Lake Charles, Louisiana. Currently my home, and the site of massive economic growth. This growth brings definite change to the landscape of the city, but where does that leave the Lake Charles vibe?
According to chooselakecharles.com, the largest industries in the area are Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace, Agribusiness, Health Care, Maritime, and Sustainable and Traditional Energy. These different highly prospering fields have the potential to bring to this area new cultures, religions, points of view, and the opportunity to enhance our own local culture.
Lake Charles is experiencing the most unpredictable and unprecedented explosion of cultural growth. So much so, that we actually have the opportunity to “put ourselves out there,” if you will.
Our local artists are creating street exhibits downtown to promote their talents, some of which would definitely surprise many locals. Shoutout moment: my good judies, Morgan and Danny Allain, along with Daneisha Davis-Harger, are always hustling to get their art on the map. Look them up. Now. Do it!
Wouldn’t you feel as though you contributed way more to the success of a local artist, if you had a piece of their art hanging on your wall as a reminder?
I have at least one piece from each of these artists, and I love the idea that I was able to meet and interact with the artist, instead of some no name piece of reproduced art from Kirkland’s or Hobby Lobby. Not to say that those aren’t great/pretty works of art, but what’s the meaning behind it? Who’s making the money on that piece, the artist, or the store? But, I digress.
Lake Charles offers a lot of local musical talents, as well, however, the simple fact is that we may not have enough local opportunities, or paying gigs, for local artists.
The Lake Charles Civic Center once hosted some of the largest musical tours. This venue now has the opportunity to show off its capacity to host big names, again.
With the local casinos hosting performances inside their smaller stage settings, the Civic Center could really offer for a much grander experience. This could always open up opportunities for local bands or performers to showcase their talents beforehand. Musical performers are notorious for showcasing local talent on their nationwide tours. Lake Charles musicians should be able to get the same promotion.
New religions are also organizing in this area, which I think is so great. Lake Charles is drawing people from across the globe to enhance the economic growth.
All this growth does have its drawbacks, but our new mayor, Nic Hunter, has a plan. Starting with infrastructure, he has major proposals to make Lake Charles greater!
With the addition of new cultures, religions, and artists, Lake Charles has such a huge opportunity to make the best name possible for itself. Do we want to just be known as the “economic boom” city?
What if the “Lake Charles vibe” became our true claim to fame. Invest a bit of time and energy into researching events in Lake Charles and actually become active in the community. There are some amazing local organizations that raise money for worthy causes, share local talents, and bring people together.
Lake Charles deserves to have a good vibe, so let’s put the work into creating the best vibe, possible. Support your community. Cliche, but it’s only as good as you make it.
New York, Los Angeles, Austin, and even our own New Orleans aren’t great for no reason. People want to go there and explore. Lets focus on making our community a great one, and for all you folks not from here, come visit. You may like it more than you think.
Lake Charles has a very open vibe, currently. We are aware that we are growing much faster than anticipated, so at this time, we may be more open that ever in the history of the city. Traffic may back up a little at quitting time, but slow down and realize why all of these things are happening. More people are working, so more people should be expected on the roads. It’s all a sign of our city becoming greater. I always think of my friends in Houston that live 15 minutes from work, as the crow flies, but it takes them two hours to get there by car. It could be worse, that’s all I’m saying.
New stores and restaurants are popping up, which means companies are interested in investing in Lake Charles. We need to realize this potential, and make sure that we focus on the good that it is bringing to the community. Support the change. Try the new restaurant. Shop at the new store, and try to find something you like, even if it’s incredibly difficult.
So, on a final note, let’s use this New Year, 2018, as an appropriate starting point to create a great vibe for Lake Charles, LA. If your not into it, get into it, or take your salty attitude elsewhere.
Also, take this as a challenge to make the entire world a better place. You have two options when you wake in the morning, to be positive or to be negative. Remind yourself all day of your choice. It can really help you make you a happier person. 😘
