Fourth of July Recap

Monday's KTBS Freedom Fest celebrating God and Country brought a crowd estimated at more than 1,500 to South Bossier Park for a family-oriented event that included more than just a massive fireworks display.

Warren Saucier, Director of Parks and Recreation for the Bossier Parish Police Jury, said he was not surprised at the large number who attended and was pleased with the atmosphere of the event.

"We are very pleased with the attendance," Saucier said just before the fireworks ignited. "It looks like we're going to have around 450 cars or more. This shows people what we have to offer here in south Bossier, and it's only going to get better."

Saucier said he saw families gathered around their vehicles enjoying themselves, and watched youngsters tossing footballs, baseballs and frisbees inside the fenced soccer field prior to the fireworks. He also observed long lines moving through at the three food trucks lined up to serve the crowd.

"Those kinds of things were exactly what we were hoping for," he said. "This was planned for families and individuals of all ages. We wanted to provide a safe, secure atmosphere so everyone could just sit back and enjoy themselves."

Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office personnel were on hand to provide security and assist in parking. Also at the event were members of the Bossier Parish EMS and South Bossier Parish Fire District #2, plus officers with the Bossier Parish Police Jury's Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit.

"We had no public safety issues, and we want to thank everyone who attended for keeping it safe. And, the deputies did a marvelous job of keeping the traffic flowing smoothly into our parking area," Saucier said. "And when the event was over, they moved the vehicles out of the park quickly."

Monday's event, co-sponsored by the Bossier Parish Police Jury, won't be the last for south Bossier, Saucier said.

"We're looking forward to continuing this partnership with KTBS right here at South Bossier Park," he said. "We want this to become something even more special...something that will be a destination point and will attract even more people to south Bossier."