRiverMarket.com

December 7 – Puppet Show at the Downtown RiverMarket, 10:00 a.m., For more info 318-329-4947

www.DowntownRiverMarket.com

December 7 – Lunch with Santa at the Downtown RiverMarket, 11:00 a.m., For more info 318-329-4947


December 7 – Christmas Pet Parade at the Downtown RiverMarket, 1:00 p.m., www.DowntownRiverMarket.com

December 7 – Bold Fierce Fire (Christian Rap Group) at the Downtown RiverMarket, For more info 318-329-4947


December 7 – City of Monroe Christmas Lighting Ceremony at Monroe Civic Center Plaza, 6:00 p.m.

December 7 – Watch the Monroe Renaissance Fireworks Extravaganza Sponsored by Ouachita Independent Bank

in Downtown Monroe, 7:00 p.m., For more info 800-843-1872.

December 7 – Kiwanis Club of West Monroe Christmas Parade sponsored by Ouachita Independent Bank.

December 7 – Up On the Rooftop Party at Vantage ONB Tower Parking Garage presented by Monroe Renaissance,

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. For more info 318-324-0001.

December 7 – Twin City Ballet Christmas Gala at W.L. “Jack” Howard Theatre at the Monroe Civic Center,

7: 00 p.m., For more info 318-388-3011.

December 7 – 88.7 The Cross Presents LA Legacy Jazz Band, featuring Lisa Lee Phifer, Naomi Holder & More, 11:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Downtown RiverMarket, www.DowntownRiverMarket.com

December 14 – 88.7 The Cross Kid’s Christmas Caroling, Downtown RiverMarket, 11:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.,


December 14 – Enjoy shopping at the Downtown RiverMarket, 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., www.DowntownRiverMarket.com

December 14 – Tony Pasko plays music of Duck Dynasty Show at the Downtown RiverMarket 10:00 a.m.



DOWNTOWNLet’s GoDowntown for ChristmasDECEMBER EVENTS

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December 14 – Avery Michaels plays his song about the Robertson Family at the Downtown RiverMarket

12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., www.DowntownRiverMarket.com

December 14 – Missy Crain Dancers at the Downtown RiverMarket, 3:00 p.m. www.DowntownRiverMarket.com

December 14 – Charles Martindale plays Music on a Duck Call, 3:30 p.m., www.DowntownRiverMarket.com

December 14 – Stars of Duck Dynasty Look-Like Contest to Benefit the Food Bank of NELA Commander Christmas presented by

Community Trust Bank and the Downtown Monroe Alliance, 2:00 p.m. at the Downtown RiverMarket,

For more info 318-329-4947, www.CommanderChristmas.com

December 14 – Duck Commander Duck Derby to Benefit the Food Bank Of NELA Commander Christmas presented by Community Trust Bank

and the Downtown Monroe Alliance, 3:30 p.m., For more info 318-329-4947, www.CommanderChristmas.com

December 14 – A Night on the River with the Stars of Duck Dynasty Christmas Flotilla, 5:30 p.m., Commander Christmas presented by

Community Trust Bank and the Downtown Monroe Alliance, For more info 318-329-4947, www.CommanderChristmas.com

December 14 – Commander Christmas Laser Show Presented by Community Trust Bank and the Downtown Monroe Alliance, Immediately

following the flotilla, For more info 318-329-4947, www.CommanderChristmas.com

December 14 – Trey Hawkins Band Concert Presented by Community Trust Bank and the Downtown Monroe Alliance, For more

info 318-329-4947, www.CommanderChristmas.com

December 15 – Monroe Symphony Orchestra at the Monroe Civic Center, 3:00 p.m., Info 318-812-6761,

http://www.monroesymphonyorchestra.com/

December 17 – Louisiana Delta Ballet presents the “Little Match Girl” at the Monroe Civic Center, Time: 7:30 p.m., For more

info 318-329-2225, http://www.louisianadeltaballet.com/performances

December 30 – Children’s Winter Workshop at the Masur Museum, For more info 318-329-2237, http://www.masurmuseum.org/index.php

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1. Take a cue from Mother Nature. Decorate with the colors of theseason - from evergreens to dark green clusters of magnolia leaves,seasonal colors are an easy anchor for the holiday table.

2. Create place cards from pinecones and Christmas greens. Spraysmall cones with silver or gold spray paint. Embellish them with metal-lic beads and sprigs of cedar or boxwood. Tuck in a flag of colorfulpaper with the name of each guest.

3. Add clusters of magnolia leaves and evergreens across the top ofarmoires, tall bookcases and mantels. For added interest, tuck clustersof Christmas lights under and behind greenery to add a soft glow with-out looking like a plain string of lights.

4. Mix up the mantel. Use traditional items combined with new ideasto create a custom look. Frame pictures from Christmas-past to addinterest, along with a mix of Christmas stockings -- Much more uniquethan having four or five matching stockings in a row. If you alreadyhave matching stockings, try stitching or hot-gluing unique ornaments tothe top corner of each stocking.

5. Any evergreen or hardy foliage as a quick, inexpensive filler -nandina, magnolia, cedar, pine, eucalyptus or boxwood will withstandseveral days without being in water.

6. Combing various shapes and textures of plates will create a uniqueplace setting. Try using a wooden charger with a traditional white orivory dinner plate topped with a salad or dessert plate in a fall color.

7. Seasonal salad or dessert plates with a holiday pattern are oftenan inexpensive way to add a pop of color to your traditional placesetting.

8. Check out the produce section of the grocery store for inspiringideas. Use fresh artichokes, bunches of red chard or kale, red apples,oranges or pineapples make for interesting components of a center-piece -- and they can be used after your party.

9. Don’t be afraid of adding or mixing texture. A white tableclothcan take on a rustic, warm feel with the addition of a natural wovenrunner or a natural grass placemat.

10. If you do not have a runner, try using extra wide wired ribbonin a complimentary color to run the length of the table. Top the rib-bon with chargers and place settings and let the ribbon taper off atthe ends of the table.

11. The addition of gold or copper pieces with the natural elementslike pinecones and greenery add a little bit of glitz to dress up arustic table.

12. Use magnolia leaves with a gold paint pen to create beautifulgift tags.

13. Fill small cellophane bags with toasted pecans and tie with apretty fall ribbon. Tie on a tag with your favorite recipe for toastedpecans for a favor for your guests.

14. Not enough room for a large centerpiece on your table? Tryusing a hanging cornucopia from your chandelier to add height andprovide extra room. Let branches weave through the chandelier anduse a flowing element such as ivy to drape down from the cornuco-pia.

15. Add a burst of color to other areas. A cluster of greenery, redroses and berries, along with a seasonal candle are easy additionsto your guest bathroom.

16. Add candles are burning sticks to planters at your front entry-- the smell of the holidays will greet your guests before entering yourhome.

17. Too many leftovers and too few people? Stock up on dispos-able zip-type bags, boxes orChinese take-out boxes to sendyour guests home with extradessert or enough turkey for atraditional left-over sandwich.

18. Add silver or mercuryglass candlesticks to add areflective element to your table,buffet or to your mantel.

19. Fill clear glass cylindervases, apothecary jars andcanisters with “antique” styleglass ornaments.

HOLIDAYTips for the Holiday Homefrom Mark Sanders

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20. Use fresh garlands of evergreen to drape your outside entries.The fragrance will last through the season. Wire clusters of magnolialeaves into traditional garland to add depth and texture.

21. Simple white votive candles in oversized cylinder vases add awarm glow to your tablescape or mantel. Using a cylinder vase as avotive holder provides a “hurricane globe” and prevents greenery fromtouching the flame.

22. Subtle touches can make a big difference. Tuck a sprig of hollyinto a traditional silver napkin ring with a crisp, white napkin. Addminiature poinsettias to the base of your indoor plants like a ficus orpalm, to add an “underplanting” look. Tiny vases with miniature roses,Star of Bethlehem or Bells of Ireland can be tucked into greenery on anentry table or mantel. Use shadow box style frames to add a new lifeto old family ornaments.

23. Add fresh garland around the arms of a chandelier. If your light-ing has a chain, tie a loose, flowing bow at the ceiling and allow thetails of the ribbon to fall down around the chain.

24. For extra “wow factor,” visit your favorite home improvement storeand purchase enough mirror tile to cover the top of your table. Set yourplatters, candles and greenery directly on the mirrors. The reflectionand glimmer adds a glamorous look to your tablescape.

25. Use what you love! If sea shells are your thing, use them - spraywith gold, silver or copper spray paint, then add a hint of spray glit-ter. If a more natural look is more your style, use natural elements likewood, greenery, pheasant feathers and fresh berries.

26. Gifts can be a fun way to add color or show your style - Try solidpapers with brightly colored ribbons, or go monochromatic with gold

paper and gold ribbon, or white paper with a shimmery white rib-bon.

27. Try hanging a collection of like-colored ornaments in varyinglengths from your dining room chandelier. Use a simple gold threador a very thin ribbon to avoid taking away from the ornaments.

28. Use small chalkboards with each guest’s name tied to the backof each chair with a wide ribbon that matches your table décor.

29. Think outside the box! Christmas does not have to mean redand green. Use what works best with your home décor! Chocolatebrown, turquoise, coppers and gold are huge this year. Chooseitems that fit best with each room’s main colors and styles.

30. Add height to your centerpiece by uplifting arrangements orornaments on stacked cake pedestals. Crystal, pewter, silver orporcelain cake stands can add interest without taking up too much“real estate” on the table.

31. When all else fails, keep it simple. Sometimes understated isbest.

32. If you’re hosting a party remember these few tricks: Food,Ambiance, Lighting, Music and Mood! Do not take on more thanyou can handle -- your mood is going to show. Pick food that canbe done ahead of time, set the ambiance through your decorations,light your rooms to best display your tree(s) and decorations (do notuse the brightest lights in your house!) and play your favorite Christ-mas music softly in the background. Enjoy your party, love yourfamily, make your guests feel at home and don’t stress!

October 2013 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 7October 2013 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 7October 2013 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 7October 2013 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 7

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December 5 – Downtown Gallery Crawl, 5-9 p.m., DowntownMonroe and West Monroe,www.downtowngallerycrawl.com

December 5 – Christmas Tree School Art Project Ceremony,7:00 p.m., Downtown Monroe, 100 DeSiard Street,318-387-5691.

December 5-7, 12-15 – “Scrooge” presented by FamilyChurch, 7:00 p.m., www.familychurch.org

December 6-30 – Christmas at the Biedenharn,10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., www.bmuseum.org

December 6-7, 13-14 – Strauss Theatre presents: “Elves”, Friday7:30 p.m., Saturday 2:00 p.m., (318) 323-6681,http://www.strausstheatrecenter.com/

December 7-8 –32nd Annual Journey to Bethlehem,Open 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.,www.pecanlandmall.com

December 7 – Christmas at the RiverMarket,www.downtownrivermarket.com

December 7 – Bah Humbug 5K Run, Race begins at 9:00 a.m.,Antique Alley, www.ovrrc.com

December 7 – Chancie Neal Concert, 5:30-6:30 p.m.,Antique Alley, www.antiquealleyshops.org

December 7 – Christmas Pet Parade at Downtown RiverMarket,www.downtownrivermarket.com

December 7 – Lunch with Santa at Downtown RiverMarket,www.downtownrivermarket.com

December 7 – 7th Annual Bawcomville Redneck Parade,10:00 a.m., Downtown Bawcomville, 318-388-5858

December 7 – Kids Alley, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., 800-843-1872,www.christmasontheriver.org

December 7 – Kiwanis Club of West Monroe Christmas Paradesponsored by Ouachita Independent Bank, 3:00 p.m.

December 7 – Monroe Renaissance Fireworks ExtravaganzaSponsored by Ouachita Independent Bank,7:00 p.m., Downtown Monroe

December 7 – Monroe Renaissance present the Up on the RooftopParty, 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., 318-324-0001.

December 7 – Twin City Ballet Christmas Gala, 7:00 p.m., W.L.“Jack” Howard Theatre at the Monroe Civic Center,www.twincityballet.org

COMMUNITYChristmas Community Events

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esponding to the spirit of God inour lives, we reach out in reverence andcompassionate service to every personthrough our healing ministry.

St. Francis wishes to extend a lovingtouch, and wish you and your lovedones a joyous Christmas and ahealthy new year.

December 12-14 –Holiday Evenings at the Biedenharn, Thursday &Friday: 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.;Saturday: 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.,(318) 387-5281, www.bmuseum.org

December 13 – Downtown Outdoor Movie sponsored by SouthernLady, 5:30 p.m., Antique Alley,www.antiquealleyshops.org

December 14 – 88.7 The Cross presents Kid’s Carolingat the Downtown RiverMarket

December 14 – Old Fashioned Christmas, 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.,Antique Alley, 800-843-1872,www.christmasontheriver.org

December 14 – Antique Car Cruise & Show, 12:30 p.m., AntiqueAlley, (318) 465-5838, www.christmasontheriver.org

December 14 – Community Trust Bank Presents A Very MerryCommander Christmas from the DowntownRiverMarket, RiverMarket opens at: 10:00 a.m.;Look-a-Like contest: 2:00 p.m.; Duck CommanderDerby: 3:30 p.m.; Flotilla: 6:30-7:30 p.m.;Laser Light Show: 7:30 p.m.; Trey Hawkins Band:9:00-11:00 p.m., RiverMarket, 318-807-9985,www.CommanderChristmas.com

December 15 – Monroe Symphony Orchestra, 3:00 p.m.http://www.ci.monroe.la.us/monroe-civic-center.php,http://www.monroesymphonyorchestra.com/

December 17 – A Celtic Christmas, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.,Hamilton House, www.hamiltonhouseinn.com

December 17-20 – Louisiana Delta Ballet presents “The LittleMatch Girl”, 7:30 p.m., Cost: $20, (318) 329-2225,http://www.louisianadeltaballet.com/performances

December 19 – Strauss Theatre presents: Holiday Open House,5:00-8:00 p.m., Strauss Theatre Center,http://www.strausstheatrecenter.com/

December 19-22 –The Grinch That Couldn’t Stop Christmas, 7:00 p.m.and 2:00 p.m., The Assembly West Monroe, 715Cypress Street, (318) 387-1500,http://firstassemblywm.org/

December 30 – Children’s Winter Workshop, Ages 5-8: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.; Ages 9-12: 2:00-5:00 pm,Masur Museum of Art,http://www.masurmuseum.org/index.php

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Commander Christmas Community Event Guide

Documents

Transcript of Commander Christmas Community Event Guide