Safety for the general public’s welfare is the top priority when it comes to festivals and special events.

Bogalusa Police Chief Joe Culpepper said the public should be mindful of changes to traffic flow for next weekend’s Blues and Heritage Festival.

The festival is scheduled for Sept. 25-26 in Cassidy Park.

Unlike last year, Culpepper said Willis Avenue will be opened up to traffic on Friday and Saturday this year. He said barricades will line both sides of the street and will have parking for handicap and VIP. He said overflow parking for those two lots would also be on Willis.

Temporary speed bumps will be installed for the festival. Speed bumps are a necessary evil, as some folks believe they can tear down streets as fast as they want.

“We want people to be aware of these speed bumps,” Culpepper said. “We want people to be aware of all pedestrian traffic. There will be a lot of traffic congestion during the festival and we need people to pay attention and avoid the area if at all possible.”

Unless you’re attending the festival, of course.

In the past, festival organizers have done a remarkable job keeping everyone safe and sound. Drivers need to be extra vigilant during the festival, because distracted drivers always lead to accidents.

Have a good time at the festival, but remember to be responsible drivers.