Annual event benefits Shreveport Opera and SOX

Even though the aroma of pumpkin spice has been wafting through shops since September, there is one sure sign that the holidays are just around the corner. Les Boutiques de Noel is celebrating its 51st appearance this year at the Shreveport Convention Center Nov. 21 through 23. The event is billed as “a festive shopping event that’s as joyful as it is meaningful. This annual tradition blends holiday cheer, one-of-a-kind gifts and community spirit into one unforgettable experience,” according to the Shreveport-Bossier Opera Guild, the driving force behind the event. Boutique is the major fundraiser for the Opera and its educational outreach program, Shreveport Opera Express (SOX).

Les Boutiques began over 50 years ago as a small holiday market and has since grown into one of the most significant seasonal events in the region, featuring over 90 individual merchants. It showcases merchants, artists and artisans as well, some of whom travel from across the country to share unique items with our community.

While the scope is broad, the focus is local, according to Guild President Elizabeth Glassell. “We try to focus on this area, because we want to help promote the economy here and the merchants here. Getting the small businesses recognition and building the clientele bases locally. However, we do have some really cool merchants coming in from different places.”

Over the decades, the event has attracted merchants who have become anticipated sources for the bargain hunters who come to round out their holiday gift purchases. Some of the returnees this year include Kathy Tolber Silver, with new, antique and estate silver; Holy Angels’ Angel Works Gift Shops, featuring resident-created artwork and specialty foods; and Creole Kids Boutique, offering affordable clothing to families who can afford it and helping provide for those who can’t.

And there will be fresh faces in evidence this year, according to Glassell. “This year again we will have the Café de Noel in the center court that will have different coffees and sweet treats. The coffee will be provided by Lyon’s Pride, Peter Lyons’ company. And Lilah’s Bakery is doing other treats for sale there.” Additionally, the convention center will have concession tables offering salads, wraps and sandwiches for purchase.

Haley Brooke will perform live at Les Boutiques de Noel.

It wouldn’t be de Noel without Papa Noel, so Santa will be on hand Sunday, Nov. 23, from noon to 3 p.m.

“We also will have a professional photographer who is coming,” Glassell added.” So, with the price for your entry to get into Les Boutiques, you can have a Santa picture done by a professional photographer, and two to three images will be emailed to you after the show at no additional charge.”

There will also be a photo booth where you can take your own snaps with a holiday theme. And Thrifty Liquor is making a comeback with their popular eggnog daiquiris.

Glassell said the Guild has learned that people flock to Boutiques mainly for the shopping, so that’s where their focus is this year, but there will be some children’s activities to keep the youngsters occupied while mom and pop snare those special gifts for Christmas morning. One will be a mailbox where the kids can write and mail their wish lists to the jolly old elf in time for his overnight sleigh ride.

The important thing, she said, is for the public to come out and support the Opera and its programs.

“We raise money exclusively for the Shreveport Opera and the Shreveport Opera Express, the SOX program. Every year, over 200 professional opera singers audition to move to Shreveport for a year and do a residency. They all live together and go throughout the region performing at schools, nursing homes and community centers. Last year they performed for over 15,000 students.”

She said the youngsters really enjoy the SOX performances because they are not full of high opera. “They have these cute little operettas like ‘Leo the Lying Lion’ or ‘Don’t Be a Bully.’ It is musical education. They have such phenomenal voices, and [it’s] letting the kids experience that firsthand.”

Speaking of music, Haley Brooke will provide live music accompanied by a Pendley piano. And members of the Guild will be offering complimentary present wrapping (donations graciously accepted) for small and medium packages. There is a fee for the larger ones.

All proceeds go to the Guild. There is free parking with valet options available.

For more information about ticket prices and merchants, check out the Merchant Spotlights on Facebook and Instagram @ boutiquesdenoel.