by Carl A. Brasseaux

Located in the heart of Louisiana's piney hill country, Union Parish was established by the Louisiana legislature on March 13, 1839. Union Parish's economy is based upon forestry, agriculture, and light industry. Union Parish offers visitors a broad variety of cultural and environmental attractions. Farmerville, the parish seat, is home of the annual D'Arbonne Arts Festival and Watermelon Festival (July) and Black History Parade (February). The town of Bernice, which boasts the Depot Museum, hosts a Mardi Gras Jazz Brunch, the Arts in the Park festival (April), a historical tour (June), the Corney Creek Porkfest/Louisiana Pork Cookoff (October), and the Corney Creek Christmas.

The community of Marion sponsors the Mayhaw Festival. Lake D'Arbonne, the Union Wildlife Management Area, and the D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge provide ample opportunities for boating, water sports, and fishing.

PRINCIPAL TOWNS

Bernice

Farmerville

Marion

FESTIVALS

Mayhaw

Watermelon