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By Nichole Richardson

Last Wednesday evening the city kicked off its 75th anniversary party to celebrate the 1939 name change from St. Ferdinand to Florissant. The party began at 6 on in Old Town in front of Korte’s Custom Framing and Antiques in the 600 block of rue St. Francois.

This area was chosen because it originally housed the first two City Halls.

The party also served as the first of the “Wednesday Night Outs” sponsored by Florissant Old Town Partners during the summer. The starting theme was entitled “Art and Wine” and invited native artists and vendors to show off and sell their works.

There were many different booths including handmade jewelry, textiles, taxidermy, woodworking, art, accessories, and spices. Henke’s Bar sold beer and wine reasonable priced to keep customers cool. The crowd was entertained by the band Phat Channel and City Council members, city officials and Mayor Tom Schneideer mingled with residents and local business people as well.

An open letter to the community was read by Major Schneider before he introduced the patriotic and amazingly tasty cake supplied by current Cake Boss contenders, Wedding Wonderland.

Versatile woodworking artist Les Suchman of 5th Day Creations loves bringing his work to festivals. Suchman started his journey in 1978 in Arkansas and ignited his passion for carving during a class he joined and eventually taught.

From there he went to work for Silver Dollar City and now sells his treasures at the Chapel House Antique Shop on Washington, among other places. “I have four granddaughters and a grandson and they love the wooden toy cars so much,” Suchman beamed.

Residents delighted at all the vendors and came out for a multitude of reasons. Linda Roggeveen has lived in Old Town Florissant for over 60 years and wanted to share in this proud moment for the city.

“We wanted to come out for the history of the 75th year and give support. We love that we can walk everywhere and each house is unique; the same families stay generation to generation so you always know something about them,” said Roggeveen.

It was evident that all who came to the event had a wonderful time and look forward to 75 more years in Florissant. The anniversary party wrapped up with two Town Hall meetings on Thursday to discuss the future of Florissant.and hear residents comments on current city matters. Old Town will host t other “Wednesday Night Out’s” on the last Wednesday of the month through September.

Old Town Night Out Summer Schedule:

July 30- Frozen will play at the St. Ferdinand Shrine

Aug. 27-Stems Florist and Bunkers Tavern present Party in the Street

Sept. 24– Hendel’s Restaurant presents Live Music on St. Denis

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