HOLIDAY HAPZ: Family Fun & Other Offerings for The Fourth ...

A holiday weekend means fun times for the entire family. A chance to get together, enjoy an extra day off ... And around the SBC, there's plenty to help make that holiday fun happen.


Of course there's the nightlife events (see my previous blog), but there are also events in the community to entice you:

• Go see a Gospel concert at Word of Life
  
  
• Go catch the Battlewings at the CenturyTel Center, or
  
  
• Go take some Salsa Lessons at Nicky's downtown, and get your dance on!
  
  
  
  

But if you're just looking for ways to celebrate our nation's independence ... here are some suggestions for July 4th (only):

7:30 am -- 25th annual Sportspectrum Firecracker 5K @ Mall St. Vincent

The race starts at 7:30 am with the kids' ½ mile fun run. At 8 am, the 5K and Healthwalk will take off. All the fun takes place in the parking lot behind Sears at Mall St. Vincent. The first 101 males and 60 females to finish the race will receive a commemorative glass race mug. Woody Nesbitt will provide patriotic music before and during the race. A live band will perform at the huge post race party with traditional Independence Day treats, hot dogs, watermelon, ice cream, Ozark Sport Drink and Michelob Ultra Beer. Entries will be accepted up to race day. Entry fees will be $15 before race day and $20 on race day. Entries are accepted at Sportspectrum, 7607 Youree Drive or online at www.sportspectrumusa.com.

9 am: 4th of July Highland Children's Parade @ Noel Memorial United Methodist Church

prizes will be awarded for the best decorated bicycles, strollers, wagons, non-motorized scooters, and people. No motorized vehicles allowed. This event will take place in front of the church. The church is located at 520 Herndon St.




9 am: Veterans Avenue of Flags Dedication Ceremony @ Barksdale Federal Credit Union

Special ceremony to dedicate the Veterans Avenue of Flags, 100 United States Flags that will be on display along a half mile stretch of Northgate Road from Patricia Drive to the Bossier Gate of Barksdale Air Force Base. The 165th Louisiana Army National Guard Band will perform and the Barksdale Air Force Base Honor Guard will make presentations of all the military services colors. The BFCU is located at 700 Northgate Road in Bossier City.

10 am: Fourth of July Bash @ Harrah’s LA Downs

Weiner Dog Races at 10 a.m., Family Day from 1-5 p.m., live thoroughbred racing beginning at 1:25 p.m., live music with The Rockafellas at 6 p.m., fireworks display at 9 p.m.

10 am: Independence Weekend Celebration @ Water Town

It's Independence Day! Celebrate with your family and friends at Water Town USA! July 4th Winner's Circle Distribution Center Weekend. Support your country & your local food bank! Bring a canned good & get $1 off your Water Town USA ticket! (up to $3 per customer/ticket). Discount also available on Sunday (park opens at Noon)

11 am: Happy Birthday America @ Sci-Port

The United States is truly a diverse nation made up of dynamic people. Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate that freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics and family gatherings. Celebrate at Sci-Port with our rocket and fire programs. Demonstrations held every hour until 5 pm.

4 pm: July 4th Freedom Celebration @ Bossier Civic Center

A family-friendly celebration with patriotic music provided by Louisiana Outlaws and vocal soloist Margaret Williams Jones, watch the fireworks display over the Red River, speakers addressing current issues, concessions and more. Emcee will be local radio personality, Robert J. Wright. bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets. This event is FREE.

5 pm: KTBS 3 Independence Day Festival @ Festival Plaza

Celebrate July 4th with the KTBS 3 Independence Day Festival with the City of Shreveport, the City of Bossier, Kirby Kelly, and ElDorado . From 5 - 10 p.m. at Festival Plaza, there will be kiddie rides, and food booths. Percy Sledge will perform from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m., and the Centenary Summer Band will perform patriotic music until the fireworks display.

So there it is, PLENTY to see and do this holiday weekend ... PLEASE be safe out there and enjoy!!!

WEEKEND HAPZ: Parties on Both Sides of the River

The SBC population will double, maybe even TRIPLE this weekend as natives and visitors flood in for the holiday weekend.

Most people are off tomorrow and/or Monday (along with the regular holiday) ... and if you're not heading to Essence in New Orleans, here are some parties to check out while you're out and about this weekend:





ON FRIDAY:

On the BOSSIER CITY side of the river, SHREVEPORT NIGHTLIFE is enticing the women of the SBC with their official LADIES NIGHT at Encore.

There will be LIVE Entertainment from BILLY BROADWAY, plus KMJJ's YOUNG NISA will be in the house, and DJ PHAT will be on the 1's and 2's.

But wait ...there's more ....

LADIES will enjoy drink specials and FREE SHOTS (mhm yeah ...) .. [I suggest the Peach Martini I tasted at the Marche' Mixer]. Paparazzi will also be in the house! :)

Admission is $15 at the door ... $20 for VIP (no-wait) status. Doors open at 9 pm. 21 and up ... MUST HAVE ID!!

ENCORE is located inside the Louisiana Boardwalk, right about the Funny Bone Comedy Club.

ON THE SHREVEPORT SIDE ... The MARCHE' GROUP will host their First Friday event called the "PRE-4TH OF JULY VIBE" at the BIJOU Ultra Wine Bar (in the Red River District).

Admission is $10. Doors open at 9 pm. Enjoy a fully-stocked bar with 2 for 1 drink specials from 9-11 pm!!! 21 and up only ...

BIJOU is a SMOKE-FREE FACILITY. It is located in the old McArthur's Steakhouse Building in the Red River Entertainment District (next to the old Brother's Seafood location)

ON SATURDAY ....

CROWDPLEASER ENTERTAINMENT is hosting the ONLY 4th of July party (for grown folks) in the SBC.

Titled "Made in the 80's, Born in the 90s" ... this event will take you back to the days of AWESOME music!!! DJ MARLE-MAR will be on the 1's and 2's.

The location -- ADAM'S LOUNGE. Doors open at 9 pm.

... STAY TUNED FOR A HOLIDAY HAPZ REPORT ABOUT ALL THE 4TH OF JULY EVENTS IN THE SBC ... COMING FRIDAY EVENING!!! :)

PARTY HARD BUT PARTY SAFE PEOPLE (THE COPS ARE WATCHING!!!) - m