Mayfest, a spring festival of live music and arts

This annual celebration on the first full weekend of May occurs in the Leesville Historic District. Food, fun, arts and crafts, and great entertainment combine to create the annual Mayfest. We have local delicacies from organizations, including the annual Lion’s Club benefit pancake breakfast. Come enjoy funnel cakes, bratwurst dinners and barbeque.

Artisans from all over Louisiana and Texas join us each year, to display and demonstrate their talents. Glass artisans, woodworkers, mixed-media artists, candle-makers, potters, face painters and many others come to show their works and offer their wares. Children participate in a variety of hands-on art projects.

The Verbeau African Violet club shows and sells beautiful violets – a once-a-year chance to buy a beautiful and unusual violet (perfect for Mother’s Day). And classic car enthusiasts show restored classic automobiles.

Entertainment each year has included concerts by such national and internationally known music artists as Jo-El Sonnier, Wayne Toups and Zydecajun, Tab Benoit, Gregg Wright, Irma Thomas, and Charlie Louvin. Regional and local entertainers have included Trout Fishing in America, Gypsy La Rose, Laurel and the Edge, the Michael Foster Project, and others. Each year the entertainment is different, so come hear great music and kick up the sound in downtown Leesville.

For more information, contact the Vernon Parish Tourism Commission at 337-238-0783 or e-mail us at vernontourism@bellsouth.net.