Love 'em or hate 'em, the Love Bugs are coming to Magnolia

The three-day bash celebrates everything about lovebugs, the flying insects, in the same fun and ironic way that others before have celebrated mosquitos. They're here and they're a part of life. Love them or hate them, you might as well acknowledge them. The festival will be the first of what organizers hope becomes an annual sensation for the city.

This festival features live music, food and craft vendors, as well as an array of games and activities. Here's a look at what is planned for each day this weekend.

Friday—The event kicks off at 3 p.m. with love-bug themed games and contests. The Love Bug coloring contest begins at 4 p.m. and an outdoor screening of the movie “Herbie the Love Bug” is planned for 9 p.m.

Saturday—The celebration returns for day two at 10 a.m. with a horseshoe pitching contest, which is followed by the Love Bug costume contest at 11 a.m. The King and Queen of the festival—Frank Parker and Celeste Graves—will be crowned at a royal ceremony and will be honored at the Love Bug parade.

The Charlie Lucas Band is set to take the stage at 6 p.m. to provide their popular blend of blues and country. A fireworks show is set for 9 p.m., followed by another music performance from the Texas Country band, DunVille.

Sunday—Begins with a trail ride from Magnolia Cowboy Church to Unity Park at 7:45 a.m. A cowboy church sermon takes place at 10 a.m., followed by a barbecue. A cast of praise and worship bands—including the Magnolia Cowboy Church Band and the Magnolia Bible Praise Band—are prepared to belt out some musical revelations until the event starts wrapping up around 4 p.m. The party culminates with a skateboarding competition Sunday afternoon.

DockDogs, a national dog training competition, takes place over the course of the weekend with various events and contests.

Money raised goes to 12 nonprofit organizations that help run various aspects of the event and to the Magnolia Community Foundation to help fund next year’s event. Event planners anticipate around 5,000 attendees. Admission is free, but prices vary for activities.