4th of July Celebrations and Fireworks
It will soon be America's birthday, and we are here to make sure you know where the celebrations are happening and to give you access to crafts, recipes, and a NEW downloadable Storytime/Discussion Colorbook: July 4th Edition. Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue or a fireworks-viewing party, our comprehensive guide is designed to help you find the perfect family fun. With step-by-step craft instructions, delicious patriotic recipes, and engaging activities for kids and adults alike, you'll have everything you need to make this Independence Day memorable. We hope this guide helps you create lasting traditions and joyful moments with your loved ones!
Downloadable Story/Discussion Coloring Book: July 4th Edition
(PDF Format)
Independence Day Pet Parade
Date: Thursday, July 3rd, 2025
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Georgia Tucker Assisted Living, 405 Stubbs Ave., Monroe, LA
Registration: Please call to register your pet by July 2nd, 2025, (318)323-2251
All pets must be on a leash, friendly, or in a pen. You can decorate a wagon or just your pet. This event is hosted by Ouachita 4-H.
Temple Baptist Ruston - LoveLincoln Freedom Fest
Program Date: Tuesday, June 24th, 2025, Howard Auditorium, 300 Adams Blvd., Ruston, LA
Fireworks Date: Thursday, July 3rd, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Location: 1515 Service Rd W., Ruston, LA
Please join us for our 28th annual patriotic celebration. The presentation called “LoveLincoln Freedom Fest" will feature songs that celebrate our nation's birth, honor our servicemen and women, and recognize the true freedom God has given through Jesus Christ. The event is free, so please bring your entire family and lots of friends to enjoy it with you. This year's program is somewhat different as it will be held at Howard Auditorium on Louisiana Tech's Campus, because our Sanctuary is being renovated. The program is on Tuesday, June 24, at 7 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
Our community fireworks show will still be held as usual on Thursday, July 3, at dark on Temple's Campus and is sponsored by generous donors in our community.
Triangle Park 4th of July Children's Parade
Date: Friday, July 4th, 2025
Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location: 1900 Paragoud Blvd., Monroe, LA
Join the Monroe Rotary Club for their annual 4th of July Children's Parade! Decorate bikes, scooters, or wagons and head to Triangle Park for watermelon, sno cones, and much more! (No motorized bikes). Crafts and goodies! Macaroni KID MWM will be in attendance, and we can't wait to see you!
Directions: Triangle Park 4th of July Children's Parade
Firecracker 5K Run/Walk
Date: Saturday, July 5th, 2025
Time: 7:30 am
Location: Downtown Monroe
Categories: Adult & Children
The Fit Time 365 Nutrition Firecracker 5K Run/Walk and 1K Fun Run event offers a great challenge to local runners and walkers.
The 5K Run/Walk and 1K Fun Run will take place on Saturday, July 5, 2025, through historic downtown Monroe. The 1K will begin at 7:30 a.m., and the 5K will follow with warm-ups starting at 7:45 a.m.
Take in all the scenery as you pass by locally owned and favored restaurants and historic sites. This event is your chance to get out and walk or run through your favorite downtown Monroe spots at your own pace for a great cause. The 5k will include chip-timed bibs and medals for overall males and females.
The cost is only $30 for the 5K, and the 1K is $30, and the first 100 participants who sign up will be guaranteed to receive their event t-shirt. Kids 10 years and under can participate for free. However, they must be accompanied by a 5k registered adult (Kids will not receive a t-shirt, bib, or medal unless they have a paid registration). A portion of the proceeds will go to The Chennault Aviation and Military Museum and The Black Creatives Circle of North Louisiana.
1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place in respective age groups will receive medals. Your race entry will include this year's race t-shirt guaranteed for online registration until June 28th, 2025. Race day registration begins at 6:00 a.m. at Fit Time 365 Nutrition, 701 North 4th Street, Monroe, LA 71201.
Race begins at 7:30 AM
July Celebration Fireworks in Downtown Monroe & West Monroe
Date: Saturday, July 5th, 2025
Festivities Begin: at 11:00 am
Fireworks Begin: at 9:00 pm (Fireworks are shot from the Edom Bridge)
Location: Downtown Monroe, Downtown West Monroe, or the West Monroe Levee (to best see fireworks).
Join us for a full day of fun this 4th of July with shopping, delicious food, and festive activities the whole family will love!
Bring your chairs, grab some snacks, and enjoy a star-spangled night to remember!
5th Annual Downtown Monroe Block Party
Date: Friday, July 5th, 2024
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Location: 316 South Grand St., Monroe, LA
Head to Downtown Monroe on Saturday, July 5th, for the 5th Annual Downtown Block Party & Fireworks on the River! The fun kicks off at 7 PM at the River Market with live music, food vendors, family fun, and all the patriotic vibes you can handle. Then, get ready to end the night with a sparkle—fireworks over the Ouachita River begin at 9 PM!
Grab your friends, bring a chair, and celebrate the 4th of July weekend in the heart of Downtown Monroe.
Fireworks Over Lake D'Arbonne
Date: Saturday, July 5th, 2025
Time: 9:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Location: Hwy 33 Ramp Rd., Farmerville, LA
The Union Parish Chamber of Commerce is proud to host its annual "Fireworks Over D'Arbonne" extravaganza on Saturday, July 5, starting at ~9:00 pm. The fireworks will be fired from the end of Ramp Road, across from D'Arbonne Motel & Buoy's Anchor Marina. Without the generosity of our many sponsors, we would not be able to provide this great event for our many residents, neighbors, and friends. Mark your calendars now and make plans to bring the family for a free night of fun. For more information, call the Chamber at (318)368-3947.
2nd Celebrate Dubach 2025
Date: Saturday, July 5th, 2025
Time: 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
Cost: FREE
This event starts with an 8:00 am co-ed softball tournament, Dubach Lake 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Kid's Fishing Tournament, and Nature/Birding Trail, Kayaking, Playground, and Amphitheatre. 5:00 pm Live Music featuring Chancie Neal at the Amphitheatre until 9:00 pm ending with Fireworks.
Red, White, and Blue Crafts!
3 Simple Crafts for Young Children
Red, White, and Blue Treats!
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Watermelon Sparklers
What you need:
Seedless Watermelon
Small Marshmallows
Blueberries
Durable straws or skewers
Star-Shaped Cookie Cutter
These are super fun to make! Slice watermelon 3/4 of an inch thick (if it is too thin it won't hold up), use a star cookie cutter, and get as many stars as you can out of each slice. Put your stars to the side and start alternating marshmallows and blueberries leaving an inch at the top to insert into your star-shaped watermelon pieces.
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Grilled Watermelon
What you need:
Seedless Watermelon
3 Tablespoons of Granulated Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
Your Choice: Lime Zest, Tajin, and/or Chili Powder (Get wild with it!)
Cut watermelon into no less than 1-inch thick slices then cut into pieces that will fit best on your grill. Cover watermelon pieces with the mixture of dry ingredients and then put on a 450-degree grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side (or until grill marks appear). You can use a gas or charcoal grill. You can top your grilled watermelon if you want to get super fancy, maybe vanilla ice cream!
Super Simple Recipes for the Kids!
Layered Berries, Cupcakes, and Festive S'mores
SAFETY TIPS
FIREWORK SAFETY - Last but not least, firework safety! You also want to research what the ordinances and noise curfews are for your specific neighborhood.
PET SAFETY - We shared an article during Mardi Gras about Pet Parade Safety, so this would be a good time to share it again.
If your child is sensitive to loud noise, please make sure to bring some headphones. Fidget toys can also be helpful if your child gets anxious or overstimulated in crowds.
HYDRATION TIPS AND HEAT SAFETY: Make sure that your family stays hydrated and knows the signs of heat-related illness.
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