Rocking on the Bogue Falaya

Over $10,000 was raised Saturday at the Stop Drop Rock’N Roll event at Bogue Falaya Park, said Covington Mayoral Assistant Catherine Cooper. The Covington Fire Department will use the funds for educational programs.

For 12 hours on Saturday, the park on the river in downtown Covington was transformed into a fireman’s rock ‘n roll paradise as young and old gathered for fun, food and music.

Bands included Animal Krackers, Bag O’ Donuts and Four Unplugged. The leisurely crowd thickened as the afternoon breezes moved through the trees.

By nightfall the park was full, and the fireworks show at 10 p.m. ended a day of festivities for a standing-room-only crowd.

Children played on the inflatable water slide and examined fire equipment as parents sat under the trees and listened to the cover bands rock through the afternoon. By evening, the event was a rousing success with a myriad of activities and the $5 entrance fee contributing to the education fund.

Cooper said next year the event will probably begin later in the afternoon instead of being an all-day event.

“We are very pleased with the results of the event. It was a big jump from the last event held,” she said.

Last year’s event was cancelled due to Hurricane Gustav.