Live Like the Locals

St. Bernard Parish Government, in conjunction with Louisiana Sea Grant—a program based on LSU's flagship campus that works to find creative solutions to Louisiana's coastal challenges—will host the St. Bernard Seafood Market in Hopedale on June 12. This open-air market will provide an opportunity for local fishermen to sell their catches of the day, along with other fresh seafood products, directly to the community. 

This Independence Day, don your red, white, and blue and grab a few lawn chairs or a picnic blanket for the thirty-seventh annual St. Bernard Salutes America celebration, which will return to the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center Grounds in Chalmette. Live music will light up the stage starting at 5:30 pm, to be followed by a fireworks show at 9:45 pm. While you're in the area, treat yourself to dinner at Rocky & Carlo's, a longtime local institution famous for its comically large portions of Creole-Italian cuisine. Opened in 1965 and steeped in St. Bernard history, the two Sicilian founding families are just as beloved as their signature long-noodle macaroni and cheese and homemade red gravy. 

Later this year, decorated fishing and shrimping boats will line up and down the bayou for the annual Blessing of the Fleet ceremony in August, while September brings back the classic car show Cruzin' da Parish. Come October, the month's cooler climate ushers in a calendar packed with returning festivals and gatherings, including the Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival at Docville Farm, Old Arabi Sugar Fest, and the Violet Oyster Festival. For further event details as they approach this fall, go to visitstbernard.com.