14th Nolan Norman Day

Nolan Norman of Extension, LA, and Wisner, LA, and the greater community is gone but never forgotten. Mrs. Elizabeth King Norman and family affectionately called him Big Daddy. Each 1st Saturday in July in Wisner, LA is celebrated as Nolan Norman Day. The Norman family commemorates the day with a good-time community celebration and blues concert because Norman loved helping others and listening to the blues. Big Daddy gave his family the greatest gift anyone could give; he loved and believed in them!

Norman served in the US Army, was an active member of the Locust Hill Baptist Church in Extension, LA) and became a Master Mason of the Franklin Progress Lodge No. 73. He organized the Friendship Cub #16 and was instrumental in organizing the Ponderosa Ballpark in Wisner. He was a business owner and Franklin Parish school bus driver. These are just some of the things he did. He was most proud of the accomplishments he made with all people. He crossed all party and race lines to meet people where they were, and most of all, he was a great friend! He fought for his community and genuinely believed in bringing the youth off the streets into a positive environment. He valued his faith, political, and business communities. He and his wife Mrs. Liz taught others to "get up, show up, and never give up!"

Mr. Norman passed away Dec 29, 2007, but his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth King Norman, seven children, family, neighbors, and friends continue to honor his legacy each year. The Nolan Norman Park was named to honor him as well. Nolan Norman Day in the Park is a family run fun day to remember the incredible community leader and compassionate neighbor Nolan "Big Daddy" Norman was to all he came to meet and work with. The day is in its 13th year and is now host to one of the best blues festivals in north Louisiana.

Nolan Norman Day in the Nolan Norman Park is scheduled for Saturday, July 2, 2022 (190 Prairie Rd., Wisner, LA). Gates open at 2:00 PM; Show starts at 5:00PM starring Jeff Floyd, LJ Echols, Kenne' Wayne, Keith Frank, Jaye Hammer, Nathaniel Kimble, Summer Wolfe, Fat Daddy & Rhomey Tickets are $10. In sweet memory, rest on Big Daddy! Love – Mary, Ronnie, LaNita, Stanley, Edna, Ambrose, Lynn, and his forever sweetheart Elizabeth King Norman!