News Room

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LAFAYETTE, La . (January 21, 2022)—The 2021 Louisiana USSSA Hall of Fame Class and Hall of Honor Members were officially inducted into a prestigious class of USSSA athletes, officials and supporters…

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LAKE CHARLES, La. (January 18, 2022)—National Plan for Vacation Day (NPVD) is Tuesday, Jan. 25, and Visit Lake Charles and the U.S. Travel Association are encouraging everyone to plan time off for the…

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SULPHUR, La. (January 11, 2022)—With the majority of Americans looking to explore and plan vacations for the New Year, the City of Sulphur is proactive with its vision to create a brochure, which…

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NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release Contact: Angie Manning, CDME Communications Director Visit Lake Charles 337-436-9588 2022 Mardi Gras Season Opens with a Series of Festivities - Jan. 5-8 LAKE…

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 30, 2021)— Taylor Beard Stanley, Senior Sales Manager at Visit Lake Charles, was accepted into the inaugural year of the U.S. Travel Emerging Travel Leaders program for…

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NEWS RELEASE For immediate release For more information, contact Edward Jordan (337) 513-2924 jordan.edward47@yahoo.com Bayou Classic Christian Fellowship of SWLA Returns this Weekend LAKE CHARLES…

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NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release Contact: Angie S Manning, Communications Director Visit Lake Charles 337-436-9588 Christmas Festivals, Shopping Events, and Performing Arts Experience Holiday…

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Media: You are invited to join us Nov. 2 for the evening reception and the events on Nov. 3-4. To register for a press pass, click here: https://www.tfaforms.com/4928187. NEWS RELEASE For…

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NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release For more information, contact: Angie Manning, Communications Director Visit Lake Charles (337) 436-9588 Presidents’ Circle Dedication at the Visit Lake…

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Photo Caption: Kaitlyn Gallegos, MBA, TMP, Tourism Sales Manager, at Visit Lake Charles has completed the three-year program of the Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College and earned…

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Spartanburg, SC (September 30, 2021)—Mayor Hunter of Lake Charles was honored as the recipient of the Shining Example Award for Governmental Tourism Leadership by the Southeast Tourism Society at its…

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Caesars Entertainment to Bring Isle of Capri Lake Charles Ashore While Transforming the Property into All-New Horseshoe Casino Lake Charles New gaming, hotel, culinary and hospitality offerings to be…

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NEWS RELEASE For immediate release For more information, contact Kathryn Shea Duncan Media/Public Relations Manager VisitLakeCharles.org Pro Watercross National Championships held on North…

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Pictured from L to R: Brook Hanemann (Banners at McNeese State University), Jody Taylor (Rouge et Blanc), Kat Godsey (Boudin Wars/Brimstone Historical Society), Mayor Nic Hunter, Elizabeth Guinn…

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NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release Contact: Angie Manning Communications Director, CDME Visit Lake Charles Hospitality Career Fair Set for July 21 at the Lake Charles Civic Center LAKE CHARLES, La.

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Visit Lake Charles (VLC) is pleased to announce that New Balance Future Stars Series National Championships and Combines, one of the most prestigious high school showcase baseball events in the United…

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LAKE CHARLES—The 48 th Annual Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association (LFCA) Conference will convene in Lake Charles, June 7-11, 2021. Currently serving as the president of the association’s board of…

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Hook & Barrel Magazine is proud to present the Salty Catch Trout Shootout & Festival held at the Lake Charles Civic Center's amphitheater grounds. The tournament and festival will be held on Saturday…

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Jim Boyer, investment and real estate development professional, was recently appointed to serve on the board of directors of Visit Lake Charles. A lifelong resident of Lake Charles, Boyer attended…

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The Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) State Baseball Tournament will be held at McMurry Park, 300 S Hazel St., with semifinals occurring Tuesday - Thursday, May 11-13, and state…

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The Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) State Softball Tournament will be held at North Frasch Softball Complex, 339 Picard Rd, with semifinals on Thursday - Friday, April 29-30, and…

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National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), the annual celebration of the contributions of the U.S. travel industry, will spotlight the critical role that travel will play in driving economic recovery…

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VOLUNTEER LOUISIANA ANNOUNCES 2021 CHAMPIONS OF SERVICE Celebrating the impact of volunteer service in our communities during National Volunteer Week BATON ROUGE, La. – Lieutenant Governor Billy…

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The Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex including Cameron Prairie, Sabine, and Lacassine National Wildlife Refuges (NWR) will open for public sport fishing Monday, March 15, 2021…

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NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For additional information, contact: Kathryn Shea Duncan Media/Public Relations Manager Visit Lake Charles VisitLakeCharles.org Allstate Sugar Bowl LHSAA Marsh…

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Chelsea and Carl Boudreaux, owners of Stellar Beans, were honored with the Louisiana Spirit Award by the Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) at the annual meeting held on Tuesday, Jan. 26, at L’Auberge…

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Kyle Edmiston, President/CEO of Visit Lake Charles was installed as Vice-Chair of the Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) Board of Directors at its annual meeting at L'Auberge Casino & Hotel in Baton…

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As part of National Plan for Vacation Day on Tuesday, Jan. 26, Visit Lake Charles is encouraging everyone to plan time off for the year. “It’s been a challenging year, and I know we have all missed…

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Visit Lake Charles (VLC) is inviting everyone in the community to jump into the Mardi Gras spirit with the 13 th Annual Mardi Gras Shoebox Float Contest. As the VLC Welcome Center at 1205 N. Lakeshore…

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Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is open with all fall/winter activities available as usual. In addition to providing public waterfowl hunting during the Louisiana coastal zone duck season, it…

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Shonda Manuel, partner and assistant creative director at Healthy Image Marketing/Thrive Magazine was recently appointed by the City of Lake Charles to serve on the board of directors at Visit Lake…

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Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States, has selected Kyle Edmiston, President and CEO of Visit Lake Charles, as Chair of their Board of Directors for 2021 during its…

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LAKE CHARLES, La. (November 17, 2020) – Visit Lake Charles launched its Community of Resilience video to amplify the spirit of the people and rebuilding of Southwest Louisiana. The purpose of the…

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LAKE CHARLES, La. (November 2, 2020) – The PGA TOUR’s Korn Ferry Tour, Golden Nugget Lake Charles, Visit Lake Charles and Bruno Event Team announced today the inaugural Lake Charles Championship…

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News Release For Immediate Release Angie S. Manning, CDME Communications Director Visit Lake Charles #LouisianasPlayground Louisiana’s Elite Baseball Players Showcased in Lake Charles Previously…

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Angie S. Manning Communications Director, CDME Visit Lake Charles 800-456-7952 www.VisitLakeCharles.org Kyle Edmiston Appointed to Board of Directors of…

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 13, 2020 McNeese State University and Visit Lake Charles, the Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, have signed an agreement that will bring large national…

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LAKE CHARLES, La. (June 8, 2020) – Beginning March 16, many local businesses were either closed completely or reduced to providing carry out meals from their restaurants. As Louisiana entered phase…

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NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For additional information, contact: Angie S. Manning, communications director Visit Lake Charles amanning@visitlakecharles.org Visit Lake Charles Celebrates…

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LAKE CHARLES, La. (April 28, 2020) – Kyle Edmiston, Visit Lake Charles (VLC) President/CEO, and Nick Zaver, CEO of Hotels of Lake Charles and VLC board member, have been appointed to the Resilient…

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Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) announces the launch of Love the Boot at Home and Love the Boot Week, April 20-26, a statewide media and social media campaign focused on eco-friendly activities that…

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Visit Lake Charles is thrilled to announce that Taylor Beard Stanley has been named one of Destinations International’s 2020 30 Under 30 recipients. The 30 individuals, 30 years of age and under, will…

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NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For additional information, contact: Angie S. Manning, Communications Director Visit Lake Charles (337) 436-9588 or (800) 456-7952 Allstate Sugar Bowl LHSAA Marsh…

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NEWS RELEASE For immediate release For more information, contact: Kathryn Shea Duncan, Media/Public Relations Manager Visit Lake Charles (337) 436-9588 Visit Lake Charles awarded 2019 Major Event of…

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(Pictured) Betty Ellender was honored as the winner of the 12 th annual Mardi Gras Shoebox Float Contest, located at the Visit Lake Charles’ Welcome Center, 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive. Her creation…

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NEWS RELEASE For immediate release For more information, contact: Kathryn Shea Duncan, Media/Public Relations Manager Visit Lake Charles (337) 436-9588 Taylor Beard Stanley of Visit Lake Charles…

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NEWS RELEASE For immediate release For more information, contact: Kathryn Shea Duncan, Media/Public Relations Manager Visit Lake Charles (337) 436-9588 Chef Dave Evans awarded 2019 Restaurateur of…

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NEWS RELEASE For immediate release For more information, contact: Kathryn Shea Duncan, Media/Public Relations Manager Visit Lake Charles (337) 436-9588 Visit Lake Charles awarded 2019 Outstanding…

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Pictured (L to R): Oliver G. “Rick” Richard, III, Chairman of the Visit Lake Charles Board of Directors; Nancy McCluskey, Sponsorship Chairman of the Southwest District Livestock Show & Rodeo. NEWS…

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W. Brent Lumpkin Appointed to Visit Lake Charles’ Board of Directors LAKE CHARLES, La. (January 22, 2020)— W. Brent Lumpkin was recently selected by the Lake Charles City Council to serve on the…

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NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For additional information, contact: William Precht, sr. media/public relations manager Visit Lake Charles (337) 436-9588 or (800) 456-7952 Visit Lake Charles…

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LAKE CHARLES, La. (January 3, 2020)—The official 2020 Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana poster is now available for purchase following its unveiling at the Mardi Gras Kickoff & Poster Reveal Party at…

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LAKE CHARLES, La (Jan. 3, 2020) - The Southeast Tourism Society (STS) recently honored Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana as a 2020 Top 20 Event for the month of January. From glittering parades and…

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LAKE CHARLES, La. (January 2, 2020) — Mardi Gras makes its flamboyant entrance on Saturday, Jan. 4. The third annual Motor Gras Twelfth Night Car Show will kick the day off the weekend at 9 a.m.

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LAKE CHARLES, La. (January 2, 2020)—The Cinderella night of Mardi Gras manifests on Lundi Gras, Monday, Feb. 24, at 7 p.m. with a lavish promenade of more than 60 krewes’ royalty in extravagant…

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LAKE CHARLES, La. (January 2, 2020)—Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana is inviting the community to help them paint the town purple, green and gold! Entries are now being accepted for the Lighted Boat…

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LAKE CHARLES, La. (January 2, 2020)—The public tastes from every pot of chicken and sausage, seafood or wild game gumbo in a hot contest of more than 60 teams on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Lake Charles…

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LAKE CHARLES, La. (January 2, 2020)—Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana is a family-friendly festival and even has an entire day devoted to kids! Children’s Day, a free event open to children ages 3 to…

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IOWA, La. (January 2, 2020)— Catch a chicken at the 42 nd annual Mardi Gras Run on Tuesday, February 25, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 503 E Highway 90, in the town of Iowa. Doors open at 8 a.m…

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LAKE CHARLES, La. (January 2, 2020)— “The Zone,” a family-friendly, alcohol-and-tobacco free area targeted for families with children and teens, is back again for Mardi Gras. Now in its 12 th year…

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VINTON, La. (January 2, 2020)—Frills, feathers and Mardi Gras magic will be in full swing during the Town of Vinton's Mardi Gras celebration in downtown Vinton. The Knights of Columbus will host a…

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LAKE CHARLES, La. (December 26, 2019)– The annual Gingerbread House Contest People’s Choice winner was announced Thursday, Dec. 26, at the Visit Lake Charles’ Welcome Center, 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive.

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Pictured (L to R): Evette Gradney, Vice Chairman of the board of directors of Visit Lake Charles, presents the Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event award to Telesha Bertrand, President of the…

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News Release For Immediate Release Contact: Angie S. Manning Communications Director, CDME Visit Lake Charles 2020 Mardi Gras Season Kickoff Event & Poster Reveal Party LAKE CHARLES, La. (December…

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LAKE CHARLES, La. (Dec. 9, 2019)–The annual Southwest Louisiana Gingerbread House Contest winners were announced at noon on Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Visit Lake Charles Welcome Center, 1205 N.

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Attached Photo: (Left to Right): Sam Moore, head baseball coach of Sulphur High School; Ray Castonguay, Vice President of Merchandise & E-Commerce and Lynn Castonguay; Eric Zartler, Sales Director of…

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Chef Lyle Broussard of L’Auberge Casino Resort and Chef Dave Evans of Luna Bar & Grill are two of eleven premiere Louisiana chefs heading to Atlanta to feature the state’s world-class cuisine in…

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Pictured (L to R): Richert Self, Deputy Executive Director of the Port of Lake Charles; Clair Marceaux, Port Director of the Cameron Parish Port, Harbor & Terminal District; George Swift…

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LAKE CHARLES, La. – Southern Cast Iron announces tickets for its inaugural Southern Cast Iron Cook-Off are on sale. The event will take place Friday, November 1 through Saturday, November 2, 2019 at…

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 13, 2019 Contacts Preston Smith, PrestonSmith@pgatourhq.com, 706-844-1200 Will Precht, wprecht@visitlakecharles.org, 337-502-4272 Elizabeth McLaughlin…

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Photo Caption: Tourism professional Shelley Johnson of Lake Charles, La., was recently inducted into the Destinations International Hall of Fame at the association’s annual convention. Don Welsh…

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Pictured (L to R): Evette Gradney, Vice Chairman of the board of directors of the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau presents the Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event…

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NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release Contact: Angie Manning, Communications Director, CDME Lake Charles/SWLA CVB 800-456-7952 Pro Watercross National Championships Moved to Lake Charles, LA LAKE…

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Pictured (L to R): Evette Gradney, Vice Chairman of the board of directors of the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau, presents the Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event…

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NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For additional information, contact: Russell Chew (337) 540-7617 Chews’ Multicultural Hair Affair Beauty Expo LAKE CHARLES, La. (July 16, 2019) —For the 19th year…

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Pictured (L to R): Evette Gradney, Vice Chairman of the board of directors of the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau, presents the Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event…

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NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For additional information, contact: Will Precht, Sr. Manager of Media/Public Relations Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau (337) 436-9588 or (800)…

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NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For additional information, contact: Kelli Fontenot, Media/Public Relations Manager Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau…

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Pictured (L to R): Evette Gradney, Vice Chairman of the board of directors of the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau, presents the Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event…

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Pictured (L to R): Kyle Edmiston, President/CEO of the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau, presents the Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event award to Mayor Nic Hunter of…

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Pictured (left to right): Second-place winner Emma Stein, First-place winner Ajanae Ruben, and Third-place winner Jackson Droddy each displaying their artwork. NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release For…

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NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kelli Fontenot, media/public relations manager Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana CVB kfontenot@visitlakecharles.org 800-456-7952 Vote for Your Favorite…

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NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release For more information, contact: Kelli Fontenot, media/public relations manager Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana CVB (337) 436-9588 VisitLakeCharles.org Creole Nature…

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Photo Caption: The Avenue of Flags received major donations from the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), Southside Machine Works and Mallet Buildings. Representatives…

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NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For additional information, contact: Angie S. Manning, communications director Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau (337) 436-9588 or (800)…

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Photo Caption: CBS correspondent Conor Knighton interviews Anne Klenke, tourism director from the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) and a National Scenic Byway…

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NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release Contact: Sharon Calcote Louisiana Byways Director 225-342-8146 The Office of Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser Hosts Louisiana Civil Rights Trail Meetings LAKE…

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Pictured (L to R): Matt Young, Director of Cultural Affairs for the City of Lake Charles, receives the Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event award from Evette Gradney, Vice Chairman of the Board of…

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Photo Caption: Shelley Johnson, retired CEO of the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau, receives the Tourism Lifetime Service Award at the National Travel & Tourism Week…

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News Release For Immediate Release Contact: Angie S. Manning, Communications Director, CDME Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana CVB 337-436-9588 Kyle Edmiston Promoted to President/CEO Lake…

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NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For additional information, contact: Angie S. Manning, communications director Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau (337) 436-9588 or (800)…

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NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For additional information, contact: Angie Manning, communications director Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau (337) 436-9588 or (800)…

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News Release For Immediate Release Contact: Angie S. Manning, Communications Director, CDME Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana CVB 337-436-9588 Shelley Johnson, CEO/Executive Director of the Lake…

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NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release For more information, contact: Kelli Fontenot, media/public relations manager Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana CVB (337) 436-9588 National Get Outdoors Day 3 rd…

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PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more Information Contact: Kelli Fontenot, media/public relations manager Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau (337) 436-9588 Flea…

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NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For additional information, contact: William Precht, senior media/public relations manager Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau (337) 436-9588 or (800)…

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Photo Caption: Paul Guillory (left), chairman of the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, Jimmy Brown (center), owner of Brown’s Food Center, and Monte Hurley (right), Creole Nature Trail…

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Photo Caption: Robin Austin (left), vice president of the board of directors of the Lake Charles Civic Ballet (LCCB), and LaDonna McKnight (center), treasurer of LCCB, the Southeast Tourism Society…

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PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For additional information, contact: Will Precht, senior media/public relations manager Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau (337) 436-9588…

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Pictured (L to R): Rhea Shields, vice president of the Iowa Rabbit Festival and Hailey Kotara, festival secretary, receive the Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event award from Evette Gradney, vice…

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Exploring the best of Cajun & Creole Cuisine in South West Louisiana The first Southern Cast Iron Cook-Off competition kicked off in Lake Charles in November last year and I kicked up my heels in…

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Want to celebrate Louisiana Mardi Gras close to home? Lake Charles, just two hours east of Houston on Interstate 10, boasts Louisiana’s second-largest celebration, and its festivities are…

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The carnival season in Lake Charles, Louisiana, starts with the Twelfth Night celebration, where the royal courts of more than 50 krewes are introduced. The season continues through the Fat Tuesday…

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From “Feed your Soul” to “Let the Good Times Roll” Louisiana’s fun slogans are certainly fitting in Lake Charles, a vibrant city in the southwestern corner of the state. Known as Festival City, Lake…

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My grandmother’s cast-iron pans were a thing of dark beauty. Ink black, smooth as glass and obsidian shiny. She cared for them as any home cook would a treasured kitchen tool: Her cast iron was always…