Baron’s Ball: The American Cancer Society is switching things up for this year’s Baron’s Ball and holding a Race Day Soiree for its annual event. The ball committee hosted a pre-party event May 12 at Cantina Laredo to introduce the new theme and announce the honoraries. Dr. Joyce Feagin is honorary medical professional chair, Donna LaCour is honorary cancer survivor chair, and Jill Pilinksi is honorary beyond the call chair. The event will be Aug. 27 at Louisiana Downs. Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs will perform, and Silver Star will cater.

– Mary Ann Van Osdell

Clarence Darrow: The summons read: “Herein fail not, under penalty of being removed from the A-list that the area legal community (and lay person alike) are summoned to appear at the Sixth Annual Clarence Darrow Birthday Party held at Voodoo Cafe for the ‘legal event of the year.’” Party-goers were treated to a southern shrimp boil with proceeds going to Shreveport Opera. Attorney Elton Richie served as this year’s host.

Derby Day Festival: The front lawn of the R.W. Norton Art Gallery in historic South Highlands again played host to the second Shreveport Derby Day Festival May 7. More than 1,000 people spent the afternoon enjoying mint juleps, served by Wine Country Bistro & Bottle Shop, and mid-afternoon snacks, provided Rhino Coffee and Buttercups Cupcakes. There was a network of large television screens that displayed the Kentucky Derby race. Rebirth Brass Band from New Orleans provided the musical entertainment.

– Mark Crawford

Cancer Foundation League’s Kentucky Derby Party: The Caddo-Bossier Cancer Foundation League’s fifth annual Kentucky Derby Party was held May 7 at the beautifully decorated St. Andrews home of Dr. Robin LaCour and Eric Blankenship. Red roses aligned the silent auction tables, and family provided a horse saddle, hat and boots as props to decorate the fireplace. Guests could buy a $20 souvenir mint julep cup to get free refills and then take home. Food consisted of sliders, macaroni with toppings, marinated crab claws stuffed in an artichoke tree, cucumber mint phyllo cups and tiramisu with an edible spoon. The group is dedicated to making life easier for patients undergoing treatment for cancer. The league provides such assistance as transportation, lodging and personal items. They will also be creating Christmas baskets for patients.

– Mary Ann Van Osdell