July 2, 2010
SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, LA-This 4th of July promises to be a big travel weekend. Shreveport-Bossier and communities all across the nation will benefit from the 35 million Americans who say they will likely travel 50 or more miles from their homes over the holiday weekend, according to a recent AAA survey.
The travel organization said the increase is a reflection of a "positive change in the country's economic landscape." To entice those travelers to the Shreveport-Bossier area, area casinos, attractions and venues are choked full of groovy happenings.
A daily call around to Shreveport-Bossier hotels does indicate that there is still some hotel availability for travelers still looking for a weekend getaway, according to the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau.
Kicking off the weekend is the Oak Ridge Boys and Ronnie Milsap in concert, Friday, July 2 at the Horseshoe Casino Riverdome. Tickets are $60-$70. The show starts at 8 p.m.
On Saturday, the Firecracker 5k Walk/Run around South Highlands will start at Mall St Vincent. Pre-registration for the race, which starts at 8 a.m., will be at Sports Spectrum. Robin and the Bluebirds will perform. Refreshments will be served after the race.
At 2 p.m., the R.W. Norton Art Gallery kicks off its First Saturday Tour - American History Tour. This guided tour includes stops in the American History Gallery, Civil War Gallery, and Russell Gallery.
Fatty Arbuckle’s Pub located in the Red River District will be presenting "Saturday In The Square" featuring the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Keith Horton Project, Tracy Chapell & Friends, and others. There will be art, music and food. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the America’s Wetland Foundation. Tickets are $10 per person. Doors open at 1 p.m. The show is from 2-8 p.m.
On Sunday, enjoy a scrumptious July 4th summer buffet with all the trimmings at Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center. Then simply shift the party to Riverview Park at 5 p.m. for the KTBS 3 Independence Day Festival. Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famer James Burton will be the featured entertainment. There will be a flyover by Barksdale Air Force Base. Fireworks will explode over the Red River at 9:05 p.m. followed by entertainment from Betty Lewis and the Executives. This is free to the public. Parking will be available at Mall St. Vincent and shuttles will run from there to RiverView Park between 4:30-10:30 p.m.
Just down the street from the Independence Day Festival, the Charlie Daniels Band will be performing at Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino. Tickets are $30 with a B-Connected card and $40 without. The show starts at 8 p.m.
For a complete list of 4th of July happenings in Shreveport-Bossier: Louisiana’s Other Side visit www.shreveportbossierfunguide.com. Also call the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau for hotel and travel related information at 800-551-8682 or log on to www.shreveport-bossier.org.