A May application for local bar Ron’s Place to become a sexually oriented business was withdrawn after overwhelming opposition from city officials and community members. Mayor Lee Posey called the proposed topless bar “something we don’t need in our community.”

Nonetheless, owner Ron Bolton pressed on with a rebranding project to create The Edge, a bar offering the “club experience” with effect lights, a fog machine, VIP room, billiards tables and more, located at 7096 Highway 1.

“Come have fun, no matter who you are,” Bolton said.

The Edge originally opened under the name “Illuminations” in 1997 when Bolton purchased the building. At its prime in the early 2000s, the then-R&B-oriented club attracted college students along with an older crowd. Bolton said the line to get in used to stretch far outside the building.

But in 2006, one incident caused business at Illuminations to dry up.

23-year-old Charles Edwards Jr. fatally shot Ronnie Brimzey of Natchitoches in the club parking lot early on a Sunday morning. He was later arrested and charged with second-degree murder, for which he was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment.

Aside from booking private parties, Illuminations was no longer popular in Natchitoches nightlife.

“We didn’t ever bounce back,” Bolton said.

He wants prospective guests to know The Edge is a fun and safe environment. They are determined to provide Natchitoches with a true club experience that other local bars are unable to deliver – at least not of the caliber they are ready to show.

“We don’t discriminate,” Bolton said. “We want everybody to come have a good time.”

Highlights for NSU students include Alternative Lifestyle Wednesdays – students get in free with their NSU ID until 10:30 p.m. – and CAPA Fridays. Half of Fridays’ cover charge proceeds will be donated to the Spirit of Northwestern marching band for new uniforms. The bar also offers $1 well shots on Wednesdays and Fridays.

For more information or to rent out The Edge for a private party, call 318-332-4024 or 318-652-6694.