Celebrating the Fourth

• Published: Jul 3, 2008 - Page: 8B - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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Fireworks, patriotic music, food, mock battles and plenty of fun abound at various Independence Day celebrations.

FRIDAY
Baton Rouge
STAR-SPANGLED CELEBRATION BASF FREEDOM MILE RUN/WALK: 8 a.m., from Casino Rouge to the USS KIDD Veterans Memorial. Shuttles available. Contact the Club South Runners at (225) 927-9200, (225) 767-5386 or clubsouthrunners.com.

STAR-SPANGLED CELEBRATION TOUR OF THE USS KIDD, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call (225) 342-1942 or visit http://www.usskidd.com.

STAR-SPANGLED CELEBRATION RIVERFRONT PLAZA CELEBRATION: food booths open at noon and patriotic music broadcast until 2 p.m., when the celebration kicks off between the USS Kidd and Red Stick Plaza. No ice chests, barbecue pits or grills, tents or pets allowed on the festival grounds.

STAR-SPANGLED CELEBRATION LIVE PERFORMANCES: Westbound Train with Anita Leblanc, 2 p.m.; Van Broussard & Bayou Boogie Band, 3 p.m.; Na Na Sha, 4 p.m.; Floyd Brown Band, 5 p.m.; The Chris Leblanc Band, 6:30 p.m., and Baton Rouge Concert Band, 8 p.m.

STAR-SPANGLED CELEBRATION F-15 FLY OVER: 6 p.m.-6:30 p.m. The USS Kidd is “attacked” by World War II aircraft, F-15 Eagle Fighters of the Louisiana Air National Guard. Also, hot-air balloon lift-off.

FIREWORKS ON THE MISSISSIPPI: 9 p.m., sponsored by The Advocate, WBRZ-TV, and Bayou Pontiac, Buick & GMC Dealers.

ONE NATION UNDER GOD CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA CONCERT: 6 p.m. First Baptist Church, 529 Convention St. The church also will have on display a collection of military memorabilia provided by church members. The display will be open from 5 p.m. until the concert begins, and following the concert until 8 p.m.

Clinton
RED, WHITE & BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Main Street. Features “United We Jam” band music, street dance, patriotic program and fireworks at 8:30 p.m., and open house at downtown businesses.

Denham Springs
HONOR AMERICA DAY: Train Station Park, features the Livingston Parish Community Band, classic car show and fire truck display, a children’s trike, bike and wagon parade and honors for area veterans. Live performances begin at 6 p.m. with the Livingston Parish Community Band, the Robert Reynolds Jazz Group and performances by the Odyssey Academy Dancers. Veterans and active duty military personnel are invited as honored guests. No admission fee.

Jackson
OLDE-FASHIONED INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Centenary State Historic Site, 3522 E. College St. Hot-air balloon rides from 10 a.m. to noon, ice cream social from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 1800’s children’s toys and games all day. Free. (225) 634-7925 or 888-677-2364.

Lafayette
FREEDOM FEST 2008: at Cajun Field. Live music, food, water fight, barbecue cook-off and children’s patriotic dress-up contest. Gates open at 3 p.m., music begins at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 10 p.m. Bring chairs, umbrellas and blankets. No ice chests or pets. $8 parking per vehicle. For details, call (337) 235-2471 or http://www.freedomfest08.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA! CONCERT: 8 p.m., Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, Parc International. Adults $10, children ages 12 and younger free. http://www.acadianasymphony.org or (337) 232-4277.