The home of beautiful Lake D'Arbonne

We're ready to transition into fall here in Union Parish, where numerous events and pleasures are set for the next few months. Beautiful Lake D'Arbonne calls us to come fish and play on the water. We can listen to our favorite football team on the radio while we reel in crappie, bass, or catfish, and enjoy those fabulous sunsets. And we can enjoy delicious meals at area restaurants and shopping trips to unique boutiques to find those just-right clothes, accessories, or antique pieces.

See the rundown of great events NOT to be missed!

Saturday, Sept. 27 - "Take A Child Outside Week" will be observed in the Lake D'Arbonne State Park with trail walks and a scavenger hunt starting at 10 a.m.

Saturday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m. - "Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day", Lake D'Arbonne State Park - awards and prizes

Friday, Oct. 10, 7 p.m. - Square Dancing will be the opening event for the Regional Dutch Oven Gathering at Lake D'Arbonne State Park

Saturday, Oct. 11 - Regional Dutch Oven Gathering with cooks from Arkansas, Texas, Mississippi, Florida and Louisiana will demonstrate cooking techniques at the Lake D'Arbonne State Park

Saturday, Oct. 11 - Tick Creek Festival with booths, games, food and prizes at the Church of Christ in Haile, La. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. information - 318-292-4156

Saturday, Oct. 11 - Sportsman's Paradise Fall Beauty Pageant in Marion - call 318-292-4716

Thursday, Oct. 16 - Sportsman's Paradise Fall Banquet in Marion ($20 each). Featured Speaker: Louisiana Secretary of Wildlife and Fisheries, Robert Barham - call 318-292-4716

Friday-Saturday, Oct. 17-18 - Sportsman's Paradise Fall Festival at Marion kicks off Friday night with a Street Dance at 7 p.m. Saturday's activites include a Parade at 10 a.m., arts and crafts, food, games and entertainment, the Big Buck Contest and a Wild Game Cook-Off - 318-292-4716

Saturday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m. - Archaeology Day in the Park, Lake D'Arbonne State Park - presentations on local mound sites and the Pine Island site - bring your artifacts for identification

Saturday, Oct. 25 - Hayride, Lake D'Arbonne State Park

Saturday, Nov. 1 - Halloween hayride with storytelling, Lake D'Arbonne State Park

For more information, click on highlighted items or call the Chamber office, 318-368-3947 or Lake D'Arbonne State Park, 318-368-6291

DAILY - Visit Lake D'Arbonne State Park, 655 acres, sitting right on the shores of its beautiful namesake. Swim, play tennis, camp out, stay in a modern cabin, go fishing off one of the piers, rent a canoe, bike or hike through the woodland trails, picnic, or visit the wildlife displays. One of the most beautiful state parks in the state. $1 admission. 318-368-2086.

Horseback ride, hike, bird-watch, or hunt in D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge - 17,420 acres of hardwood bottomland bisected by Bayou D'Arbonne

Hunt or hike through upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge - 20,905 acres spanning Union Parish & Morehouse Parish; Ouachita River bisects refuge -- Waterfowl hunting, bird-watching (including bald eagles, red-cockaded woodpecker), hiking (no ATV, no camping)

Enjoy Union Wildlife Management Area -- 11,113 acres in north part of parish - requires $15 WMA permit -- Hunting, bird-watching, ATV trails, hiking, horseback riding, primitive camping

NEED A MAP OF LAKE D'ARBONNE FOR FISHING OR SKIING? Call the Union Parish Chamber of Commerce, 318-368-3947, or Union Parish Police Jury, 318-368-3296.