The City of Natchitoches invites you to celebrate Independence Day at the annual Celebration on the Cane Saturday, July 4, 2020 on the downtown riverbank. The 4th of July Celebration will feature a spectacular firework show over Cane River Lake at 9:00 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. Food vendors will provide food for purchase after 5:00 p.m. on the downtown riverbank. Several downtown restaurants will provide live music throughout the evening. Retail shops, paddle boards, kayaking, horse and carriage rides and the Cane River Queen Riverboat will be operating throughout the day as well.
The City of Natchitoches encourages all attendees to practice social distancing and safe hand sanitizing practices.
The downtown riverbank will be closed to motorists beginning at 6:00 a.m. on July 4. Those attending the event should make plans to park on Front Street or elsewhere within the Natchitoches Historic District.
In preparation for the fireworks show, the Church Street Bridge will close to all traffic, including pedestrians and motorists, at 8:30 p.m. In addition, Williams Avenue from Whitfield to Henry Avenue will also close at 8:30 p.m. The roadway and bridge will reopen after the fireworks show is completed and the fire marshal has given the all clear.
This event is sponsored by the City of Natchitoches and the Historic District Development Commission. KTBS Channel 3 will be broadcasting live from the downtown riverbank beginning at 6:00 p.m. in conjunction with their annual Freedom Fest which will take place in multiple cities around the Ark-La-Tex this year.
For more information, please call the Natchitoches Main Street Office at (318) 357-3822.
Since Gov. Edwards didn’t release the state to Level 3 I believe event’s should stop for now.
I am not sure who was being called a democrat but rest assured I am not a democrat. I just asked a simple question. Nothing to do with politics. We had a curfew, business closures, stay at home order. I just wanted to know if the 4th celebration would conflict with the 50 person gathering rule and cause the event to be canceled.
And just like that Natchitoches has 17 new cases today.
This is not about money. There is no charge to go. This will not be packed liked Christmas festival. It’s open air not in a building with a/c where the air is circulated. Wear Mask, use sanitizer. Nobody has a problem going to Walmart, Stines, acadamey and such but heaven forbid we try to have a safe celebration in the midst of all this depression and you act like the world is going to end. If you are concerned or an at risk person stay home. I’m all for safety measures and being safe. Most people will be 6 feet apart and closer to the ones they came with. I still love a quote from a dear friend when this all started, “God is going to take care of us but that doesn’t mean I’m gonna go around licking door knobs” you can watch the fireworks from a safe distance. You do not have to shop in the stores. We all have an opinion so do what you feel is right for you whatever it is but do not condemn others doing what they feel is right for them. This is not meant to offend, disrespect or downplay the virus. Much respect and love to all.
Since the city has gone to the ticket system for food vendors money is involved and the city will get paid… all of the activities will cost money.
Yes it is all about money. Anything to draw people in to spend. Also watch your taxes start to increase.
Thanks for the contributions from: Gee Gee, Katherine, Sandra, Elle, and JD. Listen to them people. Please, please, please.
How in the world are people going to social distance in 4th of July festivities ? This doesn’t make sense! The governor wouldn’t move the state to phase 3 because virus numbers continue to grow yet Natchitochs wants to get a huge crowd together on Front St!
How do you social distance in a March?
All this whining about “don’t they care”. Really!!! Just be adults and if you are concerned about spread of Covid 19 STAY HOME. Obviously a Democrat who can’t think for yourself and must be TOLD what to do. Grow up.
An increase in covid 19 cases will impact our entire city and parish across all levels. Make no mistake, I need no one to guide my actions. My remarks are meant to protect everyone, not for just that day but beyond. Be Blessed.
I have been staying home unless I have to work or get groceries. I work in Home Healthcare. And furthermore, while we throwing around politics, I am a member of the Independent party. Obviously you must have been one to support the currently Lee Posey and his city council or if you live out in the parish as I do, the parish presidency and it’s council. But anyway. I didn’t come here to talk politics. I just believe that if the city was really concerned about public Health asthey say they are they would be more proactive and take steps to prevent the spread of COVID 19 and yes that includes CANCELLING all events. But they seem too concerned with attracting tourists,and their money and not enough about the people who live and work in Natchitoches. Just my view as a health professional. Another thing, BG. Why don’t you use your real name and stop hiding behind the letters?
Your insulting someone else is childish. You’re the one who needs to grow up.
What is wrong with this idea???? I will tell you! The entire state is seeing a rise in covid 19 cases and the Main Street office wants to make money so…. all the great minds get together and say, “Hey, we are smart people, let’s have our 4th of July fireworks, people will come from neighboring parishes , young people will come out, everyone will be packed on the riverbank and it will be fun.” Nevermind , people don’t like wearing masks or can’t social distance! Nevermind that such an event is a hotbed of new covid cases! Hey we are Natchitoches and we are great…. let’s infect the people!!!
Thank you Katherine.This is the most sensible thing I have read regarding this massive gathering. Unfortunately too many people, like the wtiter who made the riduculous statement that the person who made the comment against the “gathering” must be a democrat. The last time I checked Covid-19 does not choose a party member to infect. This whole thought process is engendered by the notion that this virus only affects ” certain people” and for the most part, they are expendables. I do agree with him on this; if you are sensible, STAY HOME and let those who want to risk it; GO FOR IT.$$$0
nobody even followed the rules in first phase in this parish.
I am ok if y’all want to freak out,but I won’t wear a mask.
plenty of others ways to freak out about death then worrying about
a flu.
Have a nice stay in the hospital…..
So riots and “peaceful” protests are ok but celebrating our nation’s independence isn’t? Ok got it 🤦🏻♀️🙄
Nothing about masks, either. Pure arrogant folly.
It’s all about the money for the city of Natchitoches!! JS they do not care about the wellbeing of the citizens.
This is why they just don’t cancel it. They want the people to get sick….
since the governor has kept us in phase 2 doesn’t this violate the gathering size?
It would seem so.
where is the “social distancing ” they keep telling us
there are more outbreaks.