THE HISTORY OF THE CROWLEY JULY FETE'
The blazing heat and humidity of a southern summer day served as an easy clue to remind settlers of the arrival of Independence Day. With a demonstration of patriotism, the city of Crowley would hold its first Fourth of July celebration in 1899. Alongside honorary veteran's and soldiers home on furlough, the town would honor another group of young men dedicated to fighting another source of fire on the home front. The Volunteer Fire Department would sponsor the event to mark its first anniversary.
The day began with a parade of firemen leading the way down Parkerson Ave. and toward South Crowley Park at Bayou Bend. A formation of policemen, visiting firemen, various bands, decorated bicycles and floats, as well as company sponsors with beautiful maids carried in carriages.
The Declaration of Independence and a Patriotic Oration was given by chosen locals before the days events began and ended by the marking of nightfall with a grand display of fireworks. The city's celebration of the Fourth of July took place every year until the war of 1916-1918.
Armistice Day fetes began in 1919, somewhat taking the place of the Fourth of July celebration. Armistice Day celebrations were to commemorate the truce of war. Until the 1920ʼs Armistice Day parades where held in November to commemorate the Armistice.
Today, the citizens of Crowley celebrate July Fete with much of the same enthusiasm as their ancestors. Live music and dancing, great food, and festive parades fill the day with patriotic fun. At the close of the day and the sun drops beneath the horizon, the skies are ignited with a spectacular show of fireworks.
Like the rest of America, residents of Crowley have also been personally touched by the tragedies of battle. Families scarred by loss, look onward toward a future void of loved ones, lost to war's fury appetite. The faces of boys become the profile of men as they serve their country, honor their fore-fathers and protect their families freedom.