Several businesses in the vicinity of the 200 block of Louisiana Avenue have teamed up for tonight’s first Block Party.

The Block Party goes from 5 to 10 p.m. Yoyo’s Mexican Restaurant, Golden Pear Restaurant, Coach’s Poboys, Union Square and L&C Liquor Co. are all participating.

Food and drink specials are on tap. Birdie’s Boyz, which feature Jon Sorey and Al d’Aquin, will play on the neutral ground.

Yoyo’s owner Greg Castorena said businesses figured it was way past time to let loose.

“This is the first block party that we’re doing since the city fixed the street about 18 months ago,” Castorena said. “We figure it’s a good time to celebrate because it’s going to be nice weather and it’s something for the people to do around here instead of going to places like Covington.”

For the last four years, Yoyo’s has celebrated Cinco de Mayo, or May 5. The date is important in Mexican history because it commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

“Our customers are excited about the block party,” Castorena said. “We’ll still do Cinco de Mayo on Tuesday. I guess you could call Friday a pre-Cinco de Mayo Festival.”

Yoyo’s specials will include soft tacos, drink specials and beer buckets.

Golden Pear co-owner Kurt Wamsley said it be the first time the restaurant will be open during evening hours.

“We’re a daytime restaurant, so we’re looking forward to be open for the Block Party,” Wamsley said. “We’re excited. I think it will be good for business and the community and gives everybody a chance to get together.”

Golden Pear specials will include smoked brisket, barbecue shrimp with grits, chicken in wine sauce and grilled red fish topped with lump crabmeat.

Union Square Manager Amy Jenkins said organizers have been working on the Block Party’s details feverishly

“This is something we’ve been trying to do for a while. This gives people a chance to come out and have fun. We’ve been working on plans for this about a month now,” Jenkins said. “If all goes well and we have people turn out, we’re hoping to try and do this once a month until September with the nice weather.”

Jenkins said Bogalusa needs an event like the Block Party.

“We need more stuff to do around Bogalusa. It also helps out the local businesses,” Jenkins said.

Union Square specials will include $2 Coronas and $5 large margarita daiquiris. At 10 p.m., Union Square and L&C will have DJs.

“We’re looking for a good turnout, especially with the weather supposed to be so nice,” Jenkins said.