Here's where to celebrate Fourth of July 2024 in Acadiana
(KLFY) -- Independence Day, July 4, honors and celebrates the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence, signifying the legal separation of Great Britain and the 13 colonies at the time.
Future president and Declaration co-author John Adams set the tone for what would become a national holiday in a letter to his wife Abigail dated July 3, 1776:
"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."
Many people commemorate this day of liberation with fireworks and community gatherings, and Acadiana is no different.
Here’s a list of Fourth of July events that are open for all to enjoy in Acadiana:
Lafayette Parish
- July 3: 2024 Youngsville Independence Day Celebration, Youngsville Sports Complex, Youngsville, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
- July 4: 2024 Broussard Independence Day Festival, St. Julien Park, Broussard, 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Acadia Parish
- July 4: Red, Rice and Blue, Rice Arena, Crowley, 10 a.m.
- July 4: 4th of July Celebration - Fireworks, Hidden Pines Campground, Egan
Calcasieu Parish
- July 3: U.S. Air Force Band of the West Independence Day Concert, Rosa Hart Theatre, Lake Charles, 6 p.m.
- July 4: Red, White, Blue & You Celebration, Lake Charles Event Center and lakefront, 5:30 p.m.
Evangeline Parish
- July 4: Ville Platte Celebration of Independence Day, Northside Civic Center/The Grand Pavilion, 704 N. Soileau St., Ville Platte, noon.
Jefferson Davis Parish
- July 3: Jennings Stars & Stripes 4th of July Celebration, Oil & Gas Park, Jennings, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
St. Landry Parish
- July 4: Fourth of July Fireworks Show, Eunice Recreation Complex, Eunice, 9 p.m.- 10 p.m.
- July 4: Fireworks on the River, Nall Park, Krotz Springs, 6:30 p.m.- 8 p.m.
- July 4: July 4th Celebration and Fireworks Show, Leonville Boat Launch, 6 - 9:30 p.m.
- July 4: Red, White, and Boom, Yambilee Grounds, Opelousas, 4 p.m.
St. Martin Parish
- July 4: Tunes on the Teche 4th of July Celebration, Breaux Bridge, 6 - 9 p.m.
St. Mary Parish
- July 4: City of Morgan City presents 4th of July Lake Jam, Lake End Park, 4 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Vermilion Parish
- June 30-July 4: Erath 4th of July Celebration, Erath
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.