Happy Monday, Central Louisiana!
We’re now in the second week of September, and with it comes even more great events spread out across the Cenla area!
Now scroll down and enjoy the week ahead!
In today’s edition:
Cenla History Spotlight
Restaurant of the Week: Big J’s Homestyle Kitchen
Multiple Events
Community Photo Board
— The Know Cenla Team
Cenla Digest
History Spotlight: A&W Railway
Source: Wikipedia
In September of 1909, Cenla’s landscape shifted when the Alexandria & Western Railway was officially chartered. Though it stretched less than five miles—from Alexandria to Gardner—this short line carried more than timber. It carried ambition.
For a time, the line helped fuel the growth of nearby sawmill communities like Ball and Tioga, places whose stories are still tied to Cenla’s lumber boom. By the 1920s, the railway had vanished, but September remains the month when its journey began.
Curious how a five-mile stretch of track left a lasting mark on Cenla towns?
Restaurant of the Week: Big J’s Homestyle Kitchen
Source: Big J’s Homestyle Kitchen’s Facebook Page
Big J’s Homestyle Kitchen: Boyce’s New Spot for Real Southern Flavor
Looking for a place that feels genuine, local, and full of flavor? Big J’s Homestyle Kitchen in Boyce is quickly becoming a must-try.
Here’s why it stands out:
Family recipes with years of care: With over 12 years of experience behind the menu, Big J’s brings classics like fried chicken, catfish, and homestyle sides to life with no shortcuts.
Southern staples you’ll crave: Burgers, chicken-fried steak, and plates piled high with favorites that locals say taste just like they should. And don’t skip dessert—their pies sell out fast.
Quick service with a neighborly feel: Whether you’re eating in or picking up, the team keeps things moving while still making you feel welcome.
Community-rooted ownership: Opened in May by John Sills and Patricia Brewer, Big J’s is built on a love for cooking and for Boyce. Their goal? To make every plate feel like it belongs at your table.
Tip: Ask about their daily specials—some say they’re some of the best deals in town.
Where: 10080 LA-28, Boyce, LA, 71409
Find out more: Check their menu and hours →
Cenla Events
Here are some notable events happening around Cenla this week, sorted by parish:
Rapides Parish:
LifeShare Blood Center Blood Drive | 10AM-2PM, Sep 8 (More Info)
Location: 809 Tioga High School Road, Ball, LA 71405
Description: Give the gift of life, donate blood! Stop by the Robertson Branch on Monday, September 8 at 10:00am-2:00pm to donate blood. This program is in partnership with LifeShare Blood Center.
Bingo at Hineston | 10AM-11AM, Sep 9 (More Info)
Location: 1810 Hwy 121, Hineston, LA 71438
Description: Gather your friends and join us for a lively round of Bingo filled with fun, laughter, and great company! Bring your lucky charm and see if you’ll be our next lucky winner!
LifeShare Blood Center Blood Drive | 10AM-3PM, Sep 9 (More Info)
Location: 1075 Hwy 497, Glenmora, LA 71433
Description: Give the gift of life, donate blood! Stop by the McDonald Branch on Tuesday, September 9 at 10:00am-3:00pm to donate blood. This program is in partnership with LifeShare Blood Center.
Light of Mine Playhouse Cafe Story Hour | 10AM-11AM, Sep 9 (More Info)
Location: Light of Mine Playhouse Cafe
Description: Contact the Light of Mine Playhouse Cafe for more info at (318) 704-1110.
An Author’s Journey: Passion, Perseverance, Partnership | 3PM-4PM, Sep 9 (More Info)
Location: 5416 Provine Place, Alexandria, LA 71303
Description: Join us at Westside Regional Library for an inspiring event as author Mary Vinson shares the incredible true story of how determination and passion helped her achieve her dreams. Together with her friend, tutor, and editor, Linda Dalrymple, Mary will reflect on the unique journey that brought them together—and the powerful outcome of their collaboration. Mary will also discuss her heartfelt children’s book, “Born Without a Name”.
Lousiana Orphan Trains: The Untold Stories | 4PM-6:30PM, Sep 9 (More Info)
Location: 411 Washington Street, Alexandria, LA 71301
Description: Join us for a powerful and moving presentation on the Louisiana Orphan Trains, a little-known chapter in American and Louisiana history. Guest speaker Martha Aubert from the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum will share the stories of the children who journeyed from the streets of New York to new lives in Louisiana. Discover the experiences of the orphans, the families who took them in, and the cultural impact that continues to shape communities today. This program is a unique opportunity to learn about the human stories behind this historical movement and explore genealogical connections to Central Louisiana. Presented by Martha Aubert of the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum and Co-sponsored by the Alexandria Historical and Genealogical Library and Museum.
Reception at the Alexandria Historical and Genealogical Library and Museum will precede the presentation at the Main Library. Light refreshments will be served.
Reception 4:00 pm to 5:15 pm Presentation 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
CASA Volunteer Training | 5PM-8:30PM, Sep 9 (More Info)
Location: 1751 Jackson Street, Alexandria, LA 71301
Description: Ready to make a difference? Our next CASA Volunteer Training kicks off September 9th – October 14th , with sessions held on Tuesday evenings from 5:00–8:30 pm. Become a voice for children in foster care and help change a child’s story. For more information, contact us at [email protected]
AMoA: Creative Roundtable | 5:30PM-7PM, Sep 9 (More Info)
Location: Alexandria Museum of Art
Description: Are you an artist or creative in Central Louisiana? Are you looking for a place to come and talk to other creatives? Join us for the Creative Round Table!
Being an artist can be isolating, but we can lift each other up! Do you want to learn about grants and artist calls? Talk about process? Maybe you want to learn how other artists market their art or ship their art? Well, come on! Let’s talk about it!
FREE and open to the public.
AMoA: Yoga in the Gallery | 5:45PM-7PM, Sep 9 (More Info)
Location: Alexandria Museum of Art
Description: Free Yoga at the Alexandria Museum of Art - Every Tuesday from 5:45pm-7pm.
Spanish Storytime at the Glenmora Library | 10AM-11AM, Sep 11Â (More Info)
Location: 1075 Hwy 497, Glenmora, LA 71433
Description: Bienvenido! Join us as we have storytime in Spanish! The story will also be read in English as well.
Spirits Sunset Club with Live Music on the Patio | 6PM-9PM, Sep 11Â (More Info)
Location: Spirits Food & Friends
Description: Join us on Thursdays on the patio at Spirits Food and Friends for great live music, great food, great friends, and hopefully, great weather!
Cross Branded Cowboy Church Rodeo | 7PM-8PM, Sep 12Â (More Info)
Location: 6906 Highway 28 East, Pineville, LA 71360
Description: Youth rodeo for the whole family. Events for everyone, even without a horse. Come out and experience the friendly atmosphere and fun. Admission is free. Concessions available. Follow us on Facebook: Cross Branded Cowboy Church for more information.
Composting Seminar | 8:30AM-12PM, Sep 13 (More Info)
Location: 300 Grady Britt Drive, Alexandria, LA 71302
Description: Join Us for a Composting Seminar! The Central Louisiana Master Gardener Association is excited to present a Composting Seminar.
Topics and Speakers:
Composting Basics with Kerry Heafner
3-Bin Compost System with Molly Lyles
Vermicomposting with The Worm Lady RecyclesCost to attend: $10 (Space is limited)
To register, call 318-767-3964Â or email [email protected]
AMoA: Adult Printmaking Workshop with Madilyn Anderson | 10AM-3PM, Sep 13 (More Info)
Location: 933 Second Street, Alexandria, LA, 71301
Description: Join printmaker Madilyn Anderson in an exploration of Kitchen Lithography. Participants will be able to create their own fine art lithographs using common household items such as aluminum foil, sharpies, vegetable oil, and cola. All supplies are included in the cost of the class.
Time: 10:00 AM-3:00 PM- There will be a short break for lunch; please bring your own snack/lunch. Registration: Kitchen Lithography with Madilyn Anderson
AMoA: Second Saturday | 10AM-4PM, Sep 13 (More Info)
Location: 933 Second Street, Alexandria, LA 71301
Description: Free admission to the Alexandria Museum of Art!
AMoA: Stitching Circle | 11AM-4PM, Sep 13 (More Info)
Location: 933 Second Street, Alexandria, LA 71301
Description: Anyone can come and knit in the galleries. Open to all ages. Just getting started? AMoA has limited materials to get you started.
FREE and open to the public.
Grant Parish:
Colfax Farmers Market | 10AM-1PM, Sep 13Â (More Info)
Location: 611 8th Street, Colfax, LA 71417
Description: Go checkout the the Colfax Farmers Market this Saturday from 10AM to 1PM!
Natchitoches Parish:
Have an upcoming event in Natchitoches Parish? Submit it by clicking the button at the end of this section.
Winn Parish:
Have an upcoming event in Winn Parish? Submit it by clicking the button at the end of this section.
LaSalle Parish:
Have an upcoming event in LaSalle Parish? Submit it by clicking the button at the end of this section.
Catahoula Parish:
Have an upcoming event in Catahoula Parish? Submit it by clicking the button at the end of this section.
Concordia Parish:
Have an upcoming event in Concordia Parish? Submit it by clicking the button at the end of this section.
Avoyelles Parish:
Plein Air Marksville 2025 | 9AM-7PM, Sep 13 (More Info)
Location: 211 East Mark Street, Marksville, LA 71351
Description: Join us for a day of plein air painting in historic Marksville. Open to all artists of all levels. One day community paint-out. Runs from 9AM-3PM.
Rock Show NOLA | 8PM, Sep 13 (More Info)
Location: Paragon Casino Resort
Description: Get ready for an unforgettable night with Rock Show NOLA on the Mári Showroom stage! An evening tribute to the classic rock of Def Leppard and Bon Jovi.
Allen Parish:
Oberlin Farmers Market | 9AM-1PM, Sep 10 (More Info)
Location: W 6th Ave, Oberlin, LA, 70655
Description: Oberlin Farmers Market offers Fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, eggs, chickens, jelly, syrups, honey, locally baked goods and more!
Vernon Parish:
Free Billiards at American Legion 145 | 12PM-10PM, Sep 14 (More Info)
Location: 304 E North Street, Leesville, LA 71446
Description: Free pool every Sunday at the American Legion 145
Southern Country Band at American Legion Post 145 | 8PM-1AM, Sep 13 (More Info)
Location: 304 E North Street, Leesville, LA 71446
Description: Saturday night’s band: Southern Country Band
Have an upcoming event in Cenla? Submit it by clicking the button below:
Community Photo Board
We’re excited to launch this brand-new section in the newsletter—the Community Photo Board! Each edition, we’ll feature up to 4 submissions that capture the people, places, and moments that make Central Louisiana special.
Wanna be featured? Send us your favorite photo from around Cenla and it might appear in this upcoming Monday’s issue!
Job Board
Are you a business owner and have a job opening you would like to share within our newsletter? Submit it via the button below!
Have a great week, Cenla! See you Friday morning at 8AM!
— The Know Cenla Team
