The second annual Cultural Extravaganza, an evening showcasing the importance of Louisiana’s cultural economy and the impact it has on the community, is set for Aug. 21 at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium.

From 5:30-8:30 p.m., the event will feature an eight-course feast, with each course provided by a local culinary artist, restaurant or caterer. In addition, the works of area artists will be on display, and live entertainment is provided by Jeanne Louise and All That Jazz.

There will also be special presentations by local officials and keynote speakers Pam Breaux and Scott Hutcheson. Breaux is an assistant secretary of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and is in charge of the department’s Office of Cultural Development. Hutcheson is the executive director of the Cultural Economy Foundation, part of the Louisiana Cultural Economy Initiative division of Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu’s office.

“The cultural economy is the state’s second largest industry, and most businesses and professionals are shareholders, whether they realize it or not,” said Kim Bergeron, director of the city’s Department of Cultural and Public Affairs. “We are trying to raise awareness and remind people how important cultural events are to our community.”

Bergeron went on to explain that the cultural economy is not limited to theaters, museums, artists, musicians and entertainers, but also the individuals and businesses that contribute in one way or another to making these events happen.

“For example, if there is a local event, all the details that go into planning and production, tablecloths, flowers, catering, party rentals, supplies, support staff, professional services; everything is supplied from businesses from throughout the area,” she said. “People attending the event do some shopping, buy gasoline, eat at local restaurants and stay at hotels. That’s the cultural economy at work.”

Part of the St. Tammany Joint Commission on Cultural Economy’s continuing efforts to promote awareness of the impact of cultural events, the event is jointly sponsored by the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural and Public Affairs and the East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce.

Tickets are $25 per person or $250 for a reserved table with seating for up to eight people. Engraved wine glasses with two servings of wine will be available for an additional $10. Tickets are limited, and will not be available at the door. The event is expected to sell out quickly, so advance purchase is strongly recommended.

Tickets can be purchased at any of the following locations: East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, 118 West Hall Ave., 643-5678; the Department of Cultural and Public Affairs, 1330 Bayou Lane, No. 118 in the Municipal Trailer Complex, 646-4375; or at STARC Cleaners, 40016 U.S. Highway 190 East, locally known as Shortcut Highway, 781-0929.

For more information, call 643-5678 or 646-4375.