By MELISSA PEACOCK

RESERVE – Preparations for the 3rd Annual St. John the Baptist Parish Independence Day Celebration began early Wednesday as local vendors and Parish employees set up venues in the parking lot of St. Peter’s Catholic Church.

Construction on the stage, sound and lighting began at 9 a.m. Wednesday in anticipation of the event.

“I think it being held on July 3 – there will be a bigger crowd,” said Ron Richey as he worked to complete the lighting and sound before the celebration. “I think it’s going to help people turn out despite fears of terrorist activities.”

Plenty of food, fun and entertainment were set up for local patriots attending the festive event.

The Knights of Columbus set up a concession table with jambalaya, hotdogs, hamburgers and drinks for local patriots. The Boy Scouts set up a Snowball stand and a “Sweet Eats” table was set up to benefit the St. Peter’s School Spring Pageantry in May.

“This is the third or fourth year of the event that we’ve been here for the Boy Scouts,” said Nanette Kunkel. “We’ve been making snowballs in patriotic colors red, white and blue to benefit the boys’ camping trips.”

According to Kunkel, the July 4th celebration is a good place to raise funds for the boys because it is a family oriented event.

“Families are just all out sitting in lawnchairs together talking, Kunkel said. “All age groups are represented.”

St. Peter’s Church was responsible for determining what booths and fund-raisers were set up at this year’s event.

The celebration started about three years ago and has been held in the parking lot of the church for all three years, said Karen Rylee, St. Peter’s Church.

“The parish approached the church a few years back because of the size of its parking lot and also because of how close it is to the barge where the fireworks will be shot off,” Rylee said.

The parish hoped that the location would make the fireworks visible to residents on both banks, she explained.

According to Rylee, every year has been more crowded than the last and this year was no exception.

“The first year of the fireworks I was a little hesitant but it has been a lot of families,” Rylee said. “It’s just like a big family reunion. It’s very calm and respectful and well observed.”

This year’s events included the presentation of colors by members of the United States Coast Guard, the raising of the flag, the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance, a welcome and tribute to members of the military service by St. John the Baptist Parish President Nickie Monica and a theatrical presentation by St. John Theatre.

LaPlace resident Shantele Brady said this year’s events were particularly poignant in light of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

“This is a small community and everyone sticks together,” Brady said. “It’s a nice family thing.”

Celebration in St. Charles

By LEONARD GRAY

LULING – The annual Independence Day celebration at the West Bank Bridge Park, which had its origins during Operation Desert Storm, went off without a hitch Wednesday evening.

Public Information Officer Steve Sirmon reported at least 7,500 area residents brought their families to enjoy fireworks, music, food and special attractions. Thousands more lined the levee, nearby fields and yards to enjoy the 35-minute fireworks show, presented by Precision Pyrotechnics.

The event commenced at 6 p.m. with a flag-raising ceremony by American Legion Spillway Post 195 of Norco. From that point, it was partying all evening, with music provided by local band, Sugarhouse.

Food was provided by Girl Scout Troop 1248 of Destrehan, soft drinks by Boy Scout Troop 371 of Luling and sweets by Republican Women of St. Charles Parish, in fund-raising activities.

Special attractions included a Kiowa Scout OH-58 helicopter, provided by the Naval Air Station at Lakefront Airport, the new $271,000 rescue truck acquired by the Luling Volunteer Fire Department, and a dunking booth, provided by Gator’s Nightclub. Face painting was also offered, as well as the playground equipment for the youngsters, while adults boot-scooted and line-danced before the bandstand. A total of 3,500 free hand-fans were given to most people entering the park to beat the humidity, as nearby rain showers skirted the Luling area but refused to put a damper on the patriotic events.

By nightfall, the crowds continued to build to await the fireworks show. “At the finale, they just let it rip!” Sirmon commented.