Independence Day events in St. Martinville

The city is now making arrangements for a big Independence Day event as part of the year-long St. Martinville Bicentennial celebration.
The Bicentennial event is scheduled for Saturday July 1 at Magnolia Park, but will involve businesses throughout St. Martinville. At least 20 business owners will decorate their buildings in red white and blue to compete for the “Best-Decorated Business” award. They will be judged by the St. Martinville Garden Club and 1st 2nd and 3rd place trophies will be awarded.
At Magnolia Park, the festivities will begin at 4 p.m. with a flag-raising ceremony. At 4:30 a red, white and blue-themed Independence Baby Bicentennial Pageant will begin. The pageant will include four age groups: Baby, for ages 0-11 months, Toddler, 12-23 months, Petite, for 2-to-4 year olds and Little, 5 to 6 years.
A registration fee of $10 will be required for entry in the pageant. Enter at City Hall or at the park up to 30 minutes prior to the pageant. Trophies will be awarded for first through third places and all participants will get a certificate of participation.
Following the pageant will be a contest for bikes decorated in the Independence Day theme. The contest is for kids up to 12 years old. There is no fee, but registration is required. Awards will be given in several age groups. Register on the St. Martinville Tourism Facebook page, call 394-2233, 394-2230 or register at city hall.
A reading of the Declaration of Independence by students from St. Martinville Sr. High School will begin at 5:30. Then, teams from local organizations will compete in an exciting canoe race on the bayou. Music will be provided by a local DJ.
A fireworks show will be presented after sundown. Louisiana Red will perform from 7 p.m. until the end of festivities at 10 p.m.
Food, beer and crafts will be on sale. Booth space may still be available at a cost of $45. Call Christie Disher at 839-2874 for vendor information.
There is no charge for admission, but ice chests are forbidden. More information can be found at tourism@stmartinville.org or by calling the tourism office at 394-2233.
Come out on Saturday and celebrate the Nation’s independence and St. Martinville’s 200th birthday, all in one great event at Magnolia Park!