Photo by Roger A. Casama

Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival announces new additions to this year’s celebrations

The fifth annual Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival, which in 2015 earned OffBeat‘s Best of the Beat Award for Best Festival Outside of New Orleans, is back and will take place in Bogalusa’s Cassidy Park on September 23-24.

When historic flooding swept through the festival’s park venue only months before, there was doubt the space would be available in time, but after a swift recovery, the BBHF is looking to celebrate not only their fifth anniversary, but also getting through the storm.

The festival has added new amenities and attractions this year, including a performance by the recently resurrected Louisiana Hayride band. Marc Broussard, Tab Benoit, Chubby Carrier and many more will also perform on their two stages.

The BBHF also added William “Bleu” Evans and Eugene “Gene” Foster to the Heritage Trail, which honors people who have earned widespread acclaim in any branch of the creative arts.

The festival will feature a “Kids Zone” where attendees of all ages can take part in a drum circle, learn to play harmonica, and find out what a didgeridoo is. Those 12 and under get in for free.

Additionally, a 5K race will start off the day at 8 a.m. on Saturday.

To see the complete lineup, purchase tickets, or for additional information, visit their website here.