The Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival is working hard to transform its community by offering a truly extraordinary experience for music lovers, and those who want to steep themselves in Louisiana culture, in a beautiful, family-friendly environment on the last weekend of September.

The festival will take place Sept. 26-27 and will offer two days of music by J.J. Grey and Mofro, Ruthie Foster, Devon Allman, Mike Zito, Johnny Sansone with Chief Monk Boudreaux, Big George Brock, Paul Thorn, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Big Daddy O, Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, the Petty Bones, Keenan Knight, Trent and Zac and the Mandeville High School Jazz Band.

While the music is the primary focus, there is a lot more. About 20 food vendors will offer dishes like shrimp and grits, boudin egg rolls, wings and Creole rice. Also, several art vendors will offer hand-crafted items, including paintings, jewelry, belts and bags made from retired New Orleans fire hoses and goods carved from trees downed by Hurricane Katrina.

Visitors of all ages will also have the chance to take part in harmonica workshops, take canoe rides through Cassidy Park and along Bogue Lusa Creek and to get educated in the Pioneer and Native American museums.

Children 12-and-under get in free of charge. And in addition to the harmonica workshops and canoe rides, the BBHF offers them art classes, a splash pad and playground and their own Kids’ Zone.

There is also on-site camping for folks who want to linger and further absorb the magical energies.

During this political season, political materials will not be allowed at the Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival.

Regarding transportation, Washington Parish Public Transit is announcing an extension of operating hours for the festival. Transit hours normally run from 6 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Friday, Sept. 26, transit hours will be from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m., while Saturday, Sept. 27, operating hours will be from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Washington Parish Public Transit will resume its normal hours of operation effective Monday, Sept. 29.

For additional information, visit bogalusablues.com online or check out the Facebook page.