Hundreds of people turned out in Jena Saturday, July 4, for the America 250th Independence Day celebration held at the Jena Town Park and the town’s historic Dog Trot House.
Although temperatures soared to the 90s early and the humidity made conditions sweltering for those in attendance, it did not damper the celebrations that included a concert, parade, program, food, fun and games.
Event organizer Rachel Floyd was more than pleased with all of the events and the large crowd that attended.
“It was a wonderful day of celebration, and we are so thankful to everyone who participated,” Floyd said. “Although it was hot, I think everyone had a great time as we took time as a community to celebrate this historic milestone of 250 years of the United States of America.”
The day began at 9:30 a.m. as the Red River Wind Symphony braved the sun bearing upon the amphitheater to present a special program entitled: “A More Perfect Union: 250 Years of Chasing a Dream.”
With the majority of the crowd taking shelter from the sun underneath the trees, the program was both uplifting and moving as the over 50 members of the Red River Wind Symphony performed various selections with perfection, despite the hot temperatures and sweat pouring from their bodies. The amphitheater faced the rising sun and there was no shade for the symphony.
Following the concert, the annual Fourth of July Parade assembled in the parking lot of the little boys baseball fields and at 10:30 a.m., the parade headed up Sycamore Street to the Dog Trot House where the remainder of the day’s activities would be held.
“The parade was probably three times the size from last year and everyone look so good in their patriotic attire,” Floyd continued. “We also want to thank the Jena Fire Department who brought their ladder truck and displayed a huge American Flag at the entrance to the Dog Trot House. It was beautiful and the perfect ending to the parade.”
Winners of the Most Patriotic parade entries were: First place, Jasper Evans; Second place, Matt Evans; and Third Place, Emmalyn Williams.
At 11 a.m., the Fourth of July program began at the Dog Trot house with another large crowd in attendance. Evans Dorroh served as the Master of Ceremonies with Dr. Rick Feazell sharing remarks on the founding fathers and their emphasis on prayer during the meetings of the Centennial Congress prior to offering prayers at the beginning and ending of the program.
The LaSalle Parish Veterans Honor Guard presented the flags and Boy Scout Troop 14 led in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Star-Spangled Banner was sung by Emily Hailey.
Tom Watkins shared a speech from Patrick Henry and Samuel Floyd recited the Declaration of Independence – from memory. Those in attendance noted it was one of the most impressive aspects of the program.
District 22 State Rep. Gabe Firment then presented three Legislative Resolutions. The first was to District Attorney J. Reed Walters, in recognition of his many years of service to the 28th Judicial District Court. Walters will officially retire at the end of this year as the second longest serving district attorney in the state of Louisiana.
The second was to the family of Clarence Durham. This resolution of condolence honored Durham for his service to the United States and as the last World War II veteran from LaSalle Parish. Durham passed away on March 18, 2026, at the age of 98. He served with the United States Merchant Marines during the Pacific Campaign.
The third resolution of condolence was to the family of James “Cowboy” Robertson. Cowboy was known throughout LaSalle Parish as a friend to all veterans and a proponent of the United States Military. He was a founding member of the LaSalle Veterans Honor Guard and was a veteran of Vietnam and the Gulf Wars. He passed away on April 2, 2026, at the age of 80.
Firment noted that what struck him the most about all three men was the love for God and family. He said all three were committed members to local churches and lived by the creed: “God, Country & Family.”
At the conclusion of the program, the Veterans Honor Guard conducted a 21-Gun Salute in honor of all those who have died in service to making the United States of America the greatest nation on earth.
With the conclusion of the program, the fun began behind the Dog Trot House as free food, drinks and watermelon was distributed to the crowd, along with many games for adults and children.
From tug of war to watermelon eating contests, fun was enjoyed despite the hot temperatures. Food vendors, such as the Jena High School BBQ Club and the Sugary Spoon also provided food and refreshments.
Along with face painting, the children also enjoyed a variety of games provided by Fellowship Baptist Church of Trout and Paul Daily with Wild Horse Ministries was on hand providing free horse and buggy rides and train rides on the ministry’s barrel train.
“The entire day was great and I’m so thankful to live in a parish that joins together to celebrate our great nation,” Floyd said. “Again, I want to thank everyone who had a part in making this day so special, to those who participated to those who attended. It was a great celebration of our nation’s birth.”
Later than night, the annual Tri City Poppers fireworks show was held at the Olla Fairgrounds with hundreds of people from all over LaSalle and surrounding parishes attending.
The event lasted for some 30 minutes and featured one of the best fireworks shows in the region.
Each year, the Olla Volunteer Fire Department provides the show with support from Olla, Urania and Tullos communities and businesses.
On the southern end of the parish, another traditional fireworks show was held in the Belah community. Shot from the pasture of Mark Windham, attendees parked at the Belah Methodist Church and enjoyed breathtaking fireworks as all celebrated the nation’s 250 anniversary.
