By Lucy Parker
The Daily News
Bogalusa’s downtown was filled with visitors and activity Friday night, as the third Rendezvous on the Road took place along South Columbia Street.
Main Street Manager Robin Day said the event is all about getting people back to Columbia Street to enjoy all it has to offer. She said it is also a way to help and promote the downtown merchants.
Rendezvous on the Road events are held the fourth Friday of each month. The offerings in March and April were well-received, and Day said that was the case with the Rendezvous on May 23, as well.
All the merchants on the street were open for business, and American Legion Magic City Post 24 had its Centennial Jubilee T-shirts for sale.
In something new this month, attendees were able to check out a car show, and the timeframe for the event was extended by one hour.
Rendezvous on the Road normally runs from 6 until 8 p.m., but the festivities for May continued until 9 p.m.
Day said that change was made because during the first two events the merchants were busy with their businesses and weren’t getting to take part. This time around, the stores were open from 6 to 8 p.m., and the music, provided by Abita Blues Band, was from 7 to 9 p.m.
“When the merchants close, they can come down and participate,” she said.
Much of the activity took place in or around the South Columbia Street pocket park, which features newly placed citrus and sweet olive trees and American flags.
A local artist was invited to come and show her artwork, letting everyone know what kind of art is available in Bogalusa, Day said.
That artist, Tabitha Steele of Bogalusa, had Bogalusa fleur de lis and other pieces on display.
She said Rendezvous on the Road is a good event.
“I think it’s a great idea for the community to get together and to support our local businesses,” she said.
Also happy to take part was Polka Dot Tree owner Charlotte Hughes, who opened her new business, a boutique focusing on clothing for babies and kids, May 13.
She said she sees the event as a good opportunity for the merchants, but she would like to see more vendors and visitors participate.
“I think it’s really good, but I wish more of our citizens would take advantage of community events,” she said.
Day said the Rendezvous is also a fundraiser to allow the Main Street Foundation to be able to continue putting on such events, as the group likes to be self-sufficient.
Jambalaya dinners were sold, along with tickets for a Bogalusa Blues and Heritage raffle.
Day said the raffle tickets are sold downtown on fourth Fridays only, and the winner will receive two VIP tickets for this year’s Blues and Heritage Festival.
The cost is $1 for a single ticket, $5 for six tickets or $10 for 13 tickets. The drawing will take place during the August Rendezvous on the Road, she said.
Additionally, libations for the monthly event are donated by Citizens Savings Bank. They are not sold, but Day said all tips received also go back into the Main Street Foundation.
The next Rendezvous on the Road will take place June 27, and the music of Bid Daddy “O” will be featured.