Happy Friday, Central Louisiana!
It’s shaping up to be another warm August weekend, so we hope you get out and make the most of it. Whether you’re spending time with family, attending a local event, or just soaking in the sunshine, there’s plenty happening around Cenla to make your weekend count.
Now scroll down and enjoy the weekend ahead!
In today’s edition:
Fun Local Event for the Whole Family
Kayak Rentals at Buhlow Lake (Previously featured in Monday’s edition)
Weekend Bites: Trio’s Alexandria
Multiple Events across Cenla
Job Opportunities
— The Know Cenla Team
Local Event Highlight
Back-2-School with Waybacks, Palmettos, & Hidden Grounds
Source: The Event’s Facebook Page.
Mark your calendars for a family-friendly day you won’t want to miss.
This Saturday, August 16, three local favorites: Wayback’s Arcade, Palmettos, and Hidden Grounds, are teaming up for a Back-2-School Bash packed with fun, freebies, and community spirit.
Here’s why you’ll want to be there:
Shop Local, Get Rewarded
Grab something from any of the three spots, hang onto your receipt, and you’ll get a discount at the others. Easy way to try it all.
School Supplies = Perks
Bring $5 or more worth of brand-new school supplies and you’ll score a free pass or discount for a future visit. Best part? It all goes to support local students.
Sketch Stop Caricatures
From 1-6PM at Wayback’s, you can get a fun caricature drawn for $10. The kids will love it, and it’s a pretty cool keepsake.
Door Prizes All Day
Wayback’s will be giving out prizes non-stop, so you might just walk away with more than you came for.
Where: 1305 Military Hwy Pineville, LA
Time: 11AM-6PM, Sat. Aug 16
Find out more →
Weekend Bites: Trio’s Alexandria
Source: Trio’s Alexandria’s Website
Trio’s Alexandria: Upscale Dining, Comforted by Local Warmth
If you're planning a nice, local night out—Trio’s Alexandria should be on your radar. Here’s what makes it stand out:
Fine-dining without the pretense: Elevated fare featuring top-tier steaks, fresh seafood, hearty pastas, and a lineup of gourmet specials you’ll actually want to eat.
Craft cocktails and a full-service bar: From wine and champagne to beer and specialty mixed drinks, it complements the menu perfectly.
Warm ambiance, thoughtful service: Reviewers mention attentive staff, a comfortable atmosphere, and a place that’s earned its spot as a local go-to.
Event-ready: Catering services available for parties of any size to take your gathering to the next level.
And the best part? It’s not just about the food, it’s about the experience. Bring the family, make it a date night, or stop in solo and treat yourself to a great meal in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Tip: Order the shrimp and grits. You’ll be talking about it for weeks.
Where: 94 Versailles Blvd, Suite A, Alexandria, LA 71303
Find out more: Check their menu and hours →
Cenla Digest
Cenla Water Rentals at Buhlow Lake
While we featured this Monday’s edition, we felt that it is worth shouting out again for another fun thing to do this weekend!
If you’ve been looking for a new way to enjoy our summer afternoons, Buhlow Lake now has its very first full-service water-recreation rental spot: Cenla Water Rentals.
Whether you’re in the mood for a peaceful paddle on a kayak, a workout on a stand-up paddleboard, or a laid-back pedal boat ride with friends, they’ve got you covered. Rentals start at just $30.
Perfect for weekend family fun, date days, or even a solo escape, it’s another reason to get outside and enjoy Buhlow, a.k.a. the Great Sea of Pineville (we just made that up).
Find more information on their website: cenlawater.com
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To learn more about the pricing and our options, reach out to us at [email protected]
Weekend Events
Here are some notable events happening around Cenla this weekend:
Rollin Vettes’ 1st Annual Car Show and BBQ Cookoff | 8AM-2PM, Aug 16 (More Info)
Location: Rick’s Auto Sales 2, 5940 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria, Louisiana, United States
Description: Car show with various car and truck classics. Food trucks on site + a BBQ cookoff.
Author Of The Month Mike Wynne | 10AM-11:30AM, Aug 16 (More Info)
Location: 801 West Shamrock, Pineville, LA 71360
Description: Be one of the very first to uncover the true tales of the strange and supernatural in Central Louisiana! New Orleans doesn’t hold a monopoly on Louisiana’s haunted lore. Souls who brave the shadows along the bayous and byways of Central Louisiana will encounter a haunted heritage centuries in the making! From the legends swirling about the old Pineville City Hall and Old Rapides Cemetery, to the historic Kent House, Hotel Bentley, Loyd Hall, and the old Speakeasy hidden deep below downtown Alexandria, and a hundred other spirited sites, all will be revealed to the public for the very first time in personal accounts offered by the real live victims of the spirits!
Hear the exciting tales at the Martin Branch of the Rapides Parish Library on Saturday, August 16th, at 10am.
The public will also have the opportunity to be the very first to obtain noted author Michael Wynne’s new book, “Haunted Central Louisiana,” the complete and true story of the ghosts and spirits who roam forever through Central Louisiana.
“No Limits, Just Possibility”: Karren Alexander Book Signing Event” | 10AM-11AM, August 16 (More Info)
Location: 1115 Broadway Avenue, Alexandria, LA 71302
Description: Karren Y. Alexander, WGNO’s 2025 Remarkable Women Winner, will be here to highlight her book “Invisible Hand: Overcoming Obstacles and challenges.” Karren was born and raised in Alexandria, Louisiana. Her journey is one that will uplift and inspire. Affectionately and proudly called a Canologist, Karren is a phenomenal conference and keynote speaker, as well as, an author, songwriter, and mentor.
Books will be available for purchase.
Back-2-School with Waybacks, Palmettos, & Hidden Grounds | 11AM-6PM, Aug 16 (More Info)
Location: 1305 Military Hwy, Pineville, LA, United States, Louisiana 71360
Description: Summer’s wrapping up, so plan to hang out on AUGUST 16th with a Back to School Bash you won’t want to miss! Wayback’s Arcade, Palmettos, and Hidden Grounds are teaming up to bring you a fun-filled day of games, giveaways, and great local deals.
Shop Local, Get Rewarded:
Make a purchase at any the above businesses on August 16th and show your receipt to score a discount at the others!Donate Supplies, Get a Gift:
Bring in $5+ worth of NEW school supplies, and we’ll hook you up with a free pass or discount for a future visit. All donations go toward supporting local students!Sketch Stop Caricatures (1–6 PM):
Grab a fun caricature while you’re here! Sketch Stop will be set up at Wayback’s, and prints are available for purchase ($10 per caricature).Door Prizes All Day at Wayback’s
We’ll be giving away fun prizes throughout the event, so don’t miss your chance to win!Come hang out, cool off, and kick off the school year in style. We can’t wait to see you there!
Indoor Pool Party at the Paragon Casino | 2PM-6PM, Aug 16 (More Info)
Location: Paragon Casino Resort
Description: Make a SPLASH at Paragon Casino Resort with new WEEKLY pool parties!
Weekend Poll
How will LSU Football finish the regular season this year?
Job Board
Mobile Associate – Retail Sales: T-Mobile, Pineville, LA (Apply)
Front Desk Representative: Louisiana Eye & Laser Center, Pineville, LA (Apply)
Material Yard Handler: Crest Industries, Pineville, LA (Apply)
Before we go, we just want to say thank you to everyone who has subscribed and shared this newsletter over the past week! We’re excited to be the new kid on the block and bring Central Louisiana the stories, events, and highlights that make our community such a great place to call home.
Thanks again for reading Know Cenla! Talk to you on Monday!
— The Know Cenla Team