Downtown Minden will be bustling with activity October 20-24 as the Webster Parish Fair, two parades, the Minden High School homecoming celebration, and the popular Witches Ride bring residents and visitors together for a week of festivities.
With multiple events requiring downtown streets to be closed temporarily, motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and consider alternate routes throughout the week.
The festivities begin Tuesday, October 20, with the Webster Parish Fair Parade at 5 PM in downtown Minden. The parade marks the beginning of fair week, which continues through Saturday, October 24, at the Webster Parish Fairgrounds.
The fair will feature a variety of activities and attractions for all ages, including the 4-H Livestock Show, giving local youth an opportunity to showcase their hard work raising and caring for animals.
Also on Tuesday, Webster Parish Libraries will host its annual Trunk-or-Treat event from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Minden Main Branch on East and West Street.
This year’s theme, “SCENE IT: Library Edition,” will bring movie-inspired displays, decorated trunks, candy, and family-friendly entertainment to the library grounds.
The event has grown into one of the community’s largest Halloween celebrations, regularly drawing crowds that stretch around the block.
As in previous years, Webster Parish Libraries will offer a free shuttle service to help ease parking congestion during Trunk-or-Treat. This year, the shuttle will pick up at the First Baptist Church parking lot. With the fair parade and Trunk-or-Treat taking place around the same time, the shuttle provides families with a convenient opportunity to enjoy both events without the hassle of finding parking twice.
Downtown activity will pick up again Friday, October 23, when Minden High School holds its homecoming parade at 3:30 PM. The parade will bring students, alumni, families, and supporters downtown ahead of the school’s homecoming football game that evening.
On Saturday, October 24, the Witches Ride of Minden will take over downtown for another major community celebration.
The Witches Ride parade is scheduled for 2 PM, featuring costumed participants making their way through downtown. Following the parade, festivities will continue with a Halloween-themed celebration lasting until 10 PM.
The Witches Ride has become a popular annual event, attracting participants and spectators to downtown Minden for an afternoon and evening of entertainment.
With the fair continuing throughout the week and three parades scheduled within five days, residents should anticipate heavier traffic, limited parking, and temporary street closures, particularly on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday.
Those planning to attend multiple events are encouraged to arrive early, take advantage of available shuttle services, and be mindful of pedestrians, especially children.
Motorists who do not plan to participate in the festivities may want to avoid downtown during scheduled parade times and allow additional travel time when traveling through the area.
Although the busy schedule may create some temporary traffic inconveniences, the week will offer numerous opportunities for families to enjoy local traditions, support community organizations, and celebrate the fall season in Minden.