The Louisiana Forest Festival will return to Winn Parish this Friday and Saturday, as organizers work to build back the event along the lines of its historic past, says festival board president Brad Cooper.
Forestry has been Winn’s top industry and its history and impact were celebrated with the creation of the Louisiana Forest Festival in 1949 when native son Earl K. Long was governor. But when state funding played out about five years later, so did the festival. It had been held in the fall in conjunction with the Parish Fair.
Local volunteers came together in 1979 to bring the festival back to life in the spring, the fourth weekend in April, and it’s been going strong since.
“We’re thankful for our many forestry-related sponsors who make the festival possible,” Cooper told the Journal. “We’re very excited to have some new sponsors this year as we focus on the 2025 theme, ‘The Future of Forestry.’ We’re bringing in sponsors, vendors and exhibitors who cater to these new trends in forestry.”
Included in the new arrivals are Crest Forestry Services and Duck Commander. Returning faithfuls include Walsh Timber, West Fraser, Weyerhaeuser, Doggett Machinery, Hunt Forest Products, Southern Logging, McManus Timber and Southern Logging Cooperative. (Cooper says a complete list is available on the Festival website laforestfestival.com).
The festival promises to offer a great line of vendors (32 in all, both food and non-food) as well as forest industry displays. And there will be plenty of fun for all.
Action opens downtown Friday afternoon when “Bed Races” will return to Main Street, brought back by the Kiwanis Club. Hoping for clear weather, planned start time is 5 p.m. The race will begin at First United Methodist Church, going down to Winnfield First Baptist then back up to FUMC. Last-minute entries may still be possible by calling Miranda Atkins at 318-548-7960.
(Look at the same time for children’s games set up at “The Stump” near the Post Office).
A 5K Walk/Run is the early morning launch Saturday to honor the memory of Chase McManus. This event will begin at the Fairgrounds Livestock Barn on Country Club Road in Winnfield at 7:30 a.m. (with registration at 7 a.m.) Registration on the day of the race will be $35 with all proceeds going to the CRM ATV Safety Fund. For details, contact Miranda Atkins at 318-548-7960.
Opening ceremonies will be held at 8 a.m. at the entertainment stage on the midway. Immediately following will be Cowboy Church at the stage.
Competitions for 4-H Woodmen’s Skills will commence at 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. (all non-mechanical). This will be followed at 11 a.m. by college competitions including Stephen F. Austin, Louisiana Tech and University of Arkansas (Monticello) teams. The Professional Lumberjack Sports that follow has drawn 16 competitors for various chainsaw, cross cut, axe and springboard events.
Visitors can look for a Farmers Market, LifeShare Bus, Let It Fly Mobile Golf, a canopy tent Kids Section, school & church fundraisers, and Fire Department ladder truck display. Daytime musical performances will be offered from the midway entertainment stage by Kevin Crawford at 11 a.m. and Dylan Johns at 1 p.m.
Nighttime entertainment will be offered, too, at the Amphitheater. Gate fee will begin at 5 p.m. Entertainment will also begin at 5 with Dallas Coleman. Back 40 Band will perform at 6 p.m. and Spencer Brunson will conclude the musical entertainment at 7 p.m. Food will be available.