Old City Hall used to be the jail!?

If you've walked around the antique village, you've passed the white Art Deco building on Mattie Street. That's Old City Hall.

The WPA built it in the late 1930s, and it opened in 1940. For a while, it was pretty much the whole city government in one building. The mayor's office, city council, police, a courtroom, the jail, and the library were all under that one roof.

The city outgrew it and moved out in 1969. Then the police took it over, added jail cells, and stayed until 1984.

After that it sat for years. When the city set up a historic preservation group in 1995, saving this building was one of their top priorities. That same group is what got Denham Springs into the Main Street program (last week's shoutout).

It took until 2009 to get it fully restored, original colors and all.

Now it's a welcome center and museum. The Fall Festival lists it as a stop on Saturday, so if you need a break from the crowds on Range Ave, it's worth ducking in.

Sponsored

You've probably gotten one. Your package can't be delivered, click here to update your address. Or the one saying you owe a toll on a road you've never driven.

They look real enough, and they show up when you're only half paying attention. One tap and you're typing your card number into something that isn't the post office.

Deleting them works fine until the day you're actually waiting on a package. What helps more is knowing what's already floating around with your name on it, and getting a heads up when something new turns up.

Here's what I'd do about it:

Thurs 10/1 - Sat 10/3, 7pm (doors at 6:30)

Spotlight Theater Players are putting on a murder mystery written and directed by Dinah Toups. The live broadcast of a dying 1970s TV show goes wrong, somebody ends up dead, and it's up to the audience to solve it. 1970s outfits encouraged. Tickets are $25, or $30 at the door.

It also runs next week, Oct 8-9 at 7pm and a 2pm show on Oct 10.

Thurs 10/1, 8pm

A TikTok and stand-up comedian bringing his live show out to Hwy 16. You have to be 18 or over, and they check ID at the door. Tickets start around $32.

Fri 10/2

Stroll the streets, sip something local, discover handcrafted treasures, and enjoy the vibe. It's the perfect way to shake up your Friday night plans!

Sat 10/3, 9am-4:30pm

More than 160 vendors along Range Ave. Mattie Street turns into Art Avenue, and there's live music at Train Station Park all day. There's food, kiddie rides, and sales in the shops, and it's free to get in.

The Coverly Brothers are playing classic rock at Train Station Park at noon.

Sat 10/3, 1-2pm

A free class from Epilepsy Alliance Louisiana on how to recognize a seizure and what to do when it happens. They also clear up some common myths about epilepsy.

Sat 10/3, 1-3pm

Mean Girl Self Defense is putting on a free seminar on Old Hwy 16. It covers awareness, de-escalation, and simple physical moves that don't rely on size or strength. No experience needed, ages 13+.

Sun 10/4, 4-7pm

Free food, games, bounce houses, and more out on Walker Rd N. Bring a friend and a candy bag.

Mon 10/5

This is the last day to register in person or by mail for the Nov 3 election, which has the Denham Springs mayor's race on it. If you register online through GeauxVote, you have until Oct 13.

Wednesdays at 6:30pm

Line Dancing every Wednesday night starting at 6:30 pm in the Crown Room.

Multiple Events

I hate to group all these great events together like this, but there are too many to list out separately! They have a book club event almost every day of the week. Check out the link below to find the one for you:

Poker: Mondays at 6 & 8pm
Bingo: Thursdays at 6:30pm

First Friday of Every Month

Stroll the streets, sip something local, discover handcrafted treasures, and enjoy the vibe. It’s the perfect way to shake up your Friday night plans! So come on out and see what the local shops are up to.

Saturdays 8am-12pm

Every Saturday morning in Denham Springs at City Hall.
Check out the Facebook group

Every 4th Saturday 2-8pm

Guided hand building, ceramic painting, good company and a moment to create something unique with your own hands. Coffee, tea, water, and snacks available. 21+ can B.Y.O.B. (please enjoy responsibly). This is a drop-in event, so there's no need to book a specific time. Just come in when you're available!

3rd Sunday every month at 9am

Breakfast at the Way Church. Everyone is welcome, so this will be an awesome chance to invite your neighbors, friends, and family for a morning of good food and good fellowship followed by some good worship about a great God!

(Too many to list!)

Check the latest events below. Lots coming up this month!

(Too many to list!)

Bingo, Chess, & Smash Burgers: Tuesdays starting @ 5pm
Open Mic Night: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays @ 6:30pm
Running Club: Thursdays @ 6pm
First Friday Fun
And more!

(Too many to list!)

Check the latest events below:

(Too many to list!)

I’ve moved the Brushfire Art classes to this section because there are so many going on that I feel like it deserves a permanent spot down here. Check out this week’s classes below:

(Too many to list!)

There are 30+ Girl Scout troops across our area, and several of them meet at Immaculate Conception. If you've got a girl K-12 who wants in, the link below has the join form.