Last weekend, thousands of people from Washington Parish and surrounding areas celebrated and enjoyed the Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival at Cassidy Park.

The two-day event, which completed its third year, drew about 7,500 people, who were entertained throughout and the weather could not have been better.

The best part about the festival is that it features different things for people of all ages to enjoy.

Like most events, the festival made some improvements from last year such as adding an area of Cassidy Park where festival participants could camp out in tents or campers.

There was also a 5K, or 3.1 mile, run.

It was the first year the festival has had a 5K and it was a big hit, drawing about 150 participants.

The race was also pretty close, as Josh Smith won the event in 21 minutes, 16 seconds, with runner-up Dominique Meekers finishing in 21:27.

Suzie Pittman, who helped coordinate the race, said they couldn’t have asked for a better first race at the festival. She also said that she couldn’t say enough about the boys and girls from the Bogalusa High School JROTC who worked tirelessly all day.

To top off the successful event, Bogalusa Police Chief Joe Culpepper reported no trouble during the event.

The two days are a reflection of how great things can be when everybody works together, and people can just go out and have a great time.

Everybody who either helped with the festival or attended it should pat themselves on the back for a job well done.