FAMILY FUN IN PEARL RIVER

Families from as far away as Monroe enjoyed the beautiful weather and local fare at the Pearl River Family Fun Fest held near the Pearl River Town Hall on Louisiana Highway 11.

Games and a water park entertained children while grownups listened to Tommy Dawn and the Sunsets play everything from rock to blues. The group reunited after 40 years and were still in the groove as all ages enjoyed the music.

The Slidell Battery, a nonprofit living history re-enactment group, gave a colorful flavor to the event as they shot one of two cannons every half-hour. They wore authentic costumes and were happy to explain the guns, cannon and other paraphernalia included in their regalia.

They were also very safety conscious in the cannon drills, making sure onlookers and passersby were out of range before their drill began.

A water park with two sprinklers and a water slide was enjoyed by children as their parents shopped and looked at various vendors.

Everything from crawfish to funnel cakes and lemonade were available at the alcohol-free event. Many area church groups participated as well as local artisans and artists.

- Story and Photos by Debbie Glover