Spectacular fireworks show July 3

First 3,000 get goodie pack to honor 20th year

For almost two decades, parish residents have made an annual trek to the West Bank Bridge Park for an evening filled with music, food, fun, and most importantly, a fireworks show that lasts between 20 to 30 minutes.

This July 3 marks the 20th year that the parish will celebrate Independence Day at the park. To honor the special occasion, the first 3,000 residents to arrive for the event, which begins at 6 p.m., will be treated to goodie packs.

The packs include a Mardi Gras cup filled with a koozie and magnet that honor July 4, but if attendance is similar to previous years, they won’t last long.

The opening ceremony is scheduled to begin at 6:15 p.m. and will include a military flyover. After the jets roar over the crowd, local band "The Wiseguys" will create a little noise of their own.

Residents, who can bring in coolers and folding chairs, can also choose to chow down on some of the local delicacies that will be sold at seven vendors. Sweets, jambalaya, Frito pies, nachos, hamburgers and hot dogs will all be available, as will cold concoctions such as lemonade, soft drinks and snowballs.

While kids are waiting for the massive fireworks show, they can purchase poppers and glow necklaces or visit a patriotic balloon-twisting clown to get into the spirit of Independence Day.

Special 3D fireworks viewing glasses will also be sold, and promise to make the fireworks pop out a little more to those wearing them.

The event will culminate with the fireworks show, which is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. and will delight those of all ages.

Residents need to note that I-310 southbound and northbound off ramps to LA 18 will be closed 15 minutes prior to the fireworks and throughout the show. LA 18 will also be closed from Ashton Plantation Boulevard to the School Board Office.
While residents can bring ice chests and folding chairs, pets or glass bottles are not allowed.