The Terrebonne Parish Library System’s summer reading program, “Fizz, Boom, Read,” has begun. Read 10 library books — or parents can read 10 library books to younger children — and receive a certificate, a chance to win a bike, a library superstar yard sign and coupons for free things. The summer program includes weekly story times, craft workshops and performances from magician and juggler Matthew Noel, musician Eric Herman and the Invisible Band, Discovery Dome, storyteller, puppeteer Hobey Ford, and a visit from Audubon Nature Institute’s Wetland Express and more. The Library System’s program for seventh- through 12th-graders, “Spark a Reaction,” and the adult program, “Literary Elements,” are also planned.
Admission: Free.
When: Throughout the summer.
Where: Various Terrebonne Parish library branches.
Information: wwwmytpl.org/srp or 876-5861 (option 3).
Reading can be fun
The Lafourche Parish Public Library System’s summer reading program has begun. Read a certain amount of books, and you will receive a certificate and coupons for free things. The summer program includes weekly story times, craft workshops, games, magical performances, wetland critters and more. Children and teens can create robots, make slime and all kinds of gooey stuff, including oobleck. There are geysers, volcanoes, zeppelins and more.
Admission: Free.
When: Throughout the summer.
Where: Any Lafourche Parish library branch.
Information: www.lafourche.org.
Art exhibit
Local artist Wilma Lopez James was selected as the Terrebonne Fine Arts Guild’s artist of the month for June. James was born and educated in Panama City, Panama, where she met her husband, Michael, and settled in the Houma area. Her art training began when she took lessons at the Senior Citizens Center in Montegut. Her instructors referred her to the Terrebonne Fine Arts Guild. She continued studying and attending workshops in oils, acrylics and watercolor. Some of her art instructors are Tanya Dischler, Susan Hoffmann, Robin Hartman and Sharline Hotard. Her area of interest in subject matter for her paintings include birds, florals and landscapes. She said she especially enjoys painting the exotic birds and flowers of her native country.
Admission: Free.
When: Throughout June. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.
Where: Terrebonne Fine Arts Guild’s Downtown Art Gallery 630, 630 Belanger St., downtown Houma.
Information: www.TFAG.org or email info@TFAG.org.
Go jam with them
You can come jam with this group of Cajun musicians every Monday, except holidays.
Admission: Free.
When: 5-7 p.m. Mondays.
Where: Jean Lafitte Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center, 314. St. Mary St., Thibodaux.
Information: www.nps.gov/jela/wetlands-acadian-cultural-center.htm or 448-1375.
Let’s rock
Downtown Live After 5 has entered its 13th season. Monthly performances feature sounds from bands with roots in rhythm and blues, country, swamp pop, rock and more. This month, the local band, Sheaux Down, is set to take the stage. The event, sponsored by the Houma Downtown Development Corp., was started as a way to bring people back to downtown Houma and show them the restaurants, stores and night spots that are in their backyard. Houma’s Downtown Live After 5 started in March 2002 as an effort to revitalize interest and activity in downtown Houma. Members of the Downtown Business Association suggested holding outdoor concerts in the city after seeing similar events in Lafayette, Baton Rouge and other places across south Louisiana. The series attracts a group of 200 to 300 people a month.
Admission: Free.
When: 5-10 p.m. June 27.
Where: Courthouse Square in downtown Houma.
Information: Anne Picou at 873-6408.
Youth conference
Steubenville on the Bayou Catholic youth conference sponsored by the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is a three-day conference which is part of a nationwide conference series co-sponsored by Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio. The event includes praise and worship music; guest speakers; live music; and more.
Admission: Varies.
When: June 27-29.
Where: Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd.
Information: www.SteubenvilleOnTheBayou.com or www.facebook.com/SteubieBayou.
Fired up
You can look, sell, trade and buy guns and knives at a gun and knife show sponsored by the Kiwanis Club.
Admission: $5.
When: June 28-29.
Where: Evergreen Cajun Center, 4694 W. Main St., Houma.
Celebrate independence
The annual Let Freedom Ring Festival celebration includes food and live music, and a fireworks display, sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign War, at night.
Admission: Free.
When: July 4.
Where: Peltier Park at East 7th Street in Thibodaux.
Information: Leland Hoffmann Jr. at 446-5237 or email Ihoffj@bellsouth.net.
Celebrate independence
An Independence Day celebration includes a memorial at Veterans Park on La. 311 near Southdown Plantation to honor veterans and first responders, followed by a parade beginning at Stadium Drive which continues through downtown Houma and ends at Town Hall. The procession features veterans and first responders, military vehicles and artillery, as well as residents from the community. Other activities include a beauty pageant, food, a flyover, children’s events and live music. The daylong event also includes a fireworks extravaganza after dark, parachutists, a foot race, a children’s fun run and a bike race.
Admission: Free.
When: 1-9 p.m. July 5.
Where: Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd.
Information: www.houma4thofjuly.com.
Rap concert
Hip-hop star Lil’ Boosie will perform live. The concert is presented by Fiya Mix Entertainment. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com, the Civic Center Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets or charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000.
Admission: Varies.
When: 7:30 p.m. July 11.
Where: Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd.
Information: 850-4657 or email info@houmaciviccenter.com.