Where are the fireworks?

    If you’re wondering who’s offering a pyrotechnic show this Fourth of July, here’s an easy run-down on fireworks displays for Lafayette and surrounding towns.

    Lafayette — Fireworks begins at 9:15 p.m. in Parc International downtown, part of the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra’s “Red, White and Boom!” performance and celebration which begins at 5 p.m. (Read our previous blog!)
    Youngsville — Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. at Sugar Mill Pond Town Center, 101 Waterview Road in Youngsville.
    Broussard — Fireworks kick off at 9 p.m. at Home Depot, 213 St. Nazaire Road in Broussard. Hot dogs and drinks will be on sale at the store beginning at 5 p.m., with all sales benefiting Miles Perret Cancer Services.
    Eunice — For almost 30 years, the former Mayor and licensed pyrotechnic, Kenneth Peart, orchestrates a 30-minute display beginning at 9 p.m. at Eunice Recreation Complex, 461 Sittig Road in Eunice.  
    Krotz Springs — Fireworks on the River begins at 9 p.m. at Nall Park, 562 Front St. in Krotz Springs. Prior to the fireworks, there will be music, children’s activities, hot dogs and watermelon.
    Erath – The 67th annual Erath Fourth of July celebration includes a 9 p.m. fireworks display, but you might want to get there early for the 10 a.m. water fight between area fire departments or the July Fourth parade at 5 p.m. with live music afterwards.
    New Iberia - The New Iberia Independence Day Parade begins at 6 p.m., followed by music and fireworks, at Main Street and Bouligny Plaza.

A fun-filled Fourth scheduled for downtown Lafayette!

    In Lafayette, the Fourth of July celebration happens all day July 4, 2013, and includes a variety of fun-filled activities on three stages downtown.
    Grammy nominee Corey Ledet & His Zydeco Band performs at 5 p.m. on the Freedom Fest Stage and continues with Lafayette’s Bayou Boys at 7 p.m.
    Families can enjoy the Conservatory KidZone in Parc Sans Souci with interactive children’s music every hour beginning at 5:15 p.m., an instrument petting zoo, face painting, patriotic arts and crafts, balloon animals, and more!
    The Acadiana Symphony Orchestra & Conservatory of Music presents Red, White & BOOM! with Grammy winner Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band (above right) headlining the celebration at 6:30 p.m. in Parc International. Chubby Carrier, dubbed as “The World’s Premier Zydeco Showman,” will perform with the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra for the annual patriotic concert following Chubby’s opening act.
    The Grand Finale Fireworks show concludes the day, beginning at 9:15 p.m.
    Gates open and festivities begin at 5 p.m. Admission is $5 per person with access to all three stages.

    The Acadiana Symphony has partnered with FoodNet and offers one free concession ticket in exchange for five non-perishable food items. FoodNet’s most needed food items are boxed cornbread, canned tuna and peas. 
    Food and beverages will be sold on site, and please, no ice chests. Proceeds from Red, White and BOOM! support the Conservatory’s early childhood music education programs.
    For more information, call (337) 232-4277, Ext. 1, visit www.acadianasymphony.org, or the Symphony’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/acadianasymphony.

Get ready for ‘Red, White and BOOM!’

    Downtown Lafayette celebrates the nation’s independence in a big way this July 4th with an annual concert by the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, a KidZone and live music by local bands. It’s all part of “Red, White and BOOM!”
    Grammy nominee Marcia Ball, hailed as the “bayou queen of the piano,” joins the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra in the patriotic concert in Parc International. The concert will also feature the ASO’s Second Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest and a 2012 red Mercedes car raffle, concluding with the Grand Finale Fireworks show at approximately 9:30 p.m.
    Over in nearby Parc Sans Souci the Conservatory of Music KidZone will offer water slides, face painting, arts and crafts, balloon animals, costume contests and much more. And parents can enjoy a broadcast of Marcia Ball and the ASO performance while their children play and keep cool in the KidZone!
    At Parc Putnam’s “Freedom Fest!” there will be several bands performing — The Rockin’ Rotarians at 4 p.m., Lafayette’s Bayou Boys at 5 p.m., Nik L Beer at 6:15 p.m. and Grammy Award winner Chubby Carrier at 8:30 p.m.
    Gates open for all events at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 4, 2012.

    A $5 admission fee to Red, White and BOOM! grants patrons access to all three parcs (that’s parks for those of you who don't speak Cajun). In collaboration with Food Net of Lafayette, ASO is offering free concession tickets for canned food donations brought to the celebration. Parc Passes will be available at the gate or may be purchased in advance at the ASO Box office located at 412 Travis Street in Lafayette.
    All proceeds from the event help support the ASO’s children’s education programs.
    Visit the Symphony web site or its Facebook page for a more detailed schedule.