MORGAN CITY, La. — The City of Morgan City is inviting residents and visitors to celebrate Independence Day and the 250th Birthday of the United States of America during the annual 4th of July Boat Parade and Lake Jam on Saturday, July 4, at Lake End Parkway.
Festivities will begin with the popular Boat Parade at 3:00 p.m., followed by judging at 4:00 p.m. in front of the new pavilion. Organizers will award prizes to the top three best-decorated boats. Those interested in participating in the boat parade can register by contacting Vanessa Spinella at the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium at (985) 380-4639.
Families attending the event can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the day, including a Kids Zone featuring inflatable attractions, food and beverage vendors, and live entertainment under the pavilion.
Musical performances will include South 70 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and No Idea from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The live entertainment will also be available for boaters on the lake or anywhere in the vicnity of Lake End Park by tuning in to 87.9 FM in partnership with KQKI.
The celebration will conclude with the city’s annual patriotic fireworks display over Lake Palourde beginning promptly at 9:00 p.m. KQKI 95.3 FM is once again the exclusive radio station to air the patriotic soundtrack that will be syncronized to the fireworks, presented by Taco Bell and Tiger Island Hardware. The soundtrack will be played from the sound stage under the pavillion.
Traffic Plan Announced for Fireworks Display
To help ensure the safe and efficient movement of traffic following the fireworks show, city officials have announced a temporary contra flow traffic plan for the evening of July 4.
Beginning at 8:45 p.m., both lanes of travel on LA Highway 70 will be temporarily shut down in preparation for the fireworks display, which will begin promptly at 9:00 p.m. Residents and visitors planning to attend the event are encouraged to arrive prior to 8:45 p.m., as the roadway will be closed to traffic. Access through the closure will only be permitted in the event of an emergency until the fireworks display has concluded.
The contra flow traffic pattern will remain in effect only as long as necessary to safely move vehicles from the area. Once traffic has cleared, the contra flow operation will conclude and LA Highway 70 will be reopened to normal traffic.
Immediately following the fireworks display, all traffic exiting Lake End Park through the main entrance will be required to turn left onto LA Highway 70. These vehicles will travel southbound utilizing the northbound lane of LA Highway 70 as part of the contra flow traffic plan and will remain in that lane until reaching the intersection of LA Highway 70 and Victor II Boulevard, where they will be required to turn left onto Victor II Boulevard.
Vehicles exiting from Lake End Parkway (Old Judges Stand area) will be permitted to turn either left or right onto LA Highway 70.
This traffic pattern is designed to provide two lanes of outbound traffic and help move vehicles from the area as quickly and safely as possible.
Officers with the Morgan City Police Department and members of the Morgan City Fire Department will be directing traffic throughout the event.
Traffic cones will be placed throughout the area where the contra flow traffic pattern is in effect. Once you enter LA Highway 70 during the contra flow operation, please remain in your designated lane and do not switch lanes. Motorists are asked to follow all traffic control devices and directions provided by law enforcement officers to help ensure the safe and efficient movement of traffic.
The following intersections will be closed for the duration of the contra flow traffic operation:
• Fig Street at LA Highway 70
• Veterans Boulevard at LA Highway 70
• David Drive at LA Highway 70
Motorists are encouraged to plan alternate routes and avoid the area if they are not attending the event.
As you celebrate Independence Day, whether at Lake End Park or elsewhere in our community, please do so safely and responsibly.
