Merchants along Louisiana Avenue in Bogalusa hope the first Summer Fest Block Party tonight will attract good numbers.

The event runs from 5 to 10 p.m. The Eli Seals Band will provide musical entertainment.

Participating merchants include Union Square Daiquiris, LNC, Chrissy’s Restaurant, Yoyo’s Mexican Restaurant, Golden Pear Restaurant and Coach’s Po-Boys. Businesses that will have booths set up include Tucker’s Fine Consignment, AK Creations and NOLA Bikinis.

Louisiana Avenue-area businesses hosted a similar event on May 1.

“We did have really good success with the last one considering it was competing with Jazz Fest and Talladega,” Union Square Manager Amy Jenkins said. “This is going to be a regular thing until September.”

Jenkins said the band will be a major attraction.

“With the Eli Seals Band, I think more people will be coming out,” Jenkins said. “He has cut records, and a lot of people love seeing his band perform.”

Jenkins said Union Square will offer various drink specials, and a DJ begins at 10 p.m.

Yoyo’s Assistant Manager Jacklyn Hickman said the business will offer drink specials as well, along with serving tacos outside. She said smoked prime rib will be offered.

“We did way better last time than we thought we would do,” Hickman said. “This time I think it’s going to be a bigger success because we have vendors and stuff for the kids. Kids definitely bring the parents out.”

Bounce houses and snoballs will be available for the children.

LNC Manager Melissa Cooper said the business will offer $2 domestic beer and $5 mixed drink specials.

Chrissy’s will offer fried green tomatoes, burgers, hot wings and chilidogs.

Golden Pear co-owner Kurt Wamsley said he had positive feedback from the May 1 block party. It was the first time The Golden Pear had operated in the evening hours. It also was his 14th anniversary. The business normally closes at 2 p.m.

“It was a lot of fun. We had a lot of people who told us they would be back,” Wamsley said. “I think we will have a real good turnout with the Eli Seals Band. I think the turnout will be better than last time.”

Golden Pear specials will include grilled red fish, smoked brisket, BBQ shrimp and grits and classic lasagna. Wamsley said the BBQ shrimp and grits sold out at the last block party.