The first 985 Go Live Music Festival and Benefit Car Show on May 30 in Cassidy Park was a tremendous success, according to one of the event’s promoters.

“The rain held off for us, and everyhody enjoyed themselves,” Dracus “D-Star” Sartin said.

Sartin estimated the event drew a crowd of 950 to 1,000 people.

“We had a lot of people come out, including a lot of families,” Sartin said.

Sartin promoted the show, along with Derrick “Big Gator” Peters.

The Rev. Ed Sartin got the day under way with an opening prayer. Sartin and Peters welcomed those in attendance.

The program proceeded with a motivational speech from community leader Marvin Austin Jr. and encouragement from District B City Councilwoman Tamira Smith and District C Councilman Brian McCree. Both council members donated bicycles and juices to the event.

DJ 300 played tunes while children danced and cars rolled in.

The Big Bad Bogalusa Marching Band marched through the park with the Bogalusa Dancing Paper Dolls in tow.

Musical performances began late afternoon. Hostess Terresa Ty kept the crowd entertained between performances.

Children enjoyed themselves playing in the wet park and riding the train around the park. The Kids Zone was hosted by the Diamond Dazzling Divas and their sister social clubs.

Reshard “Big Unc” Bickham hosted the car show. Special guest judges were Cedric “ESG” Hill, from Houston and Lil Boosie producer “Jman” from Baton Rouge.

Winners were announced for Best Old School, Best New School, Best of Show and Judges’ Choice.

The festival concluded with a special performance by hometown rapper “ESG” and his son, “That Boy Bryson.”

“We would like to thank all of our sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who came out,” Sartin said. “We are already getting ready for next year to be bigger and better.”