Good morning, Monroe.

Officials announced the West Monroe Farmers Market will kick off its season Saturday, May 30, running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. local growers, makers plus live music, vendors and a kids zone will offer residents a full day of shopping, food and family fun.

Communities across the ArkLaMiss are holding Juneteenth events this month with parades, festivals, live music, worship services and family celebrations honoring freedom and Black history.

Events are planned in areas including Jonesboro, Jonesville and Elizabethtown.

Eden Brent will perform at this month's free Ouachita Live concert in downtown West Monroe on Friday, May 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. The event at Alley Park (food trucks are on site) is sponsored by the Ouachita River Blues Society.

The NELA Children’s Museum will host a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, June 3 at 10 a.m. to launch its summer exhibit “Roarin’ Adventures” at its downtown location (323 Walnut St.) for a new seasonal experience for families.

Registration for summer camps at NELA Children's Museum is open in Monroe for kids aged 4 to 9.

Camps will take place in June, July, and early August and include themed sessions like Dino Day (June 1 and 3) and a weeklong course for school readiness; the museum is at 323 Walnut Street and will soon move to Broadmoor Ave.

The West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce says a few spots remain available in the 2026 Future Entrepreneur Academy, a summer program where high school students learn entrepreneurship, develop business ideas, and build confidence in planning.

Interested students should apply soon by calling (318-325-1961).

West Monroe High School will offer summer STEM camps at the WMHS STEM Building for 1st-7th graders; sessions run Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., elementary camps June 8-11, June 22-25, and July 13-16 and middle camps June 15-18 and July 20-23, at a cost of $150 (robotics support provided).

The Louisiana Department of Health begins issuing SUN Bucks this week to help families buy groceries while schools remain closed for summer break.

Residents should check local health offices for distribution details.