Holiday event in Denham Springs

Livingston Parish’s recent growth and population surge shouldn’t overshadow its history, says local volunteer Pat Genre, who co-chairs the 11th annual Denham Springs Main Street Holiday Chef’s Evening and Wine Tasting Event. Intended to celebrate the town’s historic district and the small businesses and antique stores that line it, the event features a walkable food-and-wine tasting for a mere $25 a person. This year’s gathering takes place Dec. 1 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., when about 20 local restaurants, including Geisha Sushi with a Flair, Don’s Seafood, DeAngelo’s, Taste of Louisiana Café and new Denham eatery PorterHouse Restaurant, will set up tasting stations in shops along historic Range Avenue. Republic National Distributing Company will pour eight different wines along the way. Genre, a Denham Springs native, says the event is an offshoot of the city’s participation in the national Main Street Program, which helps communities bring attention and restore charm to their historic promenades. Tickets are available through advanced sales only at Taste of Louisiana Café, 105 N. Range Ave., Denham Springs, after 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Only 300 tickets are available, and they go quickly, says Genre. All proceeds benefit Main Street Denham Springs. For more information, call Genre at (225) 665-2048 or co-chair Lyn Deville at (225) 664-3867.