22. July 2024

Episode 126—The City and the Seasons—ft. Natchitoches Historic District

I've always had a high level of curiosity, and the itch has often pushed me to sink past the surface of an occurrence to seek out its origin or the links of entanglements that lead to the present moment. Behind big, dazzling events often are many interconnected groups moving toward a common goal, and if you look deeper, you'll likely find someone doing a lot of the heavy lifting and leading the way. I've been lucky enough to meet some of these behind-the-scenes movers, to be led by them toward fulfilling their community projects, and to serve their interests in building a better experience for others.

In this episode, I had the opportunity to visit with one the most industrious and caring people I know, Jill Leo, Director of the Natchitoches Historic District Business Association & Natchitoches Main Street. Jill would be the first to accept the compliment gracefully and quickly share the wealth of credit with others who work tirelessly to help her make the Natchitoches, Louisiana, events successful.

Jill is a woman of many hats, and on any given day, she's likely to wear a different one, depending on the hour. While her attention is undoubtedly drawn in various directions, she successfully directs her focus and resources and does what needs to be done with an attitude of gladness.

In her role with Natchitoches Main Street, she manages Beau Jardien at the Roque House Gardens, a serene outdoor event venue that seamlessly pairs with the historic Natchitoches riverfront.

With the Natchitoches Historic District Business Association, Jill oversees the planning and execution of one of Louisiana's oldest, most iconic holiday events—the Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights, as well as other activities and events that allure travelers to the area and stimulate historic district businesses.

Whether she wears the praise or humbly hands it off to someone else, this is what I know: Jill Leo gets things done for her city season after season, and then she does a little more.