(Rick Hickman / Special to the American Press)
(Rick Hickman / Special to the American Press)
Lake Charles celebrates Fourth of July
Last Modified: Thursday, July 05, 2012 2:53 PM
By Ashley Withers / American Press
A sea of red, white and blue engulfed the Lake Charles Civic Center Wednesday evening as thousands turned out to celebrate Independence Day.
The “Red, White, Blue and You” festivities began in the afternoon with a parade. Spectators lined Lakeshore Drive to catch candy and beads as floats and cars decorated by local businesses and community members rolled by.
Donald and Greta Willis came out to watch their 15-year-old son march in the parade with the Civil Air Patrol.
“It’s a family thing for us, but I also think participation in this kind of thing is a good opportunity for everybody to give thanks for our veterans and our troops,” Donald said.
Christi Barker and Debbi Drounett staked out a prime spot on Lakeshore Drive to watch their 9-month-old relative ride in the parade. Brynlie Drounett was crowned Miss Baby Armed Forces 2012.
“It’s my cousin. She’s the baby riding in the parade convertible,” Barker said.
This is the first time the family had ever come out to watch the parade.
A group of participants in the Ulster Project also gathered for the parade. The Ulster Project brings 12 teenagers from Northern Ireland to the Southwest Louisiana area for a month in the summer to live with local host families.
“I wanted them to see the fireworks, and I think the parade will be an interesting experience,” said Jennifer Garner, one of the program’s hosts.
Garner said the students had learned about Independence Day in one of the group meetings for the exchange students.
“We didn’t know much about it before, but we’re excited about all of it really,” said Callum O’Aonnell, a 14-year-old from Ireland.
After the parade, the crowd gathered on the Civic Center lawn for a salute to the troops and music by Market Blue and the Lake Charles Community Band.
“We opened tonight’s performance with bluegrass. We try to have a down-home roots feeling about our Fourth of July celebration,” said Denise Fasske, the event director.
Sharon Stephenson brought her husband and two grandchildren out to listen to the music.
“We always have our grandchildren this week, so we come out and enjoy the music,” Stephenson said. “We got a spot in the shade, and it’s been nice.”
Krystal Thomas drove from Mamou to enjoy the festivities with her aunt, cousins and nieces.
“We didn’t have any festivities going on back home, so I decided to come here. I’m excited about the parade and the fireworks and the music,” she said.
The fireworks show took place over the lake. Fun Radio 92.9 and Gator 99 broadcast music to accompany the display.
Brenda and Jeff Whitaker brought their grandchildren, Christian and Ethan, to the event.
“We came out to enjoy the day, the parade and the fireworks,” Brenda said. “We live in Sulphur, where there are no fireworks in the city limits. We live just inside city limits, so we come out here for the show.”
“The fireworks! That’s my favorite!” 4-year-old Ethan added.
Fasske said they were able to improve the fireworks show this year and add more fireworks to the display.
“The ‘Red, White, Blue and You’ tradition has gathered us all together for 20 years,” Fasske said. “It really brings the community together in a patriotic and united way. We are also able to salute our troops for all they do to keep us safe.”
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