Thanks to local citizen Curt Hodge, the American Legion Fourth of July parade will ride through Cassidy Park as a section of its parade route, and then the fun at the park will truly begin.

The Watermelon Festival will return to the park once again, with the famous Washington Parish fruit crop being judged and with seed-spitting contests, among other activities.

Hodge said his primary concern is “giving the kids a lot of fun. I’m doing anything I can to make it fun for them.”

At the park there will be rides for children, as well as turtle races and sack races, with prizes. And the “Best Decorated Bike” in the parade will also win a prize.

But the event is not all about the kids. Hodge said he has three bands scheduled to perform. They are River Rising, Sergio Ground 4, and Joel Galloway and Rip Seal.

Hodge has also secured 24 vendors, and he hopes to have at least 30 by July 4. To get in the mix, call him at 985-241-2906, or Tammy at 985-750-1759.

“We’ll probably stay there until the fireworks start,” Hodge said.