A group of Columbia Street merchants met On Tuesday to finalize plans for the Friday, May 22, Rendezvous on the Road.

The event was moved up one week because of Memorial Day. Memorial Day is May 25.

Friday’s Rendezvous on the Road is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. at the 400 block of Columbia Street. Music will be provided by Bogalusa natives Erwin Bankston and Keith Alford, known as “The Itchy Dogz.” Keenan Knight played at the last Rendezvous.

Representatives from Columbia Street businesses at the meeting at Cajun Canvas and More included Closet 2 Closet Consignment Boutique’s Kay Evans and Shannon Penton, Darkwater Inflatables’ Chad Miller, The Polka Dot Tree’s Charlotte Hughes, Gayle’s Jewelers’ Cristi Knight, Mimi’s Munchkins’ Angel Knight, Signs & More’s Samantha Hale and Whitney Wirth and Esma’s Second Time Around’s Kristin Herbert. Cajun Canvas & More’s Aundriea Mitchell and 437 Restaurant’s Kelli Garwood were absent but offered their suggestions via telephone.

Bogalusa City Councilman-at-large Teddy Drummond is in charge of organizing the merchants for Rendezvous.

Public participation at the last month’s Rendezvous was reportedly down after the city eliminated its popular Main Street Program, which was in charge of the block party under the direction of Main Street Manager Robin Day.

Friday’s Rendezvous is expected to have a few changes with the addition of favorites like cotton candy, soft drinks and snowballs available for purchase. Children’s jumpers will be in the green space near The Daily News office.

“We’re trying really hard to bring families in. There’s a huge variety of businesses up here, and we don’t want to leave anybody out,” Hughes said. “Businesses are still here on Columbia Street, and the merchants have banned together to keep Rendezvous alive. We’re trying to keep the momentum up. A lot of theses businesses really depend on that Friday night, and we don’t want to see that changed. We want it to be the biggest and best Rendezvous ever by including family-oriented activities.”

Closet 2 Closet will offer a raffle, along with The Polka Dot Tree handing out free balloons to the children and a 10 percent discount on children’s clothes Friday night. Signs & More will have specials on monogramming and will offer popcorn and soft drinks for sale. Esma’s specials include 10 percent off merchandise. Cajun Canvas & More will have 10 percent off on face painting.

Representatives from Gayle’s Jewelers, Mimi’s Munchkins and 437 Restaurant said they are working on specials.

“Friday would be a good chance for old friends and classmates to come out and show support or just to say hello and reminisce,” Drummond said. “I’m just glad to be able to help. I hope the people come out and make it a success. If you’re not careful, you might come out and have some fun.”