You already know the 4th of July is a fun summer holiday, but it’s not all about hot dogs and fireworks. So what's the reason for the celebration? Basically, it's a birthday party!
That's right, the Fourth of July is the birthday of the United States of America. On July 4, 1776, our country's founders declared independence.
And the reason our country wanted to declare independence? Well, many of the colonists were angry they had to pay taxes to the British government, even though they had no vote in the decisions that affected them. And so Thomas Jefferson wrote that famous letter to King George, which is known as the Declaration of Independence. It was signed by 56 men representing each of the 13 colonies.The first, and largest, signature on the letter is John Hancock’s. Some people say he wrote his name large so that King George would be able to read it without his glasses!
The first public Fourth of July celebration at the White House took place in 1804, and finally, almost 100 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed, Congress declared July 4 to be a national holiday for the United States of America. And that’s why we celebrate!
So next time you're asked to bring a dessert to a picnic, you might just want to consider a birthday cake!
Make sure you don't miss out on all of the great festivities happening around Acadia and St. Landry Parish! Check out our listing of local venues holding events that are fun for the whole family!
We will be updating this guide as we receive confirmation of upcoming events. Click on event links for further details.
4th of July Party
American Legion | Rayne
The Legion presents a 4th of July Party with Jackie Callier and the Cajun Cousins July 1st. Family-friendly atmosphere for a night of patriotic fun. Decorate yourself and/or your table for a chance to win a prize. Kids 16 and under get in free.
Get Down in Buggytown
Church Point Central Park Outdoor Concert with live entertainment, fun and games for the kids and more happening from 5-10pm/ Fireworks Show @10:15pm
Iota 4th of July Celebration
Iota Veterans Memorial Pavilion
Celebrate Independence Day on Monday, July 3rd at the Iota Veteran's Memorial Pavilion for an evening of family fun and live music.
Red, Rice, and Blue BBQ Cook-Off
Acadia Rice Arena | Crowley
The City of Crowley is hosting a BBQ cook-off July 4th for an all-day event with fireworks beginning at 9pm.
First Baptist Church Opelousas July 4th Bash
Location: 3835 I-49 S. Service Road | Opelousas
Join FBCO for a 4th of July Bash. July 4th from 4:00-9:00 p.m. There will be food, games, live music, inflatables, waterslides, and more! Make sure to stay until the end for the fireworks show!
Red, White, and Boom 4th of July Party
Yambilee Building and Ag Arena:1939 W Landry St. Opelousas LA
A 4th of July fireworks celebration will take place this 4th of July at the Yambilee Ag Arena beginning at 4:30pm. This free event is fun for the whole family with fireworks at dusk. Bring your lawn chairs or picnic blanket.
City of Eunice 4th of July Fireworks Show
The Eunice Recreation Complex 461 Sittig Street, Eunice LA
Every year residents of Eunice, Louisiana celebrate Independence Day with a bang. This free show is hosted by The City of Eunice. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy the show. Parking for this event is available at the Eunice Recreation Complex.
Independence Day Fireworks Show
Leonville Boat Ramp
The town of Leonville will be hosting a Fireworks Display Show on July 4th starting at 6pm. Leonville Fire Department will be selling BBQ hamburgers and drinks.
Fireworks on the River
Krotz Springs Nall Park
The town of Krotz Springs will host its annual Fireworks Display in Nall Park with family-fun activities!
Stars & Stripes Jennings Celebration
The City of Jennings to host its annual Independence Day Celebration on Saturday July 1st at La Oil and Gas Park starting at 11am. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a day of food with a BBQ contest, games, live music and more! Ice chests are welcome.
Fireworks Show starts at Sundown. Market and vendor registration due by June 23rd. BBQ contest registration due by June 26th. For more information call (337) 263-8556.
Independence Day Crafts and Activities
4th of July Kids Rice Art - Rayne Library June 28th @ 1:30pm | Crowley Library July 3rd @ 2pm.
Make your own patriotic shirts
If you know of a local public Fireworks display or celebration happening around Acadia-St. Landry not listed here, tell us about it and we will add it to our guide! Info and details can be emailed to mackidacadia@macaronikid.com or submit your event to our calendar!
