The 2009 Fourth of July

Star-Spangled Celebration

This July 4^th, journey downtown to the Baton Rouge riverfront.  The annual Star-Spangled Celebration will kick off at 1:30 p.m. at the Riverfront Stage between the USS KIDD Veterans Memorial and Red Stick Plaza.

Serving as the largest fundraiser of the year for the USS KIDD Veterans Memorial, the event usually draws between fifty to one hundred thousand people to the riverfront each Fourth of July.  It features live musical entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening, largely from bands and artists native to Louisiana.

Additional entertainment comes in the form of the USS KIDD herself, which you can tour from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. that afternoon.  Stick around afterward, though, because one of the highlights of the evening is always an aerial reenactment featuring World War II aircraft "attacking" the ship.  The festivities wrap up that night with a massive fireworks display over the majestic Mississippi River brought to you by WBRZ-TV Channel 2, The Advocate, and your local Lincoln Mercury Dealers.

And what would the Fourth of July be without face painting?  These imaginative and highly skilled painters help put a new face on Independence Day by adding a whole host of colorful and original faces to the crowd.  And don't forget about tattoos and body painting!!!  Sailors and soldiers LOVE tattoos.  Temporary tattoos are always loads of fun.  Show your colors proudly on this important patriotic holiday, courtesy of Zilly Faces and Animated Art Face Painting!

HOW DO I GET THERE?  WHERE DO I PARK?

The parking garages listed below will be open on July 4^th at the times listed.  For more information on parking downtown, visit the Downtown Development District website.

**Copyright 1997-2009 by Louisiana Naval War Memorial Commission**