July 4th Events and Fireworks in Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana for 2012
On July 4, 2012, the United States will celebrate its 236th birthday – and in most places, the first big bash of summer! So what’s happening in the Lake Area for this Independence Day? We’ve rounded up all the information on each town’s event so you can figure out how you want to spend your Fourth of July!
LAKE CHARLES – Red, White, Blue & You
Civic Center Grounds
7/4/12, starting at 6 p.m.
Red, White, Blue & You will start with a downtown parade at 6 p.m. After that at 7:15 p.m., there will be live music and a salute to America’s Armed Forces with the Lake Charles Community Band and the Louisiana Choral Foundation. Also, there will be an appearance by the “Market Blue” bluegrass band. There will be food, face painting and activities for children.
Fireworks over the lake will start at 9:15 p.m.
DERIDDER – Old Fashioned July 4th
Washington Avenue
7/4/12, starting at 7 p.m.
DeRidder will hosts its old-fashioned Fourth of July with free burgers and hotdogs for the whole family. Watermelon will be available and cold drinks will be on sale for $1. There will also be a DJ, fun jumps for kids and more.
Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
LAKE ARTHUR – Freedom Fest
Lake Arthur Park, Admission $10 ages 6 and up
6/30/12, starting at 10 a.m.
Lake Arthur’s Freedom Fest might be the biggest Independence Day celebration in the area with live music and tons of water-based events for the whole family. Spread out over the lakefront, events like a boat poker run, a look-alike contest, cardboard boat races, canoe races, remote control boat races, a magic show, rock-climbing wall, bungee jumping, face painting, balloon art and a family scavenger hunt will be joined by an F-18 jet flyover and a military salute. All games are free once you enter the park.
There will be the annual Blessing of the Fleet and live music starting at 4 p.m. from Dustin Ray and Southern Groove, Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, and The Molly Ringwalds.
Ice chests and pets are not allowed.
Fireworks will be held at 8:30 p.m.
JENNINGS – Stars and Stripes Celebration
Louisiana Oil & Gas Park
7/3/12, starting at 4 p.m.
The 21st annual Stars and Stripes Celebration will take over the Louisiana Oil & Gas Park (the I-10 Park) from 4-10 p.m. on July 3. There will be water slides and fun jumps for children, as well as food and live entertainment.
Fireworks will start at 9 p.m.