Annual Avenue Evening Stroll hits downtown

DONALDSONVILLE – Every November Donaldsonville Glass and Body Works participates in the annual Avenue Evening Stroll, along with most of the other area businesses.

     Kenny Frederic, Manager of Donaldsonville Glass and Body Works, said he participates in the Stroll to show his support for the city. 

     “I do this as an appreciation for my customers,” Frederic said. “This is something I do to try to support the town and my customers.”

     Residents across Ascension Parish gather in Donaldsonville for the Avenue Evening Stroll. Hosted by the Downtown Development District (DDD) and Main Street Program, the event offers activities and shopping opportunities, just in time for the holidays.  

     The event is also home to a classic car show and musical performances. Swamp Pop and classic rock band the King PaKaYea, featuring Van Broussard, will be performing at Donaldsonville Glass & Body Works. Baton Rouge brass  band, the Michael Foster Project, will perform at the River Road African American Heritage Museum, while local youth dance troops will be performing at the Chamber of Commerce.

     “There will also be a few surprises during the evening featuring our local high school youth,” said Jeffery Bean, DDD board member and co-owner of the Donaldsonville Raylin House, in a press release. 


     This year the Fire Department Association will host the Children's Winter Wonderland, where activities and pictures with Santa Claus will be available.

     New to the Stroll is the addition of the street trolley, which will feature historian and re-enactor Richard Zeringue, detailing the history of Donaldsonville and the importance of various architecture around town.

     “To help downtown businesses, the trolley will stop at all city merchants participating in the event as well as the four entertainment sites – The Bicentennial Jazz Plaza and the River Road African American Heritage Museum, the Donaldsonville Chamber of Commerce, Louisiana Square and Donaldsonville Glass & Body Works,” said Minnie's Restaurant owner and board member, Lynn Carter.

     One of the biggest benefits of the Stroll is the spotlight its brings to local merchants.

     The DDD said in a press release that their goal is to promote the character of the historic downtown district with the goal of transforming it into a vibrant cultural and social center of the city and Ascension Parish.