House
Interchange
Haughton
RoadConstruction
BoardWalk
WaterTowerLarge
PlainDealing
DowntownBossier
Neighborhood
HeroTower
HomeConstruction
Courthouse

KTBS Freedom Fest celebrating God and Country at South Bossier Park Event Information

Posted: Jun 28, 2023, 12:00 AM

It's nearly time to celebrate America's birthday, and plans have been finalized for this year's annual KTBS Freedom Fest celebrating God and Country at South Bossier Park, a family oriented event capped by a massive fireworks display.

A crowd estimated at more than 1,500 viewed last year's inaugural display at the south Bossier recreational facility and even larger attendance is anticipated for this second event.

South Bossier Park is located on Caplis Sligo Rd. roughly one mile south of the Sligo Rd. intersection. Message boards will be placed strategically to assist motorists. The park will open at 5 p.m. for the event with fireworks scheduled to ignite at 9:30.

"Last year we had a huge crowd and we believe there will be even more this year," said Bossier Parish Administrator Butch Ford. "We've made plans to accommodate more people, and we're hoping to make this fun and safe for everyone."

Ford said individuals are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and portable awnings or other coverings as protection from the sun and heat. Free bottled water and ice will be available at stations in the viewing areas, and individuals are reminded to be well hydrated.

Other safety measures will include the presence of equipment and personnel from South Bossier Fire District #2 and the parish EMS. A pair of restroom facilities will be available at the park and a number of portable units will also be provided.

Parish Director of Parks and Recreation Warren Saucier said persons attending the event will also find an outstanding selection of food available from food trucks which will be set up in a court fashion near the parking and viewing area.

"We're going to have several food trucks serving a variety of choices including barbeque, catfish and shrimp, hamburgers, hot dogs, tacos and of course plenty of cold drinks, snow cones and fruit flavored ice drinks," he said.

Ford said Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office deputies and the parish's Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit will be providing security and assistance for the event. These officers will also be enforcing safety rules that include no alcohol and no firearms.

Traffic will be permitted to enter only at the main entrance to the park turning off Caplis Sligo Rd. onto S. Bossier Park Dr. Officers will be directing motorists to the parking area which has been changed this year.

"Our parking area this year is going to be on the west side of the park," Saucier said. "It will give us plenty of space for the large crowd we're expecting, and the viewing will be just as good as last year."

Ford said the environment at this event focuses on all members of the family.

"We plan this for people of all ages, and that's what we saw last year," he said. "There were kids playing, adults visiting with one another, the lines at the food trucks were steady...it was just great and we're looking for more this year."