COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Madisonville is located on the historic Tchefuncte River on Louisiana Highway 22 between Mandeville and Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Founded in 1817, the town is one of the oldest communities in Louisiana and is the oldest permanent settlement in St. Tammany Parish.

Although only 40 miles north of New Orleans, Madisonville retains the character of yesteryear, but has become a dynamic place to relax, have fun, and conduct business in Louisiana's fastest growing parish. The riverfront, with its quaint restaurants and taverns, has become a favorite weekend retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Louisiana residents love to have a good time - it's part of our charm and Madisonville is no exception.  We proudly host our share of festivals and special events, many of them major attractions.

Bicentennial Celebration

Madisonville celebrates 200 years of history on Saturday, September 24, 2011. As part of the celebration, the Town commissioned artist Tammy Morris to paint the official poster for the event. Here is Tammy's description of the poster:

The original painting is a 16x20 acrylic on panel. To commemorate the Bicentennial of the Town of Madisonville I wanted to utilize the river as the main theme. Throughout history the river has been the driving force for the town. On the lower left corner I started with the Janhcke wooden boat, representing the Jahncke shipyard which was one of the primary contributors to the town. Next on the lower right, I choose to use a paddle boat, which incorporates the lumber mills, major mode of transportation and social entertainment of the time. The paddle boat is special because it is named "the Miss Cyndi" after Cyndi Phelps, who contributed so much to the town as the Town Clerk for over 25 years. She passed away this past summer. The third boat directly in the middle of the painting is the Le Bon Ton Roule, also a wooden boat but still steams today on the Tchefuncte bringing the past to the present. Just off in the distance you can see two of the Historical buildings in the town, the Old Jail now the Madisonville Museum and the Old Library, which is where we had the unveiling of the Bicentennial Poster. The Library was also the Hospital before St. Tammany Parish Hospital was built, and before that it was the Madisonville Bank. In between these two buildings the viewer will find the historical oak trees of Madisonville as well as Madisonville #1 Cemetary, which has graves back to the Civil War era. Finally cresting the painting is our esteemed Lighthouse on the Tchefuncte and majestic sunsets.

This original painting will be on display at the Madisonville Marketplace from Sept. 23 until Oct. 30 for the Red Carpet and Jeans exhibit which will open Friday, Sept. 23. The artist will have several pieces in the Red Carpet and Jeans exhibit and will be available for personalization of the posters at the opening event on Sept. 23. The original painting will finally come to its permanent home in the Town Hall of Madisonville after the exhibit.

Posters are $45.00 each available at the Town Hall in Madisonville. All posters have been signed and numbered by the artist. Posters will be available at that event as well.

Art Market

Several times a year, Art For Madisonville sponsors art markets on the riverfront.  One of the significant accomplishments of Art For Madisonville was achieving the status of a Cultural District for Madisonville.  This status allows for the sale of original works of art tax free which encourages the arts.

Mardi Gras

The Krewe of Tchefuncte has floated this parade of 20-30 decorated boats for over 20 years.  This event is usually held the Sunday prior to Mardi Gras each year.

The 2013 Krewe of Tchefuncte Boat Parade will roll on Sunday, February 10th at 2pm. DETAILS

Cruisin' on the River Car Show

Visitors come out each year in May for the fun and festivities at the  Annual Cruisin’ on the River Car Show held on the river front in Madisonville.  Sponsored by the Chamber, the show is an attraction for car enthusiasts of all ages.  Awards are given in many different categories and general admission is free to the public.

Wooden Boat Festival

Featuring one of the largest gatherings of antique and classic wooden watercraft on the entire Gulf of Mexico with over 100 participants, the Wooden Boat Festival draws boating enthusiasts from all over the area.  Marine exhibitors, artisans, kid's workshops and the "Quick and Dirty Boat Building Contest" round out a day of family fun.  This exceptional event benfits the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum. 

Dragon Boat Festival

Great White North (GWN) is the coordinator of the first event of this kind in our area, making it's debut in Madisonville, Louisiana, along the Tchefuncte River. The Greater New Orleans International Dragon Boat Festival will be held on Saturday April 17th 2010.

According to GWN, this is the world's fastest growing water sport is also the most exciting. Twenty paddlers move in unison, combining strength with teamwork in a boat whose elaborate design originates in ancient China.

Santa Claus Boat Parade

Old St. Nick comes to Madisonville via boat on the Tchefuncte River and presents Christmas goodies to the children at Town Hall.