Seasonal & Holidays

Arvada's Lagniappe (lawn-yap): What The Heck Is That?

In New Orleans, it's an expression meaning, "a little something extra" -- but in Arvada, it's an Olde Town holiday celebration Dec. 5

ARVADA, CO -- How to tell if someone is an Arvada native? Ask them to pronounce "Lagniappe." If they say "lawn-yap" they either grew up in Arvada or spent some time in New Orleans. The meaning of lagniappe in the American South is a "little extra something" thrown in by a merchant -- such as that 13th donut, when you really only ordered a dozen.

But in Arvada, the word has taken on a whole new meaning in Olde Town where it represents the official start of the holiday season.

Local businesses stay open late and thank their loyal customers with special Lagniappe swag.

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This year's Lagniappe, sponsored by Arvada Urban Renewal, takes place Tuesday, Dec. 5 between 5:30-8 p.m.

Hear the Arvada Chorale perform before-and-after the tree lighting by the Mayor in the square, which takes place at 6 p.m. Enjoy a carriage ride around Olde Town and taste some of the spiciest blends at Kline's where the Chili Cook-Off to benefit Arvada Fire Department starts at 6.

Find out what's happening in Arvadafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Even Santa will be there, at the library, of course, between 5:30-7:30 p.m.

A lagniappe scavenger-hunt and eggnog and cider competition takes place at participating merchants around the district. FREE Hot Chocolate will be ladled out in Olde Town Square.

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