Vernon Parish boasts a legendary list of things to do. That’s why we’re known as Louisiana’s Legend Country! You can stroll down Main Street and take in art, antiques, and boutique shopping, or find historic locations. With our amazing outdoor adventures and Fort Johnson as a proud part of our offerings, you’ll find so much to do, you’ll want to explore the entire area and invite friends & family along for the journey!
If you’re looking to join in on the Vernon Parish fun this fall, check out these exciting upcoming events!
West Louisiana Forestry Festival
October 4th-8th is the West Louisiana Forestry Festival at the Vernon Parish Fairgrounds! Don’t miss this exciting festival with a carnival, livestock, vendors, food, and fun.
Fair admission is $5.00 (cash only) and kids 5 and under are free! There is also free admission for law enforcement, first responders, military, and family members with valid identification.
On Wednesday, October 4th, the festival begins with Senior Citizens Day and Buddy night which includes specials such as free admission for senior citizens and 2-for-1 admission for all others!
Friday, October 6th is School Day which includes free admission for all K-12 students from 9 am to 4 pm. AND September 23rd through October 1st, join in for pre-festival activities including pageants, 4-H Horse Show, Pine Straw Stacking Contest, and 4-H Woodsman Skill Contests.
For more information, go to LegendCountry.com/ForestFest
Lion’s Club Rodeo
The Lion’s Club Rodeo is coming up! Join the Leesville Lion’s Club, now in its seventh decade, for Rodeo action and lots of fun, October 5th-7th at the covered Vernon Parish Rodeo Arena.
The Rodeo Parade will get things started on Thursday, October 5th, in the afternoon. Enjoy the floats and all the trail riders who spent the day riding into town for the parade. Most of them will also ride in the Grand Entry that night.
If you haven’t already gotten your tickets from your local Rodeo Queen Contestant, this is the perfect opportunity to flag down a Lion’s Club member to purchase your tickets at a discount. Tickets are $12 at presale and $15 at the gate. All proceeds benefit the Louisiana Lions Camp!
Events scheduled for each night include bull riding, calf roping, bareback riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and saddle bronc riding. For more information on the Lion’s Club Rodeo, visit: LegendCountry.com/Rodeo.
From hotels and motels to quaint bed and breakfasts to RV parks and tent camping, Vernon Parish, Louisiana’s Legend Country, has a wide variety of accommodations to suit your lodging needs. If you’re looking for a place to stay for festival weekend, go to LegendCountry.com/Stay
For more information on events throughout the year, go to LegendCountry.com/Events. Be sure to tag us on social media with all your festival fun with #LALegendCountry!
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West Louisiana Forestry Festival Schedule:
Pre-Festival Activities- September 23-October 3rd:
Junior Forestry Festival Pageant
September 23 @ 9:00 am
Teen Forestry Festival Pageant
September 23 @ 5:00 pm
Miss Forestry Festival Pageant
September 30 @ 7:00 pm
(All pageant events at the fairgrounds Auditorium)
4-H Horse Show
October 1 @ 11:00 am | Rodeo Arena
Pine Straw Stacking Contest
October 2 @ 5:30 pm Livestock Barn
4-H Woodsman Skill Contests
October 3 @ 5:30 pm | Rodeo Arena
WEDNESDAY- October 4:
Sr. Citizens Day/ Buddy Night
9:00 am Senior Citizens Arrive (Auditorium)
11:30 am Senior Citizens Lunch Sponsored by Sheriff Craft & VSPO
4:00 pm Fair Opens
Rodeo Parade Begins Downtown
5:00 pm Live DJ
10:00 pm Fair Closes
THURSDAY- October 5:
Military Day
4:00 pm Fair Opens
Rodeo Parade Begins Downtown
5:00 pm Live DJ
7:30 pm Leesville Lions Club RCA Rodeo
Big Dog Bull Roping Contest
11:00 pm Fair Closes
FRIDAY-October 6:
School Day
9:00 am Fair Opens and 4-H Pet Show (Livestock Barn)
11:00 am 4-H Rabbit Show (Livestock Barn)
1:00 pm 4-H Cornhole Contest (Livestock Barn)
5:00 pm Live Bands
7:30 pm Leesville Lions Club RCA Rodeo
11:00 pm Fair Closes
SATURDAY-October 7:
10:00 am 4-H Livestock Show (Livestock Barn)
11:00 am 4-H Poultry Show (Livestock Barn)
12:00 pm Fair Opens
5:00 pm Live Bands
7:15 pm Parade of Champions (Rodeo Arena)
7:30 pm Leesville Lions Club LRCA Rodeo and Big Dog Bull Roping Contest Finals
11:00 pm Fair Closes
SUNDAY- October 8:
1:00 pm Fair Opens (FREE ADMISSION)
6:00 pm Carnival Ends
See article: Vernon Parish Journal
Thanks, Rickie Smith, High Octane Images
