The annual Mayfest, a 2012 Louisiana Tourism Board, Louis Award winner, for best festival in the state is moving from downtown Leesville to the Forestry Festival fairgrounds. This Friday and Saturday the fairgrounds will be alive with music food arts, crafts and new activities.
This move will give organizers added flexibility to schedule events that can be sheltered from bad weather. Parking is certainly plentiful, and many of your favorite activities will go on as planned.
Mayfest officially begins Friday, May 2, with opening ceremonies on the main stage at 3 p.m. Music will begin at 4 p.m. The last act is set for 8 p.m. The welcome ceremonies will include a military color guard and a flyover by Blackhawk attack helicopters.
The Vernon 4-H program and 4-H Club will be involved with kids’ activities, sponsoring mutton busting in the Lions rodeo arena at 4 p.m. Friday and team roping competition Saturday at 10 a.m. Contact the 4-H office to enter either event.
Saturday at 7 a.m., the Leesville Lions Club will host their annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser at the rodeo arena. They’ll be serving hot pancakes and all the trimmings for breakfast or brunch. Join the fun and food with the Leesville Lions Club at the fairgrounds.
Mayfest will feature a giant car show this year on the midway. The cars will be lined up for your approval on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The cost to enter the show is $20. Pre-register your ride at the Vernon Parish Police Jury office at 300 S. 3rd Street n downtown Leesville. Winners will be announced from the main stage at approximately 2 p.m. Saturday.
The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office will host a new event Saturday in the fairgrounds auditorium. Area seniors are invited to come out and be welcomed at 10:30 a.m. You’ll enjoy a day of great gospel music and a free meal.
GOSPEL LINEUP-In the Auditorium/Saturday, May 3
11 am/Chuck Marze 11:30/Lunch 11:45 am-12:15 pm/Good Old Boys 1:30 pm-2:15 pm/Pollock Family 2:30 pm-3:15 pm/Johnson Temple Church of God 3:30 pm-4:15 pm/Signed, Sealed, Delivered.
Friday, May 2-Music Lineup on Main Stage
4 pm-5:15 pm/Rosedown Rockers 5:30 pm-6:45/Beaushyne 7 pm-8:15 pm/Born to Boogie 8:30 pm-10 pm/Kenne’ Wayne
Saturday, May 3-Music Lineup on Main Stage
11:30 am-12:30 pm/Louisiana Scramble Band 11:45 pm-1:45 pm/Old Man Band 2 pm-3:15 pm/KCM
3:30 pm-4:45 pm/Southern Country 5 pm-6:15 pm/Whiskey Dent 6:30 pm-8 pm/Sundown Band 8:30-10 pm/Glen Templeton
There is NO ADMISSION to Mayfest 2025, so pack up the family. You’ll find loads of food and beverage options Friday and Saturday, plus rows of arts and craft items. The U.S. Army at Ft. Johnson will have a static display for viewing Saturday on the midway from 1-5 p.m.
Mayfest is moving! If you like music, good food and sunshine, Mayfest weekend is for you! Thanks to the Vernon Parish Police Jury and all the volunteers who have been working behind the scenes to make this first year memorable.