History of the Erath 4th of July

The Erath 4th of July Celebration began in 1936 as a community fundraiser for Erath High School, founded by Roy R. Theriot. Just a year later, the festival gained recognition when the New Orleans Times-Picayune published an article highlighting the Erath Independence Day Fête. The 1937 article noted that the event was jointly sponsored by the Erath 4th of July Association and the Erath High School Alumni Association, with Roy Theriot serving as general manager. All proceeds from the event directly benefited the school. A follow-up article appeared in 1938.

By June 11, 1939, the Times-Picayune announced that Edward Landry had been appointed general chairman of the celebration. The event had grown in prominence and was described as one of Louisiana’s major Fourth of July festivals, featuring a street fair, parade, guest speakers, and a dance at the Erath High School Auditorium.

 

​World War II and Post-War Growth

The festival continued through World War II under the leadership of Edward Landry and the Erath Lions Club. In 1946, Roy Theriot returned from military service and resumed involvement as President, while Curney Dronet served as Parade Chairman. Together, they collaborated with the Lions Club and the American Legion to continue building the event.

Throughout the late 1940s and 1950s, the celebration became a promotional event for local merchants. Businesses contributed funds each year, hoping to bring attention and commerce to Erath. Among those instrumental in its early success were B.J. Gary, Marion Boudreaux, Johnny Suire, Edward Suire, K.A. Bolner, J.P. Landry, Leo Bernard, Sulie Dubois, Emmett Bares, J.D. Vincent, Inez LeBlanc Vincent, Neuby LeBlanc, Fred Dugas, Wilton “Belu” Sonnier, Lee Bernard, and Curney Dronet.

A New Generation of Leadership

In the early 1960s, leadership passed to Dr. Leroy Suire and his wife, Elvie, along with Richard Dubois, Wilton “Belu” Sonnier, and Eddie Shiner. Around 1964, John Earl LeBlanc was elected President and served for several years.

In 1972, a local women’s organization, Les Travailleuses, assumed responsibility for organizing the event and successfully managed it until 1975.

Two key figures in the celebration’s history, Richard Dubois and Relie LeBlanc, were involved—on and off—since the 1950s. Among the many events they helped organize were the popular go-kart races held on South Broadway Street. The morning of July 4th, the street would be closed off and safety precautions put in place—telephone poles and hydrants covered in hay—before the races began. Later in the day, local fire departments competed in spirited water fights, followed by contests like watermelon and cracker eating, potato relays, and the (now-retired) greasy pole contest.

The Founding of the Erath 4th of July Association

In 1976, the Erath 4th of July Association was formally incorporated. The founding members were Eddie Shiner, Richard Dubois, Dolores Dubois, Florence Sonnier, Ernest Pillette, Mary Suire, Leonce J. Lemaire, Ulysse Menard, David Dronet, Theodore Bares, Velma Sonnier, Grace Bares, and Hilda Faulk. The board included representatives from numerous civic organizations such as the American Legion, Catholic Daughters, Fire Department, Jaycees, Knights of Columbus, Les Travailleuses, and the Erath Baseball Park.

Presidents of the Association have included Richard Dubois, Bill Comeaux, Tony Boquer, Monica Granger Calvert, Norris Bouillion, Claudette Lacour, Mark Mencacci, Elwood Lacour, and Robert B. Vincent.

Serving the Community

From the beginning, the Association dedicated itself to using festival proceeds to benefit the community. Its first major project was the construction of a much-needed community building for receptions, meetings, and parties. Thanks to eleven years of fundraising—and the careful stewardship of Treasurer Flo Sonnier—the Erath Community Building opened in 1987. Today, it is managed by the Erath Community Building Association and continues to serve the town, with capital improvements still funded by the Erath 4th of July Association.

In 2001, the Association made another significant contribution by funding the construction of two public tennis courts in Erath City Park. The courts, a long-awaited feature of the park’s original design, became a favorite among residents and now serve as home courts for the Erath High School tennis team.

Ongoing Contributions

The Association has remained committed to supporting Erath in meaningful ways. Over the years, donations have supported:

  • The Acadian Museum of Erath

  • Flagpoles in front of Erath City Hall

  • A baseball field for Erath High School (through the Erath Backers Club)

  • Town lighting projects

  • Educational technology for Dozier Elementary

  • Two welcome signs for the town of Erath

  • Safety barricades for Dozier Elementary

The Erath 4th of July Celebration stands as a testament to community spirit, civic pride, and local tradition. Thanks to generations of dedicated volunteers and leaders, what began as a simple fundraiser has become one of Louisiana’s most cherished Independence Day celebrations.