Contributing Writer

Work on the first phase of the new trailhead in Abita Springs is nearing completion as work on the new playground moves one step forward.

Mayor Louis Fitzmorris said most of the major work on the town's new trailhead is complete. The Longbranch hotel building has been moved, the deck constructed, and the pavilion has been relocated and its footings have been poured. The next step, he said, is for the floor to be finished inside the Longbranch building, and he does not see a problem with it being completed in time for a special exhibit being brought to the town via the Smithsonian Institute. The exhibit, New Harmonies, Roots music in America, will include a series of kiosks depicting the various genres of American Roots music. Some of the kiosks have interactive features

The exhibit itself will run from April 12 through May 28, and the town's museum committee has planned other events leading up and in conjunction with the exhibit.

The committee's first fund-raiser the Push Mow Caf/ held during the town's annual Push Mow parade was a major success, raising $2,800.

Mayor Pro Tem Sheri Campbell Sable said the group would have raised more money except the organizers ran out of food.

The group will hold a talent show in Town Hall April 26 at 6 p.m. Auditions are March 1 at 1 p.m. The show will include gospel, bluegrass, country, blues, folk, Jazz, Tejano, Cajun and Zydeco music.

Auditions are open to children and adults.

Those interesting in auditioning should call Kathy Armand at 892-0711.

Another fundraiser benefiting the museum will be the Taste of Abita Springs Jazz Brunch to be held at the Abita Quail Farm on March 9.

Tom Fisher and his Jazz Quartet will provide the music, and Abita Springs restaurants will provide the buffet meal. Tickets to the event are $20 each, and can be purchased by Armand at the above number.

The Friends of the Park organization, the non-profit group working to construct a playground in the park, will be on hand to sign up volunteers.

The group is looking for people to help construct the playground later this spring.

Sable said the group has semifinal plans for the playground, which will include traditional playground equipment along with some pieces that will be uniquely Abita Springs.

Sable said some of the highlights will be a zip line reminiscent of the old rope swing that once hung over the Abita River, a child-size replica of the former ABC Grocery, a triple racer slide and a piece of equipment shaped like the pavilion. She hopes to have the playground open in time for children to play there this summer.