The Ninth Annual Zwolle Loggers and Forestry Festival will be held May 9-10 this year on the town's new festival grounds just down from city hall. Last year was the first time the festival had been held on the new city provided area and accordingly the festival was expanded to mark the special event. This year much the same schedule will be followed as last year.

However, the festival preparations suffered a painful loss with the death of Henrietta Rivers, 57, on February 25.

"She was very involved with logging here," stated Paul Martinez, one of the festival's organizers. "She will be deeply missed." The schedule for the 2003 festival will be similar to last year's events, beginning with a beauty contest to choose a queen. Last year's queen, Chrissy Sepulvado will be there to crown the 2003 queen.

On Friday night, the new queen and her court will be introduced along with the winner of the poster contest. There will also be entertainment and exhibits. Later the festival will host a street dance.

Formal opening ceremonies will be held on Saturday morning followed by a unique event. A local minister will then conduct the blessing of the community's fleet of trucks. The big event of the morning will be the Zwolle Loggers and Forestry Festival parade.

During the day loggers will compete against one another at a test of skills at the logging contests. There will be displays of logging equipment, as well as food and craft booths. The day will culminate with another dance.

For information concerning the festival call Wanda Ezernack at 318-645-4307.

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