If you’ve ever wondered what a Civil War soldier’s rations were like, go by the Mansfield State Historic Site Saturday, May 18 between 10am and 1pm. Get a cup of coffee and see the types of foods that soldiers would have eaten during the Civil War, including hardtack and salt pork. Samples will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Regular admission applies, but there won’t be any additional charge for food.

All locations of the DeSoto Parish Library are gearing up to kickoff their Summer Reading Program. Stonewall Library will hold theirs on Wednesday, May 29 at 10am. Pelican’s will be on Thursday, May 30 at 1pm, followed by Logansport and Mansfield hosting theirs at 2pm. Lots of fun activities are planned. Contact your local branch for more information.

The Annual Balloons over DeSoto will take place July 14 from 4-10pm at the C.E. “Rusty” Williams Airport in Mansfield. This is a free family oriented event for everyone to enjoy. There will be food, hot air balloon rides, car show, live entertainment, food vendors and a firework show. There will also be free parking and a shuttle service.