The Fourth of July, one of the best days to be a Bogalusan, is fast upon us, and the excited anticipation is particularly pronounced this year.

The local celebration of both the United States of America and the City of Bogalusa, both “born on the fourth of July,” includes a parade, fireworks and more.

This year American Legion Post 24, which sponsors the parade, just keeps adding more and more reasons for people to want to venture out of their air-conditioned homes and watch the patriotic promenade in person. Now it’s added a couple of LSU baseball champions.

Alex Crain checks out a rocket at Magic City Fireworks at the site of the old Grubbs Ford on Louisiana Highway 21 South. Customers should just follow the arrows to the back of the building, then enter the open space in back that’s now stocked with thousands of a big variety of fireworks. Advertisement

Ryan Byrd and Ryan Schimpf, who just got back from Omaha where they helped the Tigers win the College World Series, have agreed to give everybody a glimpse of glory by riding in convertibles about half way through the parade. (So the attire of the day now includes an LSU cap or Tiger ears to go along with a new, discounted down to $10 American Legion T-shirt and a $5 freedom bell in hand.)

Besides the champs, a Coast Guard helicopter and boats, a Navy band and three different color guards will be featured. And everybody is advised to keep their eyes on the skies because there might be one or two surprises.

Of course, the presence of the vehicles isn’t set in stone. But if they’re not called to action, they’ll be in Bogalusa, and the boats will be on display behind the Legion Home after the parade, said spokesman Bobby Latino, who thanked this year’s Grand Marshals for making that the case.

The marshals are Capt. James R. Montgomery, Cmdr. Edward J. Cubanski and Chief Warrant Officer David D. Mulford, all of the U.S. Coast Guard.

The trio will join the traditional and true stars of the day, the men and women of Post 24 and all local veterans of the United States Military.

Although the parade, which starts at Columbia and East Sixth streets at 10 a.m. Saturday, is certainly a high point of the weekend, it’s far from all that’s planned.

The annual Paper Queen Ball will actually take place the prior evening, Friday night, at the American Legion Home, and organizers say the 70th anniversary event will include some special performances and lots of fun. Gracie Keller is this year’s Paper Queen. Megan Johnson is Sweetheart of the American Legion. And Hannah Pritchard is Miss Dixie. The young ladies will all ride in the parade the following morning.

In honor of the holiday, the Pioneer Museum in Cassidy Park will have extended hours on the Fourth of July. The doors will open at 1 p.m. and not close until the Deep South concert starts on the grounds at 5 p.m. Current museum exhibits include: “They Didn’t Want to Talk About It,” a WWII display; “Hot Time in the Old Town,” about historic places and items of entertainment; and “Toys on the Hood,” artistic automobile hood ornaments.

Deep South is a local band of the 1970s that’s staging a 30-year reunion and will offer the concert in Cassidy Park free of charge. Members invite everyone to “come jam with us” and “make some fuss.”

When the sun goes down, the Lewis V. Murray Stadium at Bogalusa High School will be unlocked and opened, so the public can start gathering for the city’s big annual fireworks display. The grand explosions of color and sound are set to get started at around 8:30 p.m. or when the sky gets dark enough to provide a proper background for the traditional topping off of the celebratory day.

The National Weather Service forecast for Saturday in Bogalusa is 98 degrees with no mention of rain. Parade goers and participants are advised to drink lots of water and to wear sun screen, cool clothing and maybe a sun hat or umbrella.