It’s always good news to hear how merchants enjoyed brisk sales during Rendezvous on the Road events. Such was the case this past Friday.

Since the city eliminated the Main Street Program on April 7, volunteers have organized the last two events. Teddy Drummond was charged to lead the volunteer group. And it appears merchants have taken on a more active role in the event, which is good.

After Friday’s Rendezvous, Drummond requested citizens offer suggestions to him or downtown merchants for ways to improve future Rendezvous events.

Ways to make future Rendezvous more appealing to more people was the subject during a 90-minute road trip Gail and I recently took. Putting our heads together, we came up with some interesting ideas. Here are some suggestions we came up with.

First off, we suggest moving everything inside the gates and into the street where everyone is. That would also include the band. People are shopping and some folks are not taking the time to come over and check out the band that’s playing. Maybe some folks would like to dance to the music. It’s not out of the question.

Have a cake or pie contest. Some of the older ladies — or even the younger ones — would enjoy baking a pie for a contest. Maybe a couple of merchants could judge the pie contest. Maybe a local printing shop would want to donate some inexpensive blue ribbons. Another suggestion is a cakewalk. Somebody could bring a computer with a playlist on it. An inexpensive pack of paper can be found anywhere or maybe a merchant could donate paper to make the numbers for the cakewalk.

People like contests all day long. There could be a jam or jelly contest. Ladies enjoy displaying their jelly as the old “Mayberry RFD” television show suggested. We’re sure someone would love to be the Clara Edwards of Bogalusa.

Regarding a dance contest, one month there could be oldies music. The older crowd might enjoy dressing up in poodle skirts and showing off their stuff. There could also be a regular dance contest that merchants could judge. Drummond could announce who the judges are and what business they have for free advertising.

Those who donate to the block party could be recognized during the event. That is more free advertising.

Everybody thinks they can sing. Have someone bring a computer with a playlist for a karaoke contest. Those who want to sing must register by a certain time. It could be called “Bogalusa Sing Off,” “Bogalusa Idol,” or something in that vein. Folks in the crowd who aren’t participating could be judges. Merchants for any contests might donate $5 gift certificates or something like that. The classic car enthusiasts could have a contest of their very own. It could be called Bogalusa Best in Car Show for that month. Volunteer judges could award blue ribbons to the winner. The winner could tell who they are and something about their car if they chose.

Maybe the band could be in the middle of the street. Off in a corner like they are, it’s difficult to hear the music elsewhere on the street. Maybe there could be bands on opposite ends of the street.

Ask the BogaLucys to perform their routine. We’re sure this group alone would bring people out. Or they could be judges for a contest.

Request local high school choirs or dance groups to come out. Dance instructors could love to show off their students. It’s more free advertising.

These are just a few ideas we came up with. It’s simply a start. Let’s hear yours?

Randy Hammons is a staff writer for the Daily News. He can be reached by calling 985-732-2565 or by email at randy.hammons@thebogalusadailynews.com.