Happy 4th of July, America!

On July 4, 1776, the United States made it official, telling Great Britain to take a hike.

We’ve been partying ever since.

As celebrations go, the 4th of July has its traditions.

Getting the family together; dogs and burgers on the grill; homemade ice cream; and dazzling fireworks – which are still a no-no for Terrebonne Parish residents – lighting up the night sky.

Houma’s tradition is the annual Independence Day Celebration July 3.

In 2009, the Independence Day Committee set out to create a family friendly, patriotic event that would evolve and grow over the years.

The focus was not only on the official date the Declaration of Independence was adopted, but also the dedicated service of our military, police and fire departments.

Hence the theme, “Veterans: Family, Friends, Freedom.”

The festivities get under way at 10 a.m. with a wreath laying ceremony and 21-gun volley at the Veterans Memorial Park on La. Highway 311 near Southdown Museum.

“We want to honor not only the veterans but the spouses of the Charlie and Delta Company troops that are deployed right now,” Committee Chairman Lee Shaffer said.

“We want to focus a bit of attention on their service and what they’re doing while their loved ones are overseas,” he added.

A Patriot’s Parade will relocate the action from the park to the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center at 11:30 a.m.

The parade will start at Concord Plaza, travel down St. Charles Street, turn left on Valhi Boulevard, and then proceed to the civic center.

Four floats – three from the Krewe of Hercules and one from NRC Power – will be featured along with regional military vehicles and the Shriners.

The civic center opens at noon with fun and activities for the whole family. Wendy Jeffcoat of Kids in Motion Playhouse Discovery Museum said there’s no admission to the civic center grounds, but just about everything in the kids’ area is about $1 to $2 each.

“Several things will be free. If your child participates in every activity, it would come up to about $25,” Jeffcoat explained.

Barnyard Fun will have a petting zoo with goats, rabbits, ducks, geese, sheep and pot-belly pigs as well as pony rides. Youngsters will be able to show off the patriotic necklaces and spin art they make in the craft area.Then there’s rides on the Flip-Flop trackless train, and bubbles of every size at the Bubble Factory.

“My volunteer is an avid bubble guy. When we asked him where he’d like to work this year, he said, ‘You know,'” Jeffcoat said.

To cool off, volunteer for the dunk tank.

Papillion Kid’s Entertainer will sing and entertain while the Army National Guard trikes line up for racing and relay games. Bounce houses, patriotic photos, painting fun and much more fun round out the afternoon.

“We really recommend people bring their own lawn chairs. The stage has its back to Barrow Street so you’ll be able to see the bands and the fireworks by facing toward Barrow,” Shaffer said.

The Houma Community Band hits the stage first, followed by the T’Canaille Cajun Band, Treater, the U.S. Navy Pop Band and Waylon Thibodeaux. “Tab Benoit will make a guest appearance with Thibodeaux and during a couple of sets,” Shaffer said.

Of course, there will be lots of food.

Hungry tummies will enjoy the jambalaya, barbeque, hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, boudin sausages on a bun, ice cream, snow cones, cotton candy and more.

Seating will be available under 20-by-20 tents furnished with tables and chairs.

Those holding lucky raffle tickets could win a picture, print, a guitar signed by Tab Benoit, or a gift from a local restaurant or business.

Also on the agenda is a fly-over by the National Guard 159th Air Wing out of Belle Chasse and the Gravity Devils Parachutists will drop in around 2 p.m.

Don’t forget to bring jogging shoes for the Bayou Runners Independence Day Dash. Registration begins at 5 p.m. The half-mile kids’ fun run/walk gets under way at 5:40 p.m. with a two-mile run to follow at 6 p.m. Those with the fastest feet will be awarded on center stage.

All proceeds from the run and the festival go toward the 2011 Independence Day Committee.

And for the grand finale, we the people reserve the right to blow stuff up. The spectacular 33-minute fireworks show gets under way at 9:30 p.m.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Shaffer at 985-804-2265 or visit www.houma4thofjuly.com

Wait – there’s more!

Thibodaux gets things poppin’ with the “Let Freedom Ring Festival” Sunday, July 4, at Peltier Park.

The park opens at 8 a.m., but vehicles will be kicked out after 10:30 a.m. Tents, lawn furniture, barbeque pits and picnic baskets are welcome but no glass containers are allowed in the park.

Organizer Leland Hoffman advises an early arrival to unload. Parking is available on Bayou Lane, by E.D. White High School and Nicholls State University.

The Way Down South Band gets the music started on center stage at noon. The opening ceremony begins around 2 p.m. with an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, singing of the National Anthem, presentation of the colors by veterans, raising of the flag, a white dove release and a 21-gun salute.

Then Way Down South takes the stage again until 4 p.m. followed by Treater.

They’ll take a break for a couple of hours while an auction takes place, then finish off the night wrapping up at 9 p.m.

The fun ends with the festival’s amazing fireworks display.

The free festival features games for youngsters of all ages, lots of food, a military display, free child ID cards and free patriotic gifts for the children.

To find out more, contact Hoffmann at 985-446-5237 or via e-mail at lhoffj@bellsouth.net

Morgan City offers a unique view of its fireworks display with “Fireworks on the River.”

The city will close the La. Highway 182 Long-Allen Bridge to traffic allowing fireworks fanatics the chance to enjoy the extravaganza while perched above the Atchafalaya River.

The first pop launches at 9 p.m.

Houma’s celebration, set for July 3, includes a Patriot’s Parade from the Veterans Memorial Park on La. Highway 311 to the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center. The day-long festival ends with fireworks. Similar fun is scheduled in Lafourche and St. Mary parishes.