Happy Friday, Central Louisiana!
We hope you had a great week! Whether you’re considering going to Dark Woods in Natchitoches, going to play some pickleball, or just hang around the house—we hope you have a great weekend!
— The Know Cenla Team
Cenla Digest
Economist Sees Strong Growth Ahead for Cenla
Source: KALB
Central Louisiana’s economy is on track for steady growth, according to one of the state’s top economic voices, Dr. Loren Scott. Employment across the region has remained stable, with no large-scale layoffs from major employers in recent months. Current forecasts point to roughly 1,100 new jobs being added in the Alexandria area over the next two years, but momentum could push that number even higher.
Two potential projects stand out as game-changers: the Beaver Lake Renewable Energy facility in Pineville, which will produce biofuels while capturing carbon, and the prospect of a new data center in Cenla. Either development would bring a major economic lift, and both together could accelerate growth far beyond expectations.
While forecasts are conservative, the long-term vision calls for creating two to three thousand jobs in the coming years. With new industries like renewable energy and data infrastructure in play, the future of Cenla’s economy looks bright.
Cenla Events
Here are some notable events happening around Cenla this weekend, sorted by parish:
Rapides Parish:
‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ | 7PM, Oct 2-4, 2PM, Oct 4 (More Info)
Location: Martin Performing Arts Center at LCU
Description: ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ performed by the LCU Theatre department.
Safari Smash Pickleball Tournament | All Day, Oct 4 (More Info)
Location: 98 Sylvester Drive, Alexandria, LA 71301
Description: Get ready to hit the courts for a cause! Serve, smash, and support Alexandria Zoo at this fun-filled, competitive event for pickleball players of all skill levels. The tournament is open to players ages 10 and up. Food trucks will be on site.
Divisions: Junior’s (10-14), Men’s, Women’s, Mixed
Skill Levels: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced
Register online: https://thealexandriazoo.com/Pickleball.html
HEARTY BREAKFASTS on FIRST SATURDAYS on BUHLOW LAKE | 7:30AM-9:30AM, Oct 4 (More Info)
Location: Buhlow Lake Airport
Description: HEARTY MONTHLY BREAKFAST at BUHLOW LAKE AIRPORT in AIRCRAFT CLUBHOUSE!
Kent Plantation House Fall Herb Day/Arts & Crafts Festival/Yard Sale | 8AM-1PM, Oct 4 (More Info)
Location: 3601 Bayou Rapides Road, Alexandria, LA 71303
Description: Get ready for a fun-filled morning at Kent Plantation House’s Fall Herb Day/Arts & Crafts Festival and Yard Sale! Shop for quality herbs, plants, local crafts and food items. And don’t forget our gigantic indoor Yard Sale with bargains galore! FREE ADMISSION!! Herb Day and the Yard Sale serve as fundraisers for educational programs at Kent Plantation House. Please support our mission to preserve Central Louisiana’s history and culture.
AMoA: Block n’ Roll Print Day | 10AM-5PM, Oct 4 (More Info)
Location: 933 Second Street, Alexandria, LA 71301
Description: Printing fun for all ages and skill levels! Join us for a day of printmaking. This new event will feature ‘print your own” stations for apparel, kids’ printing activities and live carving and printing on a mechanized press and a steamroller! There is no fee to attend the event, however some stations like the t-shirt and apparel printing will have a charge associated with them. Kids activities like the veggie and lego printing will be free of charge.
Grant Parish:
Colfax Farmers Market | 10AM-1PM, Oct 4 (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:
Robeline Heritage Festival | 5:30PM-10PM, Oct 3, 10AM-10PM, Oct 4 (More Info)
Location: 122 Depot Street, Robeline, LA 71469
Description: Celebrate the history and culture of generations past at the annual Robeline Heritage Festival. And promises to be our best yet! Reminisce and remember the good times!
Dark Woods Haunted Attraction | 7PM-10PM, Oct 3 (More Info)
Location: Dark Woods Adventure Park – Natchitoches, LA
Description: Once you enter Dark Woods Haunted Attraction… there’s no turning back. Step into over 20 acres of immersive horror, where every shadow hides something sinister. Experience award-winning sets, movie-quality effects, and a cast of monsters ready to make you scream. Pro Tip: Buy your tickets online to choose your time slot and skip the ticket line — popular nights sell out fast! Buy now with the code FRIGHT20 for a special discount.
The UA Junior Tour | Oct 4 (More Info)
Location: The Club at Huntington Park
Description: The Under Armour Junior Tour is officially making its way to Louisiana! This exciting tour is open to boys and girls ages 6–18 and offers young golfers the opportunity to grow their game, gain competitive experience, and represent the UA brand with pride.
Whether you’re new to the sport or preparing for the next level, this tour is built to challenge, inspire, and support junior golfers across the state. With PGA Champion Jordan Spieth now backing the UA Junior Tour, the momentum behind junior golf has never been stronger—and it’s arriving right here in North Louisiana.
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:
Bunkie Trade Days | 7AM-3PM, Oct 4 (More Info)
Location: Bunkie Main Street in Bunkie, LA
Description: Flea Market, Food, Arts & Crafts Vendors For more information call 318-346-2575
Allen Parish:
Have an upcoming event in Allen Parish? Submit it by clicking the button at the end of this section.
Vernon Parish:
Free Billiards at American Legion 145 | 12PM-10PM, Oct 5 (More Info)
Location: 304 E North Street, Leesville, LA 71446
Description: Free pool every Sunday at the American Legion 145
Have an upcoming event in Cenla? Submit it by clicking the button below:
Have a great week, Cenla! See you Monday morning at 8AM!
— The Know Cenla Team
