20th Annual Red, White, Blue & You! Celebration

LAKE CHARLES, La.—The City of Lake Charles is making plans for the 20th annual Red White Blue & You Celebration. As part of the home-spun celebration, participants and spectators are invited to join in the fun for the parade, concerts and fireworks.

On Wednesday, July 4^th at 6 p.m., the street parade will be lead by 10 year old Grand Marshal Devin Scott Fontenot, who will represent the Children's Miracle Network and the Southwest Louisiana Sickle Cell Foundation. The parade will roll from Mill Street heading south on Lakeshore Drive, east on Clarence, north on Ryan, west on Broad, returning to the origin.  Anyone who would like to join in the parade is invited to decorate their floats, vehicles, golf carts, bicycles, marching units, etc. Denise Fasske, event manager said “This route is the perfect distance for kids to participate by decorating their bikes and wagons and filing in line.”  Spectators are encouraged to line the streets for beads and candy.

Follow the parade to front lawn of the Lake Charles Civic Center for a patriotic program beginning at 7:15 p.m. with the sounds of “Market Blue”, bluegrass band. The Lake Charles Community Band and conductor Leo Murray will also take the stage featuring a salute to the U.S. Armed Forces and a sing-a-long with the Louisiana Choral Foundation and friends. There will be face painting, balloon clowns and food vendors. This year’s festival t-shirt was designed by Miss Tori Viator, who will be entering the 8^th grade. Audience members are encouraged to bring their blankets or lawn chairs and wave their complimentary flags. If inclement weather prevails, the program will be moved into the Civic Center Coliseum. The fireworks extravaganza will begin at 9:15 p.m. Tune into Fun Radio 92.9 FM or Gator 99 for the soundtrack simulcast.   

Red White Blue & You has been voted one of the “Top 20 Events” among 11 states for the month of July by the Southeast Tourism Society which promotes travel to and within the Southeastern part of the United States. For more information and parade entry forms call 337-491-9159 or www.cityoflakecharles.com.