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Patriotic residents in the Washington Parish region have plenty of choices when it comes to Fourth of July weekend activities this year.

After a 2020 season in which most events were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, local municipalities are bringing back live entertainment in a variety of ways, ranging from fireworks to parades to singing.

On Friday at 7 p.m., Bogalusa will open the Fourth of July weekend with the selection of the Paper Queen and her Court, followed by their presentation at the American Legion Post #24 headquarters (63349 Louisiana Highway 10 in Bogalusa).

On Saturday at 10 a.m., the city of Bogalusa will have its Fourth of July parade beginning at Columbia Street and ending at the Bogalusa High School parking lot on Willis Avenue. At noon, there will be a luncheon held at the American Legion headquarters for parade participants and their families.

The night of festivities will conclude with fireworks at dusk at the BHS football stadium.

On the western side of the parish, the town of Franklinton will also have its own fireworks show Saturday evening. The celebration will begin at 9 p.m. at the Washington Parish Fairgrounds.

Just across the St. Tammany Parish line, the community of Bush will have a day of patriotic celebration Saturday as well.

From 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., there will be flag waving and gospel singing at the Bush Recreational Center (down the road from the Bush Community Center off Louisiana Highway 41).

There will be concessions benefiting the Bush Food Pantry, as well as “old-time gospel music” led by Manny and Mary.

This event will continue to be held on the first Saturday of every month, at the same time and location.

The Fourth of July falls on a Sunday this year, which is why most of the events are being held on the prior Saturday.