HAMMOND--Hot August Night 2010 features some of Hammond’s Hottest Talent – amateur singing competition finals, the Hot Chef competition and food sampling and the “Hot Spots” – those are the locations that guests should to visit during the art stroll and wine tasting.

Live music is set near the stage in front of La Carreta Mexican Restaurant during the Hammond’s Hottest Talent finals from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

After the contest winner is awarded the $1,000 First Guaranty Bank prize, a Southeastern Louisiana University athletics pep rally will take place, followed by a live band to finish out the evening.

August in southeast Louisiana always proves to be the hotter than we think we can handle, but each year locals find cool things to do that help us forget the heat and still pass a good time!

Even before downtown Hammond became a certified Louisiana Cultural District, art has been a major focus for Hot August Night.

Check out the “Hot Spots” – downtown merchant locations – for the art exhibits and the wine tasting. The 17th annual Hammond event runs from 6 to 10 p.m. in the downtown area. Call: 985-277-5680. On the Web: dddhamond.com

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Southeastern Louisiana University’s Lions Fan Day event and traditional pep rally at downtown Hammond’s Hot August Night on Friday, August 17, will include the fourth annual Lionpawlooza. The pep rally, which launches the Lions’ 2012-13 athletics season, will start at 6:30 p.m.

Coaches, cheerleaders, Lionettes, student-athletes and Southeastern’s Spirit of the Southland Band will lead the rally on the stage in front of La Carreta. Following the pep rally, the celebration will continue behind La Carreta.

Fans will have a chance to get the new 2012-13 posters and schedule cards autographed by student-athletes, take pictures with Southeastern Lion mascot Roomie, spin the prize wheel, and more activities. Lionpawlooza will also showcase the Lion Athletics Association, the Southeastern Bookstore for all things Southeastern, music from KSLU, and free samples of Coca-Cola.