Central Louisiana is buzzing with activity this weekend.  Halloween & Harvest Festival activities are everywhere.  I saw that First United Methodist Church in Alexandria is sponsoring a pumpkin patch.  I'm sure that is delightful for children of all ages as they pick out their pumpkins to be used for either Halloween or Thanksgiving decor.

The Alexandria Zoo began its annual Zoo Boo last night as well.  See the article in our local newspaper:  http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20111029/NEWS01/110290326/Alexandria-Zoo-hosting-annual-Zoo-Boo-event-youngsters   The zoo closes at 2:30 p.m. today and Monday to prepare for the event, which I understand from past articles, even the nocturnal animals enjoy as a change from their day-to-day routine.  Leg lamp below is part if this year's decor, but signs on either side are advertising upcoming events during the holidays.  Photo furnished courtesy of one of my clients, Nicole T.

Keller Williams Realty (my sponsoring brokerage) hosted the second annual Trunk or Treat last night in the parking lot, hosting an early trick or treat safe activity for the children, and one of our talented cooks made Louisiana gumbo!

Also, last night the Louisiana College Chorale in Pineville played host to Southern Mississippi University's chorale. Attending this event was one of the composers of several of their pieces, and the chorales joined in performing two musical numbers together, including a very lively closing of "Rocking Jerusalem." Most of their numbers were performed acapella, but the first Louisiana College piece was accompanied by a very talented pianist. Being a pianist myself, I really appreciated her abilities.

While this choral event was going on at Louisiana College, their basketball teams were also playing host to Southern Arkansas in the West Field House.

I haven't seen any publicity this year, but just south of town on Hwy 71 is the Corn Maze.  If you want to get scared (and lost), just enter the maze.  A high platform allows a view into the maze, so someone can be found if they just absolutely can't find their way out (I suppose).  I'm too chicken to go.  I used to enjoy haunted houses--no more!

The Central Louisiana Board of REALTORS is hosting the annual REALTOR cookoff today in the Red River Bank parking lot.  Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity.  (Note:  REALTOR is supposed to have the registered trademark sign behind it, but I can't find how to reduce font size for it.)

Various churches of all faiths as well as surrounding towns and villages are sponsoring Harvest Festivals to provide safe alternatives to house-to-house trick or treating.  My church has an annual event on Sunday evening including trunk or treating, a cookout, jumpers for the children and children at heart, a campfire, and horseback riding ( last year).

And, of course, high school football dominates the Friday night agenda in this area as well.   College football is Saturday (everybody rooting for their alma mater and/or LSU), and pro football on Sunday (geaux Saints). 

I wrote a blog article last year about the Louisiana Pecan Festival in Colfax.  That is coming up next weekend.  Someone on Facebook said it will be interesting to see how many people are on the streets of Colfax Saturday while LSU plays 'Bama.

LaPine Chapter of Administrative Professionals has a big garage sale going on over at the Central Louisiana Electric Company (CLECO) main offices today as well.

Are you from Central Louisiana?  Are you relocating to Central Louisiana?  As you can see, you have a wide array of activity options from which to choose. 

Central Louisiana--a great place to live!