By MOLLY DRYMAN

Staff Reporter

RESERVE — The annual Independence Day Celebration on the River will be a community gathering for both the east and west bank of St. John the Baptist Parish as America’s independence is commemorated.

Parish President Nickie Monica said the celebration started in 2000 and continues to grow from year to year.

“The first year we had about 4,000 people show up,” he said. “Last year we had 10,000. We do this celebration to express appreciation to veterans from the past and currently fighting for our freedom.”

Monica said this celebration would not be possible if it were not for the support and cooperation of the Parish Council, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, St. John Fleeting and the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office.

“There will be a barge in the middle of the river so that both sides can enjoy it,” he said. “Activities will be going on at the Edgard Courthouse and at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Reserve.”

The event will be on July 3 and will kick off at 6 p.m. with food prepared by the Knights of Columbus including jambalaya, hot dogs and hamburgers. A ceremony will be at 8:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m.

“There is a lot of community involvement for this event,” Monica said. “It is nice to see people come out early with lawn chairs and spend time together.”

Administrative Assistant Angie Robertson of St. Peter’s Catholic Church said there will be activities going on in the church parking lot.

“There will be different groups with items for sale,” she said. “Boy Scouts will have snowballs and we will be selling hot sausage po’boys.”

The proceeds will go to the organizations selling the items, Robertson said.