By Shannon Wright
October was a bustling month for the Village of Doyline, as residents came together for a full slate of fall festivities and community events. Like many small towns, this time of year in Doyline is filled with traditions that bring neighbors together and celebrate the spirit of the season.
The fun kicked off with the traditional Bonfire and “Meet the Panthers” event held uptown on Friday, October 24. This long-standing celebration has, in recent years, been combined with National Night Out, turning the evening into a lively community pep rally and somewhat of a kickoff to the varsity basketball season.
The event drew residents from across the area and featured participation from Webster Parish Fire District Three, whose firefighters joined the parade and served up hot dogs and nachos. Public Relations Director Taylor Loftin Simons said the event was a wonderful opportunity for firefighters to connect with the community. As tradition dictates, the department closed out the night by lighting the towering bonfire, a crowd favorite every year.
The festivities continued the following week with Doyline High School’s annual Halloween Carnival on Tuesday, October 28. The carnival featured games, a silent auction, a costume contest, and the ever-popular dunking booth. The highlight of the night came with the crowning of this year’s Halloween Queens. Congratulations to High School Queen Chloe Upchurch and Junior High Queen Macey Hair.
Meanwhile, Lake Bistineau State Park hosted its beloved Halloween Trick-or-Treating Event, where campers, families, and local businesses decorated campsites and handed out candy to eager trick-or-treaters strolling through the grounds.
Adding to the October excitement, the fire department launched its first-ever FireTRUCKS and Treats event, giving families a chance to meet volunteer firefighters, explore the fire trucks, and enjoy some Halloween fun. Events like this highlight the department’s deep commitment to serving the community, not only through emergency response but through outreach and family-friendly gatherings as well.
Several local churches also joined in the seasonal fun by hosting Trunk or Treat events, rounding out a month full of laughter, fellowship, and small-town charm.
With so many activities packed into the month, October once again proved that Doyline is a village with a big heart and a strong sense of community spirit.
