The Fourth of July holiday will be celebrated in grand style by Southeast Texans this weekend—or extended weekend—as the occasion falls on a Monday. Both Port Arthur and Nederland will be putting their best foot forward for the patriotic event.

“We’re brining it outdoors,” Claire Thomason, Director of Student Activities at Lamar State College—Port Arthur, remarked. “We’re bringing it back as an all-American celebration.”

Thomason was referring to the event’s new spot behind the Gates Memorial Library near the gazebo on Lamar campus; and also, the fact that Port Arthur’s Fourth of July celebration used to occur in the Carl A. Parker Center on Lakeshore Drive, but is now being brought back outside for that quintessential “all-American” vibe.

There will be games for both children and adults; various food vendors including El Taconaco; a DJ playing popular music; a link sale by the First Baptist Church of Groves’ youth group; an apple pie baking contest; and even Motiva sponsors handing out free ice cream, just to name a few of the attractions being offered.

“I think everyone’s going to enjoy it,” Thomason said. “I think everyone likes to get together with families, and the Fourth of July means a lot [because] it gets families together.”

This joint venture between Lamar State College—Port Arthur, Motiva, and the City of Port Arthur will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 317 Stilwell Blvd in Port Arthur. The apple pie baking contest starts at 5:30 p.m.; the bike/wagon contest and patriotic parade begins at 6:30 p.m.; and the fireworks show starts at 9:00 p.m. Admission is free.

Meanwhile, not to be outdone, the City of Nederland is hosting their fifth annual Fourth of July celebration at Doornbos Park for a Fireworks Extravaganza 2016.

In the same spirit of unity and togetherness, Angela Fanette, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Nederland, spoke on the significance of the event:

“It’s so important because our community is important; our family is important, our city is important. These ventures get us all together.”

Fanette would go on to gush about all the excitement, fun, and activities that are planned for the event. “They’re absolutely fabulous!”

Festivities begin with the Nederland Pool being open from 5 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (regular fees apply). A bike and wagon parade starts at 6:00 p.m., with a 6:30 welcome event by the mayor. The Roadhouse is serving veterans in a VIP area from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. (recipients must be pre-registered). The 7:00 p.m. entertainment will be provided by Still Crusin’. The fireworks show starts at 9:15 p.m.

In addition, there will be the placement of flags honoring veterans at the park’s Field of Honor.

“This event is important because it shows our patriotism; we get to celebrate the Fourth of July as a community,” Fanette said. “It’s an honor to be a part of this.”

There will also be train rides and a petting zoo that will be open until dark.

The festivities will begin at 6:00 p.m. at Doornbos Park, 2301 Avenue H, Nederland, TX.

Special appreciation is given to their sponsors because, among other things, fireworks aren’t cheap as Fanette joked. They’re as follows:

MCT Credit Union, Broussard’s, Entergy, Gulf Credit Union, Phillips 66, Athlon Solutions, DuGood Federal Credit Union, Golden Triangle Emergency Center, Melancon’s, and Philpott.