The 4th Annual Beauregard Watermelon Festival kicks off today at 5 p.m. and festivities will last through Sunday, June 28.

Of the many fun attractions being featured this year, one returning favorite will be the helicopter rides. Paul “Max” Trost will be flying in from his base in Sulphur to bring the rides to parish residents and said he is excited about being able to offer such a fun way to beat the heat this weekend.

“I’m looking forward to it,” says Trost. “It is always a lot of fun to bring people up and show them the beautiful view.”

Trost has been a pilot for 30 years and has done much work in the U.S. as well as in other countries.

At one time Trost owned a massive crop dusting company that serviced the Midwest and during the mid 1980’s, he even did some crop dusting in Egypt.

All in all, Trost has a total of 11,000 hours of air time under his belt, and in January he opened up his newest business, Max Air Helicopters, and has been making the rounds at several local festivals. Recently, Trost was at the Railroad Days Festival in DeQuincy, as well as the Westlake Fun and Families Festival and the Contraband Days event in Lake Charles. Trost also flies to a few festivals in Texas when he has the time.

Trost’s company is fully insured and fully licensed for those who are leery of such a trip, and he has provided the extensive paperwork to become FAA approved. “It’s not an easy process, but it is mandatory to be able to service public events,” says Trost.

The fee for a trip with Trost to see the rarely seen aerial view of DeRidder will be $30 per person if three people take a ride, or $35 per person if only two wish to ride. “I have to make up the cost difference for that unused seat given fuel costs,” says Trost.

Trost also works on the side by taking custom aerial photographs and will work with customers to get just the right photo. “We can take some with the noon sun lighting or wait until the evening and get a great view with the setting sun,” he says.

Trost will then give the customer a disc with the photo on it and they may do whatever they wish with the picture. “After that it is no longer my photo and they can blow it up, copy it or whatever they want with it,” he says.

Residents do not want to miss out on this year’s watermelon festival. Along with Trost’s helicopter rides will be several other fun events for adults and children alike to take part in. There will be a watermelon carving contest, and even a watermelon growers competition.

Participants will be able to provide their own entertainment for the event by taking part in the

Watermelon Idol talent contest or the Guitar Hero Praise Competition which will feature family friendly music.

A car show will be another feature, providing a little eye candy and plenty of carnival rides will help keep the youngsters occupied as well.

A free game tent also will be set up for children ages 12 and under.

The sounds of blue grass will be providing the soundtrack for the event, and the music will be performed by Barry Badon and the Bayou Boys Band.