Jordan LaPoint, 18, of Mexico and Mea Herpin, 18, of Bell City paddle their way to the lead Saturday during the cardboard boat races at the Freedom Fest in Lake Arthur. The patriotic celebration featured market and food vendors, live music, sack races, watermelon eating contest, tug-o-war, greasy pig chase, a parade, fireworks and more.

Ivy Crader, 4, of Jennings makes her way to the finish line to win the sack races Saturday during the Freedom Fest in Lake Arthur. The free, family-friendly event also featured cardboard boat races, watermelon eating contest, greasy pig chase, tug-o-war, live music, parade, fireworks and more.

Rick Hessler of Opelousas, dresses as Uncle Sam as he makes a balloon animal for Vylet Touchette, 16, of Lake Arthur on Saturday during the Freedom Fest celebration in Lake Arthur. The day-long celebration in the park concluded with a fireworks display over the lake.

Gracelyn Bass, 9, of Lake Charles and Birelle Doucet, 10, of Lake Arthur were among the young contestants in the watermelon eating contest Saturday during the Lake Arthur Freedom Fest. The festival featured old-fashioned family fun to kick off the holiday weekend.

Twins Thomas and Tucker, Verret, 4, of Lake Arthur and Slayden Bonin, 5, of LeBleu take part in the watermelon eating contest Saturday during the annual Freedom Fest celebration in Lake Arthur. Despite the heat, families from throughout the area enjoyed the day-long celebration with food, fun and games.