Residents of Shreveport and Bossier woke up to the sights of dozens of hot air balloons in the sky the week of July 14-20. The balloons were in town as part of the Red River Hot Air Balloon Rally and U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship. A kickoff event was hosted at Margaritaville Casino on July 13, where more than 50 hot air balloon pilots were introduced to the community. This is the first of three years that Shreveport will play host to the event.

– Mark Crawford Twisted Root Burger Company began a week of grand opening preview parties in early July at their latest location in Bossier City on Airline Drive. The new restaurant pays tribute to Bossier City and Barksdale Air Force Base, with a replica B-52 bomber flying overhead. The Bossier location will feature the same menu as the Shreveport store.

– Mark Crawford Sam's Town Casino in Downtown Shreveport played host to Philadelphia Center's 27th Annual Auction Against Aids on July 16. The theme for this year's event was Fashion, Music, Art and featured performer Chi Chi DeVayne, who appeared on season 8 of “RuPaul's Drag Race” television show. The event also featured several raffle items, an extensive silent auction and a fashion show.

– Mark Crawford