The end of 2017 marks the end of the city’s bicentennial celebration. But fear not – with 200 years under our belt, the Capital Region knows a thing or two about fostering a constant culture of celebration.
Hold on to your party hats for one more night as Baton Rouge says goodbye to its 200th year and starts celebrating the next 200! Check out some of these nearby New Year’s Eve bashes to welcome 2018:
- Ribeyes & Champagne Cocktails at Olive or Twist – Need some good luck in 2018? Offering a twist on an old tradition, the popular Baton Rouge bar and kitchen will serve a specialized New Year’s Eve menu consisting of ribeye plates served with black eyed peas and cabbage, champagne, chocolate and specialty cocktails.
- New Year’s Eve Crafting Crop – Not in the mood for a midnight toast? Craft to your heart’s desire at Art Unleashed in Prairieville instead. Bring your friends, some art supplies and enjoy full store access until 2 a.m.
- Red Stick Rising – What about a family-friendly daytime event? As part of downtown’s Red Stick Revelry, your kids can take a free hands-on art class from local artists. And while you’re at it, steal a bite of Baton Rouge’s 200th birthday cake, listen to the Louisiana State Fiddling Champion string together some tunes, and join downtown church choirs in the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” at noon.
- Red Stick Revelry – Hang back after Red Stick Rising and ring in the new year with a downtown tradition. Pre-countdown activities include a performance by Phat Hat at the Crest in Galvez Plaza and the dropping of an LED-lighted Red Stick on top of the Town Square Beacon at midnight.
Cheers to 2018! Snap a picture of your New Year’s celebration and share it with us – it might just end up on our blog.
Flavor of the Week: Louisiana’s Undercover Culinary Capital
Baton Rouge was highlighted in not one, but TWO Wine Enthusiast articles in which our community was touted as Louisiana’s undercover culinary capital – now that’s a title we could get used to!
Popular Baton Rouge eateries were highlighted in the first article, including Cocha, The Gregory and Parrain’s. The second article features a delicious catfish taco recipe by local chefs Aimee Tortorich and Jay Ducote. The zesty creation contains the Holy Trinity of Baton Rouge cuisine: catfish, collard greens and maque choux. You can grab one of these tacos at Gov’t Taco, which will open in the new White Star Market food hall on Government Street in early 2018. A bite of these tacos offers a scrumptious taste of the Capital Region, also now known as the state’s undercover culinary capital (sorry we can’t help but repeat the title, we just love it!).
Workin’ It: Business Development Project Manager and Regional Director
The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) is currently seeking two positions on its business development team. The organization seeks a project manager to support economic development in the Capital Region by maintaining a marketable inventory of industrial and commercial properties and managing business development projects. BRAC is also looking for a regional director to support and promote economic development in the Capital Region by recruiting new companies to the market and assisting existing companies with expansion investments.
Requirements for both positions include a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field and project management experience, particularly in an economic development role.
Does either of these sound like a job for you? Send a resume to talent@brac.org.
In the “Workin’ It” section of the newsletter we feature exciting job opportunities and/or professional organizations in the Baton Rouge Area. The positions featured are from companies who are BRAC investors and not necessarily positions at BRAC. For more information about the job, employer or organization, email talent@brac.org.
My Baton Rouge: Activate Conference
The Activate Conference is coming back to Baton Rouge in 2018! The second annual conference will once again be hosted by Louisiana Tech Park on February 22-24 for students and professionals who want to break into web, mobile or wearable tech careers. Speakers and panelists from the Baton Rouge Area’s growing interactive community will discuss their careers, answer questions and offer advice on how to get an edge on the future of design and development.
Sound like your type of event? Well, now is your chance to get involved! Organizers are currently locking down speakers and volunteers for the event. Don’t miss your chance to make your mark on the Capital Region’s tech world early on.
An awesome educational opportunity for the region’s game-changers (pun intended)? That is my Baton Rouge.
In the “My Baton Rouge” section of the newsletter, we feature people or events that help tell the story of Baton Rouge. To submit an idea, email talent@brac.org.
Out on the Town
- Frozen Sing-Along, December 21, watch Disney’s animated hit Frozen and sing along to the movie’s award-winning soundtrack
- Social Painting Class: Winter Bird House, December 22, bring your favorite adult beverage and learn how to paint a “Winter Bird House”
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro, November 15 – December 24, take a free photo with Saint Nick and enjoy complimentary crafts, games and activities in a magical wonderland setting
- Star Wars: The Worlds Within, December 15-31, journey through the Star Wars franchise’s planets, moons and star systems in this 40-minute full-dome, original planetarium show
For more local events, visit the Life in BR Events Page.