Here's where you can see 2023 Independence Day fireworks in Acadiana
(KLFY) -- Independence Day fireworks have been a tradition from the very beginning of our nation, at the suggestion of John Adams, one of the authors of the Declaration of Independence. Adams wrote the following in a letter to his wife, Abigail, dated July 2, 1776, about the upcoming first Independence Day:
"It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."
On July 4, 1777, a ship docked in the Philadelphia harbor did a 13 gunshot salute representing the 13 colonies. That night, fireworks began and ended with 13 rockets.
Independence Day was proclaimed a national holiday by Congress in 1870.
Adams would be happy to note that firework shows are happening throughout Acadiana to celebrate Independence Day. Here is a list of events that include a firework display in the area:
If you know of any July 4 firework displays in Acadiana not on this list, please let us know via email at news@klfy.com.
Lafayette Parish
- City of Scott's Independence Day Celebration
- June 30
- Begins at 6 p.m., fireworks to start at sundown
- Free food, music, kids activities and door prizes
- Youngsville Sugar Mill Pond Independence Celebration
- July 3
- Begins at 5 p.m., fireworks to start at sundown
- Music, family-friendly activities and pop up vendors
- Broussard Independence Festival
- July 4
- Begins at 5 p.m., fireworks start at 9 p.m.
- Family-friendly activities, hot dog eating contest and live music
Acadia Parish
- Red, Rice and Blue - Eunice
- July 4
- Begins at 10 a.m., fireworks to start at 9 p.m.
- Live music, BBQ cook-off, games
Vermilion Parish
- Erath 4th of July Celebration
- June 30 - July 4
- Fun run, water fights, parade, live music and a street fair
- Fireworks on July 4 at 9 p.m.
Jefferson Davis Parish
- Jennings Stars & Stripes Celebration and Fireworks Show
- July 1
- Begins at 5 p.m., fireworks to start at sundown
- BBQ contest, food trucks, market and games
St. Mary Parish
- Red, White and Blue Boat Parade - Morgan City
- July 4
- Parade begins at 3 p.m., fireworks to start at 9 p.m.
St. Landry Parish
- Red, White and Boom - Opelousas
- July 4
- Grounds open at 4 p.m., fireworks to start at sundown
- Live music, food and kid's activities
- Fireworks on the River - Krotz Springs
- July 4
- Begins at 6:30 p.m., fireworks to start at sundown
- Live music and food