The Lake Arthur Freedom Fest promises an old-fashioned hometown patriotic celebration for all to enjoy.

Festivities kick off at 6 p.m. Monday, July 3 with a parade followed by a cardboard boat race, cornhole tournament, children’s activities, live music, food booths and more in and around Lake Arthur Park.

“Two years ago citizens Cheryl Thackston and Sheila Chapman started a 4th of July golf cart and bicycle parade in Lake Arthur with a vision of one day growing this event,” event organizer and Councilwoman Debbie Abshire-Sonnier said. “That vision is coming to fruition with this year’s Lake Arthur Freedom Fest.”

Abshire-Sonnier said the event is being made possible with the generous help of sponsors. Any excess funds after the event will be used for future town events, including Music on Main planned for the fall.

“The Fourth of July was historically, in the past, a huge event for Lake Arthur and we are wanting to revitalize it to give the families something to do and spend time together,” she said. “We’re hoping to keep it going again and to be able to add fireworks next year.”

Mayor Poncho Lejeune and council members are seeking to revitalize more family-friendly events in the town.

“Our beautiful community, with its picturesque views of the lake, is a hidden gem,” Lejeune said.

Lejeune is urging residents to paint the town red, white and blue in support of Freedom Fest.

Festivities kick off at 6 p.m. with a parade down Arthur Avenue. The parade will feature golf carts, bicycles, all terrain vehicles, floats and classic cars.

Lake Arthur native and veteran Louis Joseph Simon, 93, will serve as grand marshal.

Simon enlisted in the military at the age of 17 and served in Japan for nearly nine months. He received the World War II Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal.

Lineup for golf carts and bicycles begins on Arthur Avenue and Fourth Street east towards Railroad and Hebert streets.

ATVs will line up on Fourth Street, north down Kellogg. All ATVs must be trailered into town. Trailer parking is available on empty lots on Kellogg Street.

Floats and classic vehicles will line up down Mill Street.

A best decorated prize will be awarded in each of the five categories – golf carts, bicycles, ATVs, floats, vehicles/classic cars.

Immediately following the parade, there will be a cardboard boat regatta contest on the lake in the beach area.

Awards will be presented to the team that completes the course in the fastest time, the most spectacular sinking and best design and theme for boat and crew.

Cajun Cornholders will also host a cornhole tournament on the tennis courts adjacent to the park. Registration begins at 6 p.m.. The tournament will be 7-10 p.m.

Nearly two dozen food and merchandise vendors, along with political candidates, will be set up along Arthur Avenue near the park until 10 p.m.

Leroy Thomas will perform from 7-10 p.m.

During band breaks, political candidates for the Oct. 14 elections will be given five minutes to introduce themselves.

A veterans tent will be set up near the bandstand for all veterans to enjoy the music.

Children will be able to enjoy fun jumps, train rides, games, a balloon artist, temporary patriotic tattoos and glow necklaces and bracelets. All activities are free to children.

Children will also be treated to watermelon slices and popsicles.

The event is free and open to the public.

Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs and ice chests, but no glass bottles will be allowed.

For more information, contact the Town Hall at 337-774-2411 or Abshire-Sonnier at 337-658-5263.