Parish officials are planning their biggest Independence Day celebration yet to mark America’s 250th anniversary, featuring expanded family activities and the biggest fireworks show in the event’s 36-year history.
The annual Independence Day Celebration will take place Friday, July 3, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at West Bank Bridge Park. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., and the evening will conclude with a 15- to 20-minute fireworks show beginning at 9 p.m.
Grayson Touchard, a spokesperson for the Department of Parks and Recreation, said this year’s event is longer and features additional attractions, including an America 250 mural, expanded patriotic decorations, additional face painters, interactive photo booths and more food vendors.
“We’re also excited to present our biggest fireworks show yet, making this year’s celebration one of the largest and most memorable we’ve ever hosted,” Touchard said. “I’m excited for residents to experience everything we’ve added to make this year’s celebration bigger and better than ever.”
Last year’s celebration drew approximately 3,300 people, and organizers expect attendance to match or exceed that number this year.
“Our goal is to provide a safe, fun and welcoming event for residents of all ages,” Touchard said. “Seeing thousands of people come together to enjoy live music, great food, family activities and fireworks reminds us why we do what we do, creating opportunities that strengthen our community and improve the quality of life for everyone in St. Charles Parish.”
The celebration will begin with a patriotic opening ceremony featuring a local Boy Scout troop raising the American flag, followed by the national anthem performed by Steven Fontenot of the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Live music throughout the evening will be provided by The Electrix Band.
Families can also enjoy face painting, a caricature artist and interactive photo booths. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from 13 local vendors, including Matt’s Sandwiches, Mangia Eats, Kay’s Angel Wings, The Table Cafe, MoFries, Jus Tacos, Malou’s Southern Eatery, Shenell’s, VFW Post 3750, Daretta’s, Fleur de Lemons, Sweet Joy Nola and Taste of Nola on Wheels.
The fireworks show will be produced by Pyro Pilots and will feature larger fireworks than in previous years.
Touchard said the annual celebration is the largest event hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department and reflects its mission of bringing the community together.
“Hosting the July 3 celebration is one of the highlights of our year,” SHE said. “It’s an opportunity to bring the community together to celebrate our nation’s independence while creating memories with family and friends.”
Residents are encouraged to bring folding chairs and ice chests. The parish will not sell alcohol at the event, and attendees may not bring pets, glass bottles, confetti or poppers.
For safety, the Louisiana State Fire Marshal has ordered officials to prohibit anyone from entering or leaving the park during the 30 minutes before and after the fireworks show.
Traffic restrictions will begin 15 minutes before the fireworks. Officials will close the I-310 northbound and southbound off-ramps to River Road and keep them closed throughout the show. They will also close River Road from Ashton Road to the School Board Office.
To prepare for the event, the parish will close West Bank Bridge Park, including the parking lot near the levee, on the afternoon of July 1. The public may not use the bike path or walk or drive past barricades near the levee while crews set up the fireworks.
