By Emily Burleigh

The annual two-day event that celebrates the history of Vernon Parish’s legends and outlaws returns this weekend.

MayFest: Louisiana No Man’s Land Legends & Outlaws Music Festival is this Friday and Saturday. Established in 1975, the festival is held annually in Leesville on the first weekend of May. This year, the festival is at the Vernon Parish Fairgrounds and Rodeo Arena ,276 HM Stevens Blvd.

Over a dozen performances will grace the festival’s two stages. Highlights include headliners Kenne’ Wayne and Glen Templeton.

Friday, May 2

Mayfest kicks off with the opening ceremony at 3 p.m., featuring local speakers, a military cologuard and a Blackhawk and Lakota helicopter flyover.

The 4-H Mutton Bustin’ event follows at 4 p.m. in the Vernon Parish Arena.

The trio of Friday performances begin at 5:30 with country, rock and blues band BeauShyne. “Swamp Pop” and blues band Born to Boogie Band follows them at 7 p.m. Crowley-native Kenne’ Wayne will close out the night.

Saturday, May 3

Saturday starts with the annual Armadillo Stampede 5K run/walk at 8 a.m.

The start location Downtown Leesville at Physical Therapy Services of West Louisiana, 301 W. Fertitta Blvd. Registration is $25.

From 7 to 10 a.m., the 75th annual Leesville Lions Club Pancake Breakfast will be hosted in conjunction with the festival at the south concession stand at the Vernon Parish Arena.  Tickets are $10 each. Later at the arena will be the 4-H Team Roping competition.

The senior citizens’ luncheon will be hosted at 11:30 a.m. in the auditorium.

Mayfest Car Show is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Festivalgoers can submit one of their cars or just view the lineup of classic, exotic and custom cars. Registration is $20. Winners will be announced at 1:45 p.m.

Senior Citizens Welcome will be held at 10:30 a.m. on the Gospel Stage.

After, the stage will be home to musical acts Chuck Marze at 11 a.m., Good Ole Boys at 11:45 p.m., Pleasant Hill Baptist Choir at 12:30 p.m., Pollock Family at 1:30 p.m., Johnson Temple at 2:30 p.m., and Signed, Sealed & Delivered at 3:30 p.m.

At the Main Stage, Saturday gets the party started with the Louisiana Scramble Band at 11:30 a.m., Old Man Band at 12:45 p.m., LCM Band at 2 p.m., and Southern Country at 3:30 p.m.

Later in the evening is Whiskey Dent at 5 p.m. and Sundown Band at 6:30 p.m.

Mayfest will be closed out at 8 p.m. by Nashville-based country musician Glen Templeton.

Local food and craft vendors will be set up throughout the festival.

Admission is free.