Picayune Main Street’s Blues and Heritage Festival returns in October for two days of local entertainment.

Main Street Director Reba Beebe said the event will be held on Oct. 19 and 20, starting at 6 p.m. that Friday.

After the event ends at 10 p.m. Friday, it will resume Saturday starting with the judging of a dessert contest beginning at 5 p.m. Contestants should turn in their entries for one of three categories that day by 4:30 p.m.

Jo Scheel, Picayune Main Street Executive Assistant, said that the categories will be cakes, pies and cookies. Monetary prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in each category. The rules to enter include using ingredients that are locally grown, such as pecans, peaches, blueberries, pears, fig or even pumpkin. All entries should include a second cake, pie or batch of cookies and include a list of ingredients to protect those with food allergies since duplicate treats will be auctioned off.

Funds from that auction will benefit the local chapter of Toys for Tots, Scheel said.

The deadline to register for the contest is Oct. 10. Applications can be picked up from the Picayune Main Street office, or downloaded from the organization’s website.

This event will also be the first time that Pat Drackett will take the stage with the band, Curmudgeons Blue Grass Group.

“I’m excited that she decided to sing for us,” Beebe said.

Before the events on Saturday, a car show will take place next to Hot Rod Heaven.

The event will feature a number of local acts. Friday night 4 On The Floor and SouthernSound Band will play starting at 6:45 and 8:30 p.m. respectively. Saturday, after the Curmudgeons Blue Grass Group plays their set from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., Solid Gold Band, a Tribute to Blue Brothers, will take the stage from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m.

Attendees are urged to bring lawn chairs. Ice chests will not be permitted.

The event will take place on West Canal Street both days.