By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

RESERVE – Although a little localized rain started to fall during the grand finale, St. John the Baptist Parish’s annual Independence Day celebration drew crowds on both sides of the Mississippi River for an evening of fun, family and fireworks.

At the larger east bank celebration, which takes place in the parking lot in front of St. Peter Church in Reserve, numerous activities filled the small stage as Angelique Sutherland handled emcee duties. Among the patriotic sights were a presentation by the St. John Parish Young Marines, a performance by local musicians Tyler “Se7en Stylez” McKinnis and former “American Idol” contestant Jordan Dorsey, a civics-themed trivia game for the children and a short speech from newly inaugurated Sheriff Mike Tregre.

As usual, the evening ended with a fireworks spectacular. Unfortunately, sporadic but sizeable raindrops began to fall amid the explosions, so many attendees has to watch the second half of the show huddled under awnings or as they scurried to their cars.