St. Charles Parish Government will hold its annual Independence Day Celebration at the West Bank Bridge Park on July 3, with activities to begin at 5:30 p.m.
“This year’s start time is now 5:30 p.m. instead of 6:00 p.m. in previous years,” Samantha de Castro, St. Charles Parish Director of Communications, said. “We have more entertainment than we’ve ever had, we’re getting the party started early!”
Thanks in part to a collaboration between nonprofit The Feather Fund NOLA, River Parishes Tourist Commission and Shell, this year’s event promises more free live entertainment, including local bands Bucktown All-Stars, Big 6 Brass Band and A Tribe Called Gumbolia, with the national anthem to be sung by local singer Carlie Dalgo. Food, family activities and more are planned. Opening ceremonies will begin at 6:15 p.m., and the parish’s much anticipated Fireworks Spectacular display will begin at 9 PM.
Local nonprofit organizations will be on site selling food and drink items at the event. Items to be sold include hot dogs, jambalaya and pastalaya, pork rinds, seafood nachos, popcorn, desserts, candy, snoballs, lemonade tea and soft drinks. No alcohol will be sold, but residents are permitted to bring their own alcohol, ice chests and folding chairs to the event.
“This is one of my favorite events that the Parish hosts as it brings so many members of our community together to celebrate our great nation and our independence,” President Matthew Jewell said. “I am thrilled that we expanded our entertainment lineup this year and look forward to seeing our families come out and enjoy top-notch music and fun, plus some amazing fireworks – all for free, which is hard to come by these days!”
Parish officials remind attendees pets, glass bottles and poppers are not allowed in West Bank Bridge Park. Those wishing to view the fireworks show are encouraged to arrive early. The state fire marshal has ordered no one be allowed to enter or leave the park for up to 30 minutes before and after the fireworks show.
The West Bank Bridge Park, including the parking lot near the levee, will be closed the afternoon of July 2 in anticipation of this event, and the public will not be allowed to use the bike path, drive or walk past barricades present near the levee during fireworks setup.
“There is reserved parking for handicap and military only at the Bridge Park, others can park at the School Board parking lot or the Lafon Center and walk to the park,” de Castro mentioned regarding parking for the event.
Drivers should note I-310 southbound and northbound off-ramps to River Road/LA 18 will be closed 15 minutes before the fireworks and throughout the show, and River Road/LA 18 will be closed from Ashton Road to the School Board Office.
For more information regarding this year’s Independence Day Celebration, visit St. Charles Parish online at www.stcharlesparish.gov.
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