NEW ROADS, La. (BRPROUD) — The annual New Roads Independence Day Celebration will be ready for visitors on Sunday, July 3.
The City of New Roads Independence Day Celebration makes a return after being canceled due to COVID-19.
Mayor Cornell Dukes says the city is known for the “False River” and has the title of “The prettiest city on the water.” He adds, “This year marks the 300-year anniversary and we’re just glad to have it.”
Councilwoman of New Roads, Joy Nelson from District 1 says her whole life she grew up and loved the 4th of July Celebrations. After the COVID-19 ban had been lifted, she says that, “It’s awesome to have it open up now, for various persons to come, from various areas to come and enjoy.”
“We come out here whenever we can to be on the water,” said boaters Malina Hollier and Kylie Rangeley-Allement.
“Everyone is going to have their boats decorated, kind of like how you decorate the floats for Mardi Gras. The boats will be decorated, it’s a one-of-a-kind event,” Mayor Dukes stated excitedly.
With this year’s False River boat parade contest, the Mayor says he’s looking for that “American Dream Boat.” He says, “This year’s theme is land of the free, so I’m trying to see what they are going to do with the American Flag.”
The New Roads Independence Day Celebration is happening on Morrison Parkway along False River. They will be featuring food, entertainment and activities for the whole family.
According to local leaders and organizers, they say the celebration will kick off with DJ Robbo from 12:00 noon to 6 p.m.
The annual boat parade will begin at 2:00 p.m. The event will be filled with live music all day. Music performances by Phat Hat, as well as several other genres of music including funk, soul, and R&B music from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
This year for the first time ever, the celebration will include hot air balloon rides. The rides will start at 6:00 p.m. and the balloons will fly over the False River during sunset. The ride will cost $5 per person.
Several RVs were lined up along the docks for the celebration. One of the owners, assistant Zachery Chief of Police, Darryl Lawrence, says he is ready for “Dinner and a show.”
“I’m really interested in seeing the hot air balloons, not interested in going up in them, but I’m really interested to see who all brave enough to go up in them things,” said Lawrence.
Between the heat from the hot air balloon to cooling off on a boat, and live music to turn up to, law enforcement will be monitoring the area.
“Our biggest priority is to make sure people from parties get home safely. Now we do say that if you do get out on the boat, to make sure you have a life jacket for everyone on board,” said New Orleans Police Officer Cody Barron.
New Roads Fourth of July event schedule:
Music provided by DJ Robbo — 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Boat Parade — 2 p.m.
Phat Hat and more — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Fireworks — 9 p.m.