http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/ Articles Thu, 17 May 2012 08:23:22 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=126 LAKE CHARLES, La. – During National Tourism Week, May 8-16, the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau will celebrate Children’s Day on Saturday, May 8, at the welcome center, 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive. Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=129 LAKE CHARLES, La.-As part of National Tourism Week, May 8-16, the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau is inviting organizations, businesses, individuals or event organizers to utilize its newly redesigned website, www.visitlakecharles.org, and related websites to help promote all there is to see and do in Southwest Louisiana. Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=130 LAKE CHARLES, La.-The 2010 Tourism Volunteer of the Year award for the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau was presented to Merline Morvant for 8 years of service and commitment to the tourism industry. The award was given to Morvant in honor of National Tourism Week, May 8-16. Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=132 LAKE CHARLES, La.-The 2010 Tourism Volunteer of the Year award for the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau was presented to Merline Morvant for 8 years of service and commitment to the tourism industry. The award was given to Morvant in honor of National Tourism Week, May 8-16. Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=131 LAKE CHARLES, La.-The 2010 Tourism Volunteer of the Year award for the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau was presented to Merline Morvant for 8 years of service and commitment to the tourism industry. The award was given to Morvant in honor of National Tourism Week, May 8-16. Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=128 LAKE CHARLES, La.- The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau will celebrate National Tourism Week, May 8-16. As tourism is the second largest industry in Louisiana, the bureau will sponsor a variety of events in the community to create awareness of tourism's impact. In addition, advertising throughout Calcasieu Parish in newspapers, radio and television and will highlight the vital role that tourism plays in our economy and our lives. Sat, 08 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=127 LAKE CHARLES, La.-As part of the National Tourism Week celebration, May 8-16, the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau, in cooperation with the Southwest Chapter of the Louisiana Restaurant Association, will present the 2010 Taste of Southwest Louisiana Restaurant Day on Tuesday, May 11, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. on the grounds of the bureau's Welcome Center at 1205 N. Lakeshore Dr. Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=134 LAKE CHARLES-The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau awarded partners in tourism who have made significant contributions to the tourism industry in Southwest Louisiana at the award ceremony on Thursday, May 13, held at the bureau, 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive. Fri, 14 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=135 LAKE CHARLES, La. (May 20, 2010) - Yesterday, the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) educated 95 members of the Southwest Louisiana hospitality industry with its new Game On! Hospitality Ambassador Training Program. Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=137 LAKE CHARLES, La. (June 4, 2010) - This week, the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) educated 69 members of the Southwest Louisiana hospitality industry with its new Game On! Hospitality Ambassador Training Program. Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=138 Jimmy Buffet and the Coral Reefer Band will be joined by Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown, Allen Toussaint, Sonny Landreth, Jesse Winchester and special guests for a free concert in Gulf Shores, Ala. on July 1, being called CMT Presents Jimmy Buffet & Friends Live from the Gulf Coast. Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=136 LAKE CHARLES-What's more American than apple pie? All bakers are invited to participate in the fourth annual Blue Ribbon Apple Pie Contest for ribbons and cash prizes, held in conjunction with the Red White Blue & You Fourth of July Festival in downtown Lake Charles. Sun, 04 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=140 On July 7, the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) educated 21 members of the Southwest Louisiana hospitality industry with its new Game On! Hospitality Ambassador Training Program. Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=139 Geno Delafose and French Rockin' Boogie to Headline 23rd Annual Cajun Music & Food Festival July 17 & 18, 2010 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=141 Marking the 100th day of the ongoing oil spill tragedy, the Louisiana Office of Tourism is calling on online social networking communities to help develop a list of the top 100 reasons to visit Louisiana. Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=142 LAKE CHARLES, La. (January 21, 2011)-The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau has two new appointees joining the board of directors, with Jonathan Johnson representing Southwest Louisiana Festivals and Rob King representing the Southwest Louisiana Restaurant Association. Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=143 LAKE CHARLES-The Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail is an attraction that is promoted nationally and internationally through the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau's public relations and advertising initiatives. Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=144 LAKE CHARLES, La. (May 4, 2011) - The Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, also known as Louisiana's Outback, has now been brought to life with the GPS RangerTM Handheld Video Solution and Smartphone application for visitors. The free app can currently be downloaded at the iTunes App Store or Android Market, and the GPS RangerTM Handheld Unit can be rented at the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau free of charge beginning May 7 at the start of National Tourism Week. Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=145 LAKE CHARLES, La.- The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau will celebrate National Tourism Week, May 7-15. As tourism is the seventh largest industry in Louisiana, the bureau will sponsor a variety of events in the community to create awareness of tourism's impact. Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=146 As part of the National Tourism Week celebration, May 7-15, the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau, in cooperation with the Southwest Chapter of the Louisiana Restaurant Association, will present Restaurant Day at a new location on Tuesday, May 10, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., at the Lake Charles Civic Center Exhibition Hall. Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=147 During National Tourism Week, May 7-15, the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau will celebrate Children's Day on Saturday, May 7, at the welcome center, 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive. Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=150 The 17th Annual Tournament begins on Friday, August 12 at 7 p.m. at Barbe High School. Your favorite NBA Stars and Harlem Legends will be in attendance with men and women championships ending at the Lake Charles Civic Center on Sunday. Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=149 LAKE CHARLES, La. (August 2, 2011)--The National Pro Fastpitch Championship Series will return to Sulphur, La for its 2nd consecutive year at McMurry Park. Come out and support your favorite player as they compete for the title and possbily be on national television. Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=151 St. Louis Catholic High School hosts the Louisiana Showcase of Soccer on Dec. 16 and 17 at Highway 14 Soccer Complex. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=152 The Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) will be holding the inaugural State Cheer and Dance Championships at the Lake Charles Civic Center this Saturday, Dec. 3 beginning at 9 a.m. There are 63 schools competing from across the state performing 93 cheer and dance routines in the championship. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=153 The annual gingerbread house contest will be held Saturday, Dec. 3 at noon at the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=154 Children's Day is a free event open to all children in Southwest Louisiana ages 3-11 on Sunday, February 19 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=155 Calcasieu Council on Aging presents the Krewe of the Golden Year's 17th Annual Mardi Gras Ball on Monday, February 13, 9 a.m.--2p.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=156 The public tastes from every pot of chicken and sausage or wild game gumbo in a hot contest at noon on Saturday, February 18, at the Lake Charles Civic Center from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=157 The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau will host 10 travel writers from all over the United States and Canada for a Mardi Gras press tour set for Feb. 18-22. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=158 Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana is inviting the community to help them paint the town purple, green and gold! Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=159 Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana invites all young ladies to enter the 2012 Miss Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana pageant. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=160 The Cinderella night of Mardi Gras manifests on Mardi Gras eve, Monday, Feb. 20, with a lavish promenade of more than 50 krewes' royalty before thousands of residents and visitors at the Lake Charles Civic Center at 7 p.m. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=161 The CVB is inviting the community to bedazzle their shoeboxes and help usher in the Mardi Gras season. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=162 The Southeast Tourism Society recently honored Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana as a Top 20 Event for 2012. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=163 Experience a traditional Mardi Gras celebration with the Carlyss Mardi Gras Trail Ride, including chicken runs and a trail ride parade on Saturday, February 18. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=164 Mardi Gras makes its flamboyant entrance on Friday, Jan. 6 with the annual Twelfth Night celebration. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=165 Mardi Gras magic will be in full swing during the town of Vinton's Mardi Gras celebration on Saturday, Feb. 11, in downtown Vinton. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=166 The "Zone" presented by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury will take place Tuesday, February 21st, from noon to 5 p.m. in the empty parking lot between the Charleston Building and the Parish Courthouse on Ryan St. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=167 The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau received recent coverage in group tour trade publications Courier and Group Tour Magazine. Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=168 The Gulf Coast Bird Club of Lake Charles will host the Louisiana Ornithological Society's winter meeting Friday-Saturday, Jan. 27-28 at LaQuinta Inn & Suites' Contraband Room. Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=169 LAKE CHARLES, La. (February 4, 2011) –The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau recently held a community-wide Mardi Gras Shoebox Float Contest. Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=170 Begin a New Year's resolution to get healthy at the Nissan ReALLIEty Challenge on March 31 in Lake Charles. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=171 The Louisiana Office of Tourism recently announced they are currently accepting applications for their Competitive Grant Program for events taking place July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=172 The Southwest Louisiana District Senior Games will be held March 10-24 at various recreational complexes around Southwest Louisiana. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=173 LAKE CHARLES, La. (Feb. 7, 2012)—The Black Heritage Festival in Lake Charles will bring together the unique cultures of Africa and Southwest Louisiana on Saturday, March 10 at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=174 Catch a chicken at the 33rd annual Mardi Gras Run on February 21 at the Knights of Columbus Hall off of Highway 90 in the town of Iowa. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=175 Sign up and get ready to jump, crawl, swing, and slide for the first ever ReALLIEty Challenge, presented by Nissan of Lake Charles, adventure race on March 31. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=176 Lake Charles, La. (February 8, 2012)—Road Construction at the intersection of Ryan and Broad Streets in downtown Lake Charles is causing Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana and City of Lake Charles officials to make an adjustment to this year’s Mardi Gras parade route. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=177 The second classical series concert of the Lake Charles Symphony 2011-2012 season will be held Saturday, February 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rosa Hart Theatre. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=178 LAKE CHARLES, La. (February 27, 2012)—The DeQuincy Railroad Museum recently launched a 30 second public service announcement encouraging visitation to the museum. Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=179 This is your last chance to run for a warrior and sign up for the ReALLIEty Challenge on March 31, presented by Nissan of Lake Charles. Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=180 The DownTown Lake Charles Crawfish Fest is excited and honored to participate in this year's Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana's Spring Art Walk with "Arts at the Fest." Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=181 The Taste of Louisiana Festival will take place on Saturday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center Amphitheater. Vendor applications are now being accepted for arts and crafts booths, food and entertainment. Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=182 The Contraband Days Festival has a new look for its 55th anniversary in 2012. The festival underwent an extensive branding exercise last year to pinpoint the demographics and interests of target audiences to ensure the offerings and branding of the festival are communicating the spirit of the event effectively. Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=183 The 55th anniversary commemorative poster for the Contraband Days, Louisiana Pirate Festival, was produced by local artist Candice Alexander. Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=184 The Movers and Shakers of the South is pleased to once again present the Original DownTown Lake Charles Crawfish Fest April 12-15, 2012, in downtown Lake Charles. Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=185 The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau presents "Get Social!" April 11 at the Lake Charles Civic Center Contraband Room. It is a FREE social media, interactive seminar for partners in tourism to help further their respective markets in the new digital age. Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=186 The Southeast Tourism Society recently honored the Iowa Rabbit Festival as a 2012 Top 20 Event for the month of March. Don't miss this hare-raising good time March 15-17. Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=187 Southwest Louisiana has roped' em back in, as the Louisiana High School & Junior High Rodeo Finals return to the Burton Coliseum for the first time since 2001. Southwest Louisiana is ready to get back in the saddle again after hosting the finals for more than 53 years. Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=188 The Louisiana High School Athletic Association voted to keep the State High School Swim Meet in Sulphur for 2012 and 2013. Southwest Louisiana won the bid by a vote of 19-1 beating out the University of New Orleans Lakefront Arena. Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=189 The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana are working to coordinate the Lake Area’s role in celebrating two hundred years of statehood from April until September of this year. Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=190 The Louisiana High School Athletic Association Fast Pitch 56 Tournament returns to Sulphur for its 12th consecutive year at Frasch Park, April 27-28. This two-day event features the top 56 high school softball teams in seven classes from all across Louisiana vying for the championship crown. Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=191 The Contraband Days Louisiana Pirate Festival is proud to announce that Josh Turner, multi-platinum recording artist and member of the Grand Ole Opry will be performing during the festival for the 55th anniversary of the event thanks to the generous $25,000 sponsorship of the Isle of Capri Casino & Hotel. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=192 The Southeast Tourism Society recently honored the Louisiana Railroad Days Festival as a 2012 Top 20 Event for the month of April. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=193 The Lake Charles Symphony will perform a Classical Series Concert on Saturday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rosa Hart Theatre. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=194 The Lake Charles Symphony will host the 11th annual Wild Beast Feast on Saturday, May 5, at the Historic Cash and Carry Building, 801 Enterprise Blvd. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=195 The 2nd annual Taste of Louisiana Festival, LLC is proud to announce a new date scheduled for Memorial Weekend Saturday May 26th, 2012 at The Lake Charles Civic Center Arcade Amphitheater. Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=196 It's not that denizens of Lake Charles don't play well with others. It's more like they had a long-standing, clandestine love affair. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=197 Lake Charles invites you to an Afrocentric experience at its best at the annual Black Heritage Festival & Black Heritage Gallery. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=198 Music traditions run deep in Southwest Louisiana. For generations, folks here have immersed themselves in the melodies, dance steps and lyrics of Cajun, Creole, Zydeco and other music genres that express the essential necessities of everyday life: family, relationships, food and fun. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=199 If a soulful, undeniably Southwest Louisiana travel experience is on your "bucket list", Lake Charles has more than a little something for you! Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=200 Southwest Louisiana will soon host the Louisiana High School Athletic Association's Fast Pitch 56 softball tournament at Sulphur Parks and Recreation's facility at Frasch Park, April 27-28. Businesses are encouraged to display "Welcome LHSAA Fast Pitch 56 Tournament" on their marquees or signs during the tournament to show teams and spectators a little Southern hospitality. Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=201 The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau will celebrate National Tourism Week, May 5-13. As tourism is the seventh largest industry in Louisiana, the bureau will sponsor a variety of events in the community to create awareness of tourism's impact. Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=202 In Southwest Louisiana there are two ingredients which are the base of most dishes cooked and synonymous with Creole and Cajun cuisine. Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=203 Support Westlake's American Idol, Joshua Ledet this week by voting Wednesday night beginning at 9:01 p.m. Joshua is currently in the Top 7. If he makes it to the Final 3, American Idol will come to Southwest Louisiana to film Joshua's return to his hometown as he meets his supportive fan base. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=204 The Southeast Tourism Society recently honored the Starks Mayhaw Festival as a 2012 Top 20 Event for the month of May. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=205 BayouCon, Southwest Louisiana's original fan produced multi-media convention, is back for its fourth year June 30-July 1 at the Lake Charles Civic Center Exhibition Hall. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=206 As part of National Tourism Week, occurring May 5-13, the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau will hold "Game On!," a free hospitality ambassador training program May 9. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=207 As part of the state’s Bicentennial celebration, Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) will present a free screening for Louisiana: 200 Years of Statehood on Thursday, May 17, at the Central School Arts and Humanities Center, 809 Kirby St. in Lake Charles. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=208 LAKE CHARLES, La. (May 2, 2012)—The Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) Baseball State Championships tournament will be in Sulphur at McMurry Park May 11-12. Classes 4A, 3A, B and C will be competing to earn championship titles for their respective classes. Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.visitlakecharles.org//articles/index.cfm?articleid=209 LAKE CHARLES, La. (May 8, 2012) – Joshua Ledet, currently a Top 4 contestant in FOX’s American Idol, is scheduled to come to Louisiana this Saturday, May 12 for a Homecoming Pep Rally if he continues as a Top 3 finalist. American Idol has confirmed today a basic schedule of events for Ledet’s homecoming. Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT