LAPLACE — River Region residents on the East and West Banks have plenty of opportunities to enjoy Independence Day celebrations as fireworks fill the night’s sky and rock bands and car shows aim to capture local attention.

St. John the Baptist Parish is hosting its 17th Annual Independence Day Celebration and firework show July 3 at two locations: St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 1550 River Road in Reserve and the St. John Courthouse, 2393 River Road in Edgard.

The celebration begins at 6 p.m., with the fireworks starting at 9 p.m.

For those who can’t make it out, the East and West Bank celebrations will air live on the government access channel, with the broadcast slated for a 7 p.m. beginning.

Luling

St. Charles Parish’s Independence Day event July 3 includes a double highlight of fireworks and good music, with a performance by the Bucktown All-Stars starting at 6:25 p.m. at West Bank Bridge Park on River Road in Luling.

The St. Charles fireworks show begins at 9 p.m.

In addition to the Bucktown All-Stars, there will be two balloon-twisting Uncle Sam clowns and a miniature golf course donated by Logan’s Little Greens for children to enjoy.

The following food and drink items will be sold by local nonprofit organizations at the celebration: nachos, sweets, pulled pork, watermelon, jambalaya, pastalaya, french fries, corn dogs, hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, pickles, soft drinks, water, frozen treats and snowballs.

No alcohol will be sold. However residents may bring their own alcohol. Glass bottles are not allowed in the park.

I-310 southbound and northbound off ramps to River Road will be closed 15 minutes prior to the fireworks and throughout the show, and River Road will be closed from Ashton Road to the School Board Office.

Pets, glass bottles and poppers are not allowed within West Bank Bridge Park.

In addition, the state fire marshal has ordered no one be allowed to enter or leave the park for up to 30 minutes before and after the fireworks show.

West Bank Bridge Park, including the parking lot near the levee, will be closed the afternoon of July 2, and the public is not allowed to use the bike path, drive or walk past barricades present near the levee during fireworks setup.

Garyville

The fun continues a day later as St. Hubert Catholic Church in Garyville welcomes community members to its Independence Day Celebration, beginning at 11 a.m. July 4 at the St. Hubert Parish Hall, 541 S. Church St. and culminating with a fireworks display at 9 p.m.

The day-long event features food, music, homemade sweets, soft drinks and beer. A chicken dinner sale begins at 11 a.m. Pastalaya will be sold beginning at 4:30 p.m. Plates will be sold for $8 each.

Bingo begins at 5 p.m. and a $300 raffle drawing will be held at 8:30 p.m.

The car show begins at 2:30 p.m. on Anthony F. Monica Street. Judging begins at 4 p.m. with awards presented at 5 p.m.

Registration begins at 1:30 p.m. with categories including Pre-1970 car/truck, post 1970 car/truck, Rat Rod, Patina’d Rides, late model mini truck and full-sized truck.

All makes, models and years are welcome.

Entry fee is $25, which includes a free lunch and drink coupon per vehicle. Make checks payable to St. Hubert Church. All proceeds will benefit the church.

The first 40 participants will receive a dash plaque. For more information call Faron Duhe at 504-428-1699.