MUST DO! When you…read morefind yourself in New Orleans for the Christmas holidays, this is what you do... head north to St. James Parish on Christmas Eve! Bonfires and Fireworks along the Mississippi River... oh yeah, Let the Good Times roll baby! Pro Tip: * Read other reviews and their tips, that's what I did! * Get there early, park on Main St. I parked free around the post office around 5pm... then walked to the levee just a few blocks away. Take a little walk around the neighborhood to get familiar with your surroundings and check out the parties, then walk up on the levee to figure out where you want to hang out for the rest of the night. * 7pm is time set to light the fire. Some fires actually were lit before 7pm so be sure to be settled just before 7. Some wait awhile to make a grandstand show so expect to be there till at least 8 or later. On December 24th all along the Mississippi River, you will see bonfires to help light the way for Papa Noel. Another story is that the bonfires were built to light the way for the families attending midnight service at church on Christmas Eve. Hey, why not both right?! Bonfires can be found all up and down the river with the highest concentration is in St. James Parish, in and around Gramercy, Lutcher and Paulina. The best viewing for us was walking the levees before the fires were lit and being right in the middle of the action and anticipation. We found behind one of the big teepees, a huge pryro set up... so that was our cue to stick around that area. Yep, that ended up being the center of the show! Lots of people try just driving their car along the bank River Road which I don't recommend as you will just be sitting in traffic for hours and you won't really get the feel of the event. Most of the families that have houses along the levees host a party... and I mean, it's a party all around there! Many bonfires are built in the traditional "Teepee" style while others are built is different shapes and sizes. There are typically over 120 bonfire permits issued to families and groups that spend days building these wooden forms to be put ablaze. This event was on my bucket list for about 20 years... We finally made it December 2018!

The Bonfires on the Levee is an AWESOME annual event hat happens Christmas Eve in St. James Parish…read more Several local families and stranger alike get together and try to outdo each other every year and build the biggest baddest longest burning bonfire. I have been in Gramercy when I have gone for this event but I know it extends for miles. Coca Cola and the city of Gramery usually do some ridiculously spectacular bonfire and Zapps is always out there steady giving out free chips. The families spend an insane amount of time and money building these bonfires and they have to meet certain specifications and codes. They also get creative and some put firecrackers and sparklers in the them and make them special. The big thing is to have the tallest one but they are literally lined up for miles. They all get lit at the same time and it is really a sight. The story that I have heard is that the bonfires were used to light the way for Papa Noel and show him where the Mississippi River ends. A friend of mine's family has done this for years and every time I have gone, its been a super good time. Thousand of people gather out there and basically party by the bonfires. Lots of friends and family from that area mostly go but there are plenty of others as well. Pro Tip: bring a chair and whatever it is that you would like to partake in beverage wise and make sure you make friends with a family so you have a place to use the bathroom, they frown upon peeing on the bonfires. Dress casual, pack light, and wear comfy shoes because theres lots of walking.

This is our first time purchasing fireworks. Big store with variety of options. The staff were very…read morefriendly and clearly explaining which ones does what and what are more preferred for kids and all. Had a great experience. Will surely be back here if we ever need the fireworks again.

Duke and Miami are awesome!!! Super friendly, helpful and just great customer service! Stopped in…read morehere on our way to celebrate Independence Day with family in Texas. My kids had TOO much to choose from! Duke made it easy by answering all the questions the kiddos had Stop in and pay them a visit! They've got super specials like their "buy 1 get 3 free"! Thanks guys, sure glad we stopped in on a whim!!!

I would be careful going here I brought my 5 year old autistic son here last night and I go to get…read morein my vehicle and the owner called the cops and told them that I was drunk or whatever and I had my 5 year old in the car mind you right the cops,fire department, and Acadia ambulance All came in and parking lot had me my husband and 5-year-old blocked in and was All standing around us questioned my son and me and my husband and had the ambulance check me out mind I'm dead f**ckin sober I don't even drink I can't get mad at the paramedics or any of them cause they are just doing there job but I will never if my life depends on it ever go back to their firework stand ever I will bring my money and my family somewhere else so y'all better be careful so they don't make false accusations against any of y'all I don't even know what would even make her think that about any of us cuz we had just walked out of the fireworks stand when they pulled up they went there and talked to the cashier and she said that everything was fine that we were in there getting fireworks nothing was wrong with us so I don't know what in God's world would make her think something like that about us I don't know this lady just let you don't know us I just simply went there to get fireworks and she called the cops and tells him that I'm drunk or God only knows what she said and that my kid was in the car with me and they needed to come and investigate like who does that and I'm dead sober I don't even drink or anything but come on are you serious like this lady shouldn't be allowed to run a firework stand if that's how you going to do your customers and I wouldn't give her no stars but of course they make you leave one to leave a comment but I'm just put a warning out there y'all better be careful because he does a good job at making false accusations

Low prices, I got a lot for my money. Nice people. I like its in the shopping center.read more

From the owner: We are located in the parking lot in front Matherne’s read more

I can't find where to sign up for veteran's discount. No other complaints…read more 123456789.

Enjoyed buying NYE fireworks here for decades, but that changed yesterday. Management must have…read morechanged. In store video scanners weren't dependably working and no employees were on floor to help. Prices increased significantly even applying multiple coupons. We plan to shop elsewhere next year. Spent a bunch since we do a big midnight show, but I am dissapointed and unsatisfied. We can pay high prices closer to home, although one place is advertising prices actually dropped this year. If that's true, shame on LA Fireworks for ripping people off.

Always a great view here. Usually come for the view, today I hit the walking trail. It's about 2…read moremiles around the park, which was really cool. Enjoyed my time as always.

Very peaceful and spacious park in the Metairie area. I was in the area today for some book drop…read moreoffs, so I decided to visit Lafreniere Park since the weather felt really nice. There are a lot of hills to go up and down on. Various soccer fields are available. There's also an outdoor stage for concerts and festivals, cute geese and chickens walking along the trail way, and overall a lot of nature in sight. Overall, a pretty nice park.

On a mini driving tour this holiday season, my husbands uncle drove us here to see Baton Rouge, as…read morewell as the bridge, the levee, and the Mississippi River. We went on a pretty rainy and overcast day but it was still surprisingly nice! The fog was laying on the water, the bridge and the state capital building had clouds laying on top of them; it was truly beautiful. The levee was neat to see and the historic plaques were all very informative. It looks like a great place to go for a walk or have a picnic, so I bet we will probably stop back by if we are ever in Baton Rouge again.

I can't believe I have never reviewed this historic site! Not only does it overlook the Mississippi…read moreRiver Bridge, but it also hugs the Mississippi River. The views are picturesque especially because you get a clear view across the river of downtown Baton Rouge. This is definitely a hot spot during the 4th of July where a huge celebration happens here in preparation for the river's fireworks scene! Many flock here to enjoy festivities of live music and some down-home local entertainment. I have even seen boot camp classes take place here. For the most part, parking is easy during huge events. If you are wanting stroll alongside the river, there is even a paved pathway for your enjoyment. My family and I have been to numerous events here and have always enjoyed ourselves connecting with the community.

This fest is always a good time. I grew up in Hammond and this is one of the few close by events…read morewe'd go to almost every year. Fast forward many years and it's bigger and better than ever. You have jousting, falconry, mead, and so many amazing costumes. People truly go all out. Now they even have a thing where you can sign up for side quests where it's kind of like a scavenger hunt to find and document certain things. Haven't tried that yet, but sounds like a blast. Also, they have axe throwing and I'm pretty good at it.

Kids will love it and so will the Cosplay crowd. For the rest of us, it's just great people…read morewatching..